Walnut Free Steamed Asparagus with Brown Butter
Few side dishes feel as effortlessly elegant as fresh asparagus finished with a glossy, golden drizzle. The technique here is beautifully simple — the spears are steamed right in a skillet with just a splash of water until they turn vivid green and just-tender, then pulled from the pan before they lose any of that brightness. The real magic happens when butter hits a hot pan and slowly transforms into something rich, nutty, and deeply aromatic, with toasted milk solids that add a complexity you'd never expect from such a short ingredient list. Fresh parsley and optional thyme scattered over the top bring a herby lift that keeps the whole dish feeling light despite the indulgent butter. There are no hidden nut-based oils, no sauces with mystery ingredients — just clean, whole-food components you can trust completely. It comes together in minutes, making it an ideal weeknight side or an impressive addition to a dinner party spread. Serve it the moment the butter hits the platter, because this one is absolutely best eaten hot.
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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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