Honey Free Steamed Asparagus with Olive Oil & Lemon
Bright, fresh, and effortlessly elegant, this steamed asparagus dish is the kind of side that makes a simple weeknight dinner feel a little special. The spears are steamed just until tender and vibrantly green, then finished with a drizzle of good olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice — nothing fussy, nothing hidden. For anyone avoiding sweeteners like honey, this recipe is a natural fit because the flavor comes entirely from quality produce and pantry staples you can trust. The optional lemon zest takes the citrus brightness up a notch and is absolutely worth the extra thirty seconds if you have a zester handy. It pairs beautifully with grilled proteins, roasted chicken, or even a simple pasta, making it one of those go-to sides you'll reach for again and again. Serve it immediately straight from the steamer for the best color and texture.
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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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