Sugared Asparagus

Transform your ordinary side dish into an elegant and irresistible centerpiece with this Sugared Asparagus recipe. Perfectly tender-crisp asparagus spears are lightly caramelized in a buttery glaze of granulated sugar, olive oil, and garlic, creating a sweet and savory balance that’s elevated with a hint of fresh lemon zest. This quick recipe, ready in just 15 minutes, offers a gourmet touch with minimal effort, making it an ideal side for both casual dinners and special occasions. Garnished with fresh parsley for added flavor and visual appeal, this dish is a delightful combination of simplicity and sophistication. Pair it with roasted meats or enjoy it as a bright, standalone vegetable dish—either way, it’s sure to impress. Keywords: sugared asparagus, caramelized asparagus, quick side dish, easy asparagus recipe, sweet and savory vegetables.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus spears
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (chopped, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the asparagus spears thoroughly and trim the woody ends (approximately 1-2 inches from the bottom of each spear).

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil together over medium heat until the butter is melted and begins to foam slightly.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 4

Place the asparagus spears into the skillet in a single layer and sprinkle evenly with the granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper.

Step 5

Allow the asparagus to cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally using tongs. The sugar will caramelize slightly, creating a light glaze over the asparagus.

Step 6

Once the asparagus is tender but still crisp, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with lemon zest.

Step 7

Transfer the sugared asparagus to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Step 8

Serve immediately as a side dish or enjoy on its own.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(501.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	425.0

Total Fat 37.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 65.8mg	0%
Sodium 148.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 18.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.1g	0%
Total Sugars 5.6g
Protein 11.3g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 123.0mg	0%
Iron 10.0mg	0%
Potassium 934.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 73.9%

Protein: 10.0%

Carbs: 16.1%