MSG Free Steamed Asparagus with Olive Oil & Lemon
Fresh asparagus has a natural sweetness and snap that really shines when you keep the preparation simple, and this steamed version does exactly that. A quick turn in the steamer basket preserves that vivid green color and tender-crisp bite without drowning out the vegetable's own flavor. The finishing drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice adds brightness and richness in just the right balance, while a pinch of sea salt pulls everything together. Lemon zest, if you choose to use it, gives the whole dish a fragrant citrus lift that feels almost fancy for how little effort it takes. Every single ingredient here is clean and whole, so there's no need to second-guess labels or worry about hidden flavor enhancers sneaking into your meal. It's the kind of side dish that pairs beautifully with almost anything and comes together faster than you'd expect.
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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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