Carrageenan Free Steamed Asparagus with Olive Oil & Lemon
Fresh asparagus, good olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon — sometimes the simplest combinations are the most satisfying. Steaming keeps the spears brilliantly green and just tender, so every bite has that clean, grassy flavor without going mushy. This is exactly the kind of side dish that makes you look like you know what you're doing in the kitchen, even on a busy weeknight. For anyone navigating ingredient labels and avoiding certain food additives, this recipe is a breath of fresh air — every single component is a whole, recognizable ingredient with nothing hidden. The drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil adds a rich, fruity finish, while the lemon juice and optional zest brighten everything up with a little citrusy punch. It comes together in minutes and pairs beautifully with just about any main course you have going.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 ½ lb fresh asparagus, tough ends snapped off
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Pour about 1 inch of water into a large skillet or wide saucepan and set a steamer basket inside. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- 2
Arrange the asparagus in the steamer basket in a single layer. Cover and steam until the spears are bright green and just tender when pierced at the thickest point with a paring knife, 4–6 minutes for medium spears or 6–7 minutes for thick spears.
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