Name: Simple Spicy Asparagus in a Pan
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Ingredients: 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 1/2lbs); 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil; 4 cloves of garlic (minced); 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes or*; 3 dried red peppers; 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha (optional); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Recipe

These spicy asparagus pair great with any protein. It's the perfect quick side dish that packs on the flavor.

When I’m in a hurry and need a healthy side with minimal prep, these spicy asparagus are my go-to recipe. The pan gives them a flavor and texture that’s second to none.

Spicy Garlic Asparagus Spears

Laura fuentes holding a skillet of food standing in front of a blue door

When I plan 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! Even my kids enjoy eating this delicious asparagus with just the right amount of heat.

Ingredients

What you’ll need for this recipe is fresh asparagus, butter or oil, garlic cloves, red pepper flakes or dried red peppers, Sriracha (optional for extra heat), salt, and pepper. If you’re on the spicy team, add more Sriracha or your favorite chili paste.

What Spices Go Well with Asparagus

Other than salt and pepper, I’m using red pepper flakes to make the recipe spicy. 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

Wash the asparagus spears and snap off the bottoms. Keep them whole or slice them into 2-inch pieces. Sauté the garlic and add the asparagus and seasonings to the pan. Cook, stirring to ensure the spears don't burn, for about 3 minutes, until cooked but still crispy and bright green. Let them sit for about 2 minutes.

What to Serve with Spicy Asparagus

This delicious recipe is one you’ll want to try with baked garlic chicken thighs, this Spicy Sriracha Chicken Thigh recipe, or this flavorful Seared Cajun Salmon.

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Simple Spicy Asparagus in a Pan

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 7

Total Time: 12

These spicy asparagus pair great with any protein. It's the perfect quick side dish that packs on the flavor.

5 from 15 votes

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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

Prep:

Wash the asparagus spears and snap off the bottoms of the asparagus. Keep them whole or slice them into 2-inch pieces.

Cook:

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.

Let them sit & 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 asparagus.

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