Peanut Free Steamed Asparagus with Brown Butter
Asparagus has a way of making any plate look effortlessly elegant, and this simple preparation lets the vegetable truly shine. The real magic here is the brown butter — just a few minutes in the pan transforms plain unsalted butter into something deeply nutty and golden, coating every spear in rich, toasty flavor. Fresh parsley and optional thyme add a bright, herby lift that keeps the dish from feeling heavy. The steaming method is clever too, cooking the asparagus right in the skillet so it stays vibrantly green and just tender without going limp. For anyone navigating nut allergies, this recipe is naturally worry-free — there are no hidden oils, no shared-facility snack ingredients, and no complicated swaps required. Every component is straightforward and easy to verify, which makes it a genuinely stress-free choice for weeknight dinners or a dinner party side. Serve it the moment the butter hits the spears and you'll understand why simple recipes done well are always the most impressive.
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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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