Rice Free Steamed Asparagus with Olive Oil & Lemon
Fresh asparagus gets the treatment it deserves here — steamed just until bright green and tender, then finished with a generous drizzle of good olive oil and a hit of lemon juice that makes every bite sing. The simplicity is the whole point: when the produce is this fresh, you don't need much else. A little sea salt and optional lemon zest pull everything together into something that feels effortlessly elegant on the plate. Asparagus can sometimes get lost as a side dish, but this preparation puts it front and center where it belongs. The steaming method keeps the spears vibrant and perfectly crisp-tender without any guesswork — just watch for that bright green color and you're there. It comes together with a handful of pantry staples and zero complicated steps, making it an easy win whether you're cooking a weeknight dinner or rounding out a more special spread.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!