MSG Free Steamed Asparagus with Brown Butter
Tender asparagus spears and nutty brown butter are one of those pairings that feel far more impressive than the effort involved. The asparagus is gently steamed right in a skillet with just a splash of water, keeping the spears bright green and perfectly crisp-tender — no fancy equipment needed. While the asparagus rests, butter is coaxed over medium heat until the milk solids turn golden and the whole kitchen fills with a warm, toasty aroma that's genuinely hard to resist. A pinch of sea salt, a shower of fresh parsley, and optional thyme finish the dish with clean, herby brightness. Every single ingredient here is whole and unprocessed, so there's no need to squint at a label or worry about hidden additives sneaking into your side dish. It's the kind of recipe that proves simple food, made carefully, is almost always the most satisfying.
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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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