To start, grab a large, non-stick skillet and place it over medium heat. Add ¼ cup clean water and ½ tsp salt to the skillet. Stir them together until the salt is dissolved.
Next, take your fresh 1 lb. asparagus and lay it gently in the skillet, making sure to arrange them in a single layer. Cover the pan with a lid to trap the steam, which will help cook the asparagus evenly.
Allow the asparagus to cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it; the asparagus should turn a vibrant green and be tender yet still crisp when it’s ready. The color transformation is quite beautiful!
Once the water has evaporated, you’ll want to turn off the heat. Add 1 tbsp. butter to the pan, covering it with the lid again for about a minute. This waiting period allows the butter to melt luxuriously over the hot asparagus.
After a minute, remove the lid and sprinkle ½ tsp. garlic powder over the asparagus. Gently toss the asparagus with a spatula to ensure the garlic powder is evenly distributed.
Finally, serve the asparagus straight from the skillet to your plate. Enjoy the beautiful presentation and the tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen!
