Coconut Free Steamed Asparagus with Brown Butter
Asparagus has a way of making any plate look effortlessly elegant, and this preparation lets the vegetable truly shine. The spears are steamed right in a skillet with just a splash of water, which keeps them vivid green and perfectly tender without turning them soggy. Then comes the real magic: a quick brown butter that goes from pale and foamy to deeply golden and nutty in just a few minutes, filling your kitchen with an aroma that's almost impossible to resist. Fresh parsley and optional thyme scatter over the top for a bright, herby finish that balances the richness of the butter beautifully. The whole thing comes together with a handful of clean, straightforward ingredients — fresh asparagus, unsalted butter, sea salt, and herbs — so there's no need to scan labels or worry about hidden additives sneaking in. It's the kind of side dish that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but is honestly simple enough for a Tuesday night.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, woody ends snapped off
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Arrange the asparagus in a single layer in a large skillet. Add enough cold water to reach about 1/4 inch up the sides of the pan. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then steam for 3–5 minutes, until the spears are bright green and just tender when pierced at the thickest point with a paring knife — they should bend slightly but not flop.
- 2
Transfer the asparagus to a serving platter using tongs and discard the steaming water. Pat the skillet dry or use a separate small light-colored saucepan for the butter.
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