Skillet asparagus is quick, simple, and delicious every time.

This skillet asparagus recipe is no-frills, but it has lots of room for adjustments.

One thing’s for sure: Don’t skimp on the lemon.

Southern Living Skillet Asparagus

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It emulsifies with the butter and coats every tender-crisp spear.

Serve skillet asparagus as a side dish for a special dinner, and enjoy.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studio

Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high.

Southern Living Skillet Asparagus ingredients

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Add asparagus, salt, and pepper.

Cook, tossing occasionally, until asparagus is bright green and tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.

Turn off heat, and immediately add lemon juice and remaining 1 tablespoon butter.

Southern Living Skillet Asparagus heating the butter and oil in the skillet

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Toss until butter is melted and evenly coats asparagus.

Transfer to a serving platter; garnish with lemon zest.

Tips From TheSouthern LivingTest Kitchen

Southern Living Skillet Asparagus cooking the asparagus in the skillet

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Southern Living Skillet Asparagus adding the rest of the butter to the asparagus

Credit:Dotdash Meredith Food Studio