Honey Garlic Asparagus

There’s something incredibly special about a simple dish like Honey Garlic Asparagus. It reminds me of warm spring days spent in my grandmother’s garden, where fresh vegetables were plentiful and cooking was all about celebrating the vibrant flavors of the season. With the crispness of the asparagus and the sweet and savory notes of honey and garlic, this dish is a delightful addition to any meal. I often find myself reaching for this recipe when I want something quick but packed with flavor. It’s the perfect side that can elevate a meal, bringing the essence of spring right to your table. Every time I prepare it, I’m reminded of the joy of sharing good food with family and friends. There’s nothing quite like serving a colorful platter of roasted asparagus, glistening with a rich glaze, to impress your guests!

Honey Garlic Asparagus Ingredients

When it comes to the ingredients for Honey Garlic Asparagus, simplicity is key. Each component works in harmony to create a dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful. The freshness of the asparagus paired with the sweetness of honey and the kick of garlic makes for an irresistible combination.

• 2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed – Look for firm, bright green spears that are not too thick. The freshness will make all the difference in this dish.
• 2 Tbsp butter – This will add richness and help to sauté the asparagus perfectly, creating a lovely glaze.
• 4 Tbsp honey – The star of the show! Honey provides sweetness that balances the savory garlic.
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce – Adds depth and umami to the dish, enhancing its flavors.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic gives the dish its aromatic flavor profile. It’s a must-have!
• Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning, enhancing all the flavors.
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes – A pinch of heat to elevate the dish, but feel free to adjust according to your preference.

Step by Step Instructions for Honey Garlic Asparagus

Cooking Honey Garlic Asparagus is a straightforward process that anyone can master. I love how quickly you can bring this dish together, making it ideal for both casual weeknight dinners and more festive occasions. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious side in no time!

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. You want it to be bubbling but not browning. This will create a lovely base for your asparagus.
2. Add the asparagus to the skillet. Stir it around to coat the spears in the melted butter. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. You’ll know it’s ready when the asparagus is vibrant green and begins to blister slightly.
3. While the asparagus is cooking, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. The mixture should be well combined, and you can adjust the seasoning to your liking.
4. Pour the honey mixture over the asparagus. Make sure each spear is well-coated in the glaze. This is where the magic happens!
5. Continue cooking and stirring for another 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it, ensuring everything gets nice and evenly cooked. The sauce will start to thicken and coat the asparagus beautifully.
6. Once the asparagus is tender but still has a bit of crunch, remove the skillet from the heat. If you prefer your asparagus softer, you can cook it a bit longer, but I love a little bite in mine!
7. Serve the Honey Garlic Asparagus immediately, garnishing with additional crushed red pepper flakes if desired. This dish is best enjoyed fresh!

Substitutions and Tips

When preparing Honey Garlic Asparagus, there are plenty of ways to customize this dish. Here are some tips to elevate your cooking experience and make it your own!

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
• Freezing: It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but cooked asparagus can be frozen. Just blanch it first, then cool and freeze in an airtight bag.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or as part of a vegetable medley.
• Customizing Flavors: Feel free to add ginger to the sauce for an extra zing, or use a different sweetener like maple syrup if desired!
• Make it a Main Dish: You can easily turn this into a main dish by adding proteins like shrimp or tofu. Just ensure they’re cooked properly and incorporated with the asparagus.

Accompaniments for Honey Garlic Asparagus

• Grilled Chicken: This dish pairs perfectly with tender grilled chicken, enhancing the flavors and adding a protein punch.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the asparagus over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. This allows you to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Seasonal Salads: Fresh salads with spring greens complement the asparagus beautifully, providing a refreshing contrast.
• Occasions: Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side at holiday gatherings, Honey Garlic Asparagus brings a touch of elegance to any table.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in a sealed container. Reheat gently to maintain the asparagus’s texture.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Honey Garlic Asparagus is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of spring flavors that will brighten any meal. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with loved ones. You’ll find that the combination of sweet and savory notes brings joy to every bite. So go ahead, whip it up tonight, and enjoy the delightful experiences that come with it!

Honey Garlic Asparagus

The ultimate spring side dish, Honey Garlic Asparagus, brings together sweet and savory flavors in a quick, delightful recipe. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 100

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds fresh asparagus trimmed
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 4 Tbsp honey
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Equipment

• 10-inch Skillet
• Chef Knives
• Cutting Board

Method

 

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. You want it to be bubbling but not browning. This will create a lovely base for your asparagus.
2. Add the asparagus to the skillet. Stir it around to coat the spears in the melted butter. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. You'll know it's ready when the asparagus is vibrant green and begins to blister slightly.
3. While the asparagus is cooking, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. The mixture should be well combined, and you can adjust the seasoning to your liking.
4. Pour the honey mixture over the asparagus. Make sure each spear is well-coated in the glaze. This is where the magic happens!
5. Continue cooking and stirring for another 2 to 3 minutes. You'll want to keep an eye on it, ensuring everything gets nice and evenly cooked. The sauce will start to thicken and coat the asparagus beautifully.
6. Once the asparagus is tender but still has a bit of crunch, remove the skillet from the heat. If you prefer your asparagus softer, you can cook it a bit longer, but I love a little bite in mine!
7. Serve the Honey Garlic Asparagus immediately, garnishing with additional crushed red pepper flakes if desired. This dish is best enjoyed fresh!

Notes

• Tip 1: Make sure to trim the woody ends of the asparagus spears. The thick bottom part of the spear is white or light purple in color. It is tough and not meant to be eaten. Use a knife to quickly cut the tough ends off before adding the spears to the baking dish.
• Tip 2: I kept the asparagus spears whole. Feel free to chop the asparagus into bite-sized pieces if you prefer.
• Tip 3: I use fresh minced garlic cloves. Feel free to use jarred minced garlic or even garlic powder.
• Tip 4: Can add ginger to the sauce if you would like.
• Tip 5: Feel free to add some protein to the skillet to make this a main dish. Shrimp, chicken, and/or fresh mushrooms all work great.
• Tip 6: Can I make Honey Garlic Asparagus in the oven? Yes! Place asparagus on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet or baking dish. Whisk together the sauce and pour over asparagus. Bake until the asparagus is tender.
• Tip 7: We didn’t think the asparagus was spicy. Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to your personal preference. You can omit them if you wish.
• Tip 8: Use a gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free side dish.

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Meet Quinn Taylor

Great food doesn't have to be complicated, it just has to be smart. I focus on streamlining our recipes so you get maximum flavor with minimum stress. I cooked, timed, and tasted this dish multiple times to ensure it fits perfectly into your busy life while still delivering that 'wow' factor.