Legume Free Steamed Asparagus with Brown Butter
Asparagus is one of those vegetables that barely needs help, but brown butter takes it somewhere truly special. The spears are steamed right in a skillet with just a splash of water, keeping them vivid green and perfectly tender without any fuss or extra equipment. Then comes the real magic: butter cooked low and slow until the milk solids turn golden and the whole thing smells like toasted hazelnuts. That nutty, rich drizzle over the bright spears, finished with fresh parsley and a whisper of thyme, makes this feel far more elegant than the effort involved. Since the whole dish is built on fresh vegetables, real butter, and herbs, there's nothing hidden to worry about — no sneaky legume-derived oils or additives that can make even simple sides a minefield. It's the kind of recipe that works as a weeknight side or a dinner-party showstopper, and it comes together before anyone has even set the table.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!