Spice Free Steamed Asparagus with Brown Butter
Asparagus has a natural elegance that really shines when you keep things simple, and this preparation lets the vegetable do exactly that. Steaming the spears right in a skillet with just a shallow pool of water keeps them bright green and perfectly tender without any fuss. The real magic here is the brown butter — a few extra minutes on the heat transforms plain unsalted butter into something deeply nutty and golden, adding richness that feels almost indulgent for such a clean dish. Fresh parsley and optional thyme bring a gentle herbal lift without any heat or pungency, making this a genuinely comfortable choice for anyone avoiding spices in any form. Sea salt is the only seasoning beyond the herbs, so there are no hidden blends or mystery powders to worry about. It comes together quickly and looks beautiful on the plate, which makes it just as fitting for a weeknight side as it is for a dinner party spread.
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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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