When I’m in a hurry and need a healthy side with minimal prep, these asparagus are my go-to recipe. The pan gives them a flavor and texture that’s second to none.
Spicy Garlic Asparagus Spears
Are you planning to pan-seared juicy chicken breasts or bake delicious salmon for dinner and need a mouth-watering side just as good? These Spicy Garlic Asparagus are pure flavor and can be made in less than 15 minutes!
Easy, delicious, and packed with all the health benefits of asparagus, this simple side is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious that pairs great with everything.
Simple recipes like this make it easier to add more veggies to your meal rotation. Even my kids enjoy eating this delicious spicy asparagus with just the right amount of heat (or use less for a milder taste). If you’re on the spicy team, add more Sriracha, and your tastebuds will have a blast!
Ingredients
With fresh asparagus and seasonings, you can prepare a terrific side that is both tasty and healthy.
Check out what you need:
- Fresh asparagus: ends trimmed. Keep the spears whole or slice them into 2-inch pieces.
- Butter or olive oil: for cooking.
- Garlic cloves: add delicious aroma and flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: or chopped dried red peppers instead.
- Sriracha: or your favorite chili paste, add more or less, for extra heat.
- Salt and pepper: the classics!
You’ll find the measurements in the recipe card below.
What Spices Go Well with Asparagus
When it comes to seasoning asparagus, you can get creative! They taste delicious in so many ways, so I know there’s something on your spice rack that you can use!
Other than salt and pepper, I’m using red pepper flakes to make the recipe spicy. You can also use Cajun seasoning, Blackened seasoning, or Taco seasoning are other great choices.
For a milder flavor profile, add Italian seasoning, shredded Parmesan cheese, or Everything but the Bagel seasoning – or make these Lemon Garlic Asparagus.
How to Make Spicy Asparagus in a Pan
Sooooo simple! Sauté the aromatics, add the asparagus and seasonings to the pan, and cook. That’s all. The most delicious spicy asparagus will wow everyone at dinner.
Here’s the step-by-step:
- Prep the asparagus
Wash the asparagus spears and snap off the bottoms of the asparagus. Keep them whole or slice them into 2-inch pieces. - Heat up & sauté
Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, melt the butter. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Add the asparagus and seasonings
Add the asparagus spears to the pan, red pepper flakes or dried peppers, Sriracha (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to distribute onto all the asparagus spears. - Cook
Continue cooking, stirring to ensure the spears don’t burn, for about 3 minutes, until the asparagus is cooked but still crispy and bright green. - Serve
Turn off the heat and let them sit on the pan for about 2 minutes before serving. They’ll continue to cook and get a bit more tender but without being directly over a heat source. Serve the spicy asparagus with your favorite protein.
Can You Sauté Asparagus
There is more than one way to cook asparagus: steamed, roasted, or sautéed. You can cook asparagus in the pan quickly and with minimal work. You just have to season, sauté, stir, and enjoy!
What to Serve with Spicy Asparagus
From pasta to protein, asparagus makes a perfect side for any meal. This delicious recipe is one you’ll want to try with Baked Garlic Chicken Thighs or this Spicy Sriracha Chicken Thigh recipe for heat lovers. And did I even mention how amazing asparagus goes with my flavorful Seared Cajun Salmon? Epic!
Simple Spicy Asparagus in a Pan
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, about 1 ½lbs
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes or*
- 3 dried red peppers
- ½ teaspoon Sriracha, optional
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Wash the asparagus spears and snap off the bottoms of the asparagus. Keep them whole or slice them into 2-inch pieces.
- Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, melt the butter. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the asparagus spears to the pan, red pepper flakes or dried peppers, Sriracha (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to distribute onto all the asparagus spears.
- Continue cooking, stirring to ensure the spears don’t burn, for about 3 minutes, until the asparagus is cooked but still crispy and bright green.
- Turn off the heat and let them sit on the pan for about 2 minutes before serving. They'll continue to cook and get a bit more tender but without being directly over a heat source.
- Serve the asparagus.
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