Skip to main contentSkip to footer
Sign up
Sign up
Join now & get access to 8,000+ healthy, delicious recipes

Pan-roasted asparagus with fried capers

1
1
1
SmartPoints® value per serving
Total Time
8 min
Prep
3 min
Cook
5 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
Here's a beautiful side or appetizer that comes together in under 10 minutes. The briny capers get pan-fried and crunchy in just 2 minutes, and they're the perfect flavor contrast for crisp-tender asparagus. The addition of toasted pine nuts on top gives an almost buttery flavor to the whole dish. For even more color and heartiness, add a good handful (about 1 cup) of halved grape or cherry tomatoes to the skillet after the asparagus has cooked for 3 minutes. Instead of thinly slicing the lemons, you can serve wedges alongside so guests can squeeze them over for a bright, citrusy note that ties the rest of the ingredients together.

Ingredients

Uncooked asparagus

1 pound(s), trimmed

Olive oil

2 tsp

Capers

2 Tbsp, drained and patted dry

Pine nuts

1 Tbsp, toasted

Lemon(s)

½ medium, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Spray a large nonstick skillet with nonstick spray and set over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
  2. Heat the oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add the capers and cook, stirring, until crispy, about 2 minutes.
  3. Arrange the asparagus on a platter and sprinkle with the capers and pine nuts. Garnish with the lemon slices. Yields about 5 garnished asparagus per serving.