Easy Low-Carb Asparagus Recipe

This easy low-carb asparagus recipe is an easy keto side dish that pairs well with a variety of healthy dinners. The whole family will love the flavor of fresh asparagus spears tossed with garlic, sauteed in olive oil, and sprinkled with parmesan cheese. So easy to whip up, this is the perfect low-carb side dish.

Ingredients for Low-Carb Asparagus Recipe

To make this low-carb asparagus recipe you will need the following simple ingredients.

Asparagus: Asparagus, a keto-friendly vegetable rich in vitamins A, C, and E, offers a crisp texture when trimmed and sautéed, making it an ideal low-carb side dish because it is a good source of vitamins.

Butter: High-quality butter, preferably grass-fed, creates a luscious base, preventing sticking and enhancing the richness of the asparagus, contributing to a satisfying taste.

Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic cloves, when sautéed in olive oil, infuse the dish with a robust and aromatic flavor, adding depth and a nutritional boost to the asparagus to treat your tastebuds.

Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkling Parmesan cheese atop the cooked asparagus brings a burst of umami and a satisfying texture, making it a delicious and keto-friendly addition to this simple side dish.

The best way to get a delicious cheesy garlic flavor is to use fresh garlic and fresh parmesan cheese. I used garlic cloves but you could use garlic powder if that is what you have on hand. 

How to Make this Low-Carb Asparagus Recipe

This section shares how to make this low-carb asparagus recipe with step-by-step photos. For all of the ingredients with measurements and instructions in one easy-to-read place, head to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Prepare Asparagus

Wash the asparagus thoroughly.

Trim asparagus, cutting off each woody end for optimal taste.

Cut asparagus into 2-inch portions.

Step 2: Butter Infusion

Place the cut asparagus in a small pot.

Add enough butter to cover the bottom of the pan when melted.

Use about half a stick of butter for approximately 15 spears.

Cook on medium heat until the butter melts, scraping the sides to prevent burning.

Step 3: Garlic Magic

Once the butter has melted, lower the temperature.

Stir in half a teaspoon of garlic.

Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10 minutes until fork-tender.

Step 4: Cheesy Finish

Check the softness of the asparagus after the suggested cook time.

If fork tender, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.

Remove from heat and serve.

Can I Eat Asparagus on a Low-Carb Diet?

For those of us on a low-carb diet, this is a great choice when you consider the total grams of carbohydrates and take the dietary fiber content into account. Asparagus comes in at only 0.4 net carbs per spear. With a mere 2 grams of net carbs in a serving of 5 spears, this asparagus dish not only fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle but also earns the coveted status of a keto-approved vegetable.

So, feel free to indulge and savor the deliciousness of this asparagus dish while staying true to your low-carb dietary goals! Asparagus is also a great source of folic acid, a 100-gram serving of asparagus contains approximately 52 micrograms of folic acid.

Variations on this Recipe

This healthy side dish is the perfect way to prepare fresh asparagus but there are lots of different ways to create delicious recipes using asparagus spears.

Incorporating mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, chicken broth, and cream cheese with a little heavy cream is a great way to make a main dish out of these fresh vegetables. This combination creates a cheesy sauce that turns this vegetable dish into a hearty meal.

The first step is to create the creamy sauce by mixing your preferred cheese with the softened cream cheese, heavy cream or sour cream, and broth. Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for a few minutes to soften it.

Place the asparagus in a single layer in a casserole dish and then spread the cheese mixture over the asparagus. Sprinkle with some spices if desired, then add grated parmesan and shredded cheese on top. Bake for 10-15 minutes in an oven heated to 425 degrees. 

For a cheesy roasted asparagus recipe make this cheesy baked asparagus recipe on a baking sheet and omit the liquids but drizzle with olive oil. Keep an eye on the cooking time as it can burn faster without the liquids used in the cheesy asparagus recipe. 

You could also add a squirt of fresh lemon juice, black pepper, lemon zest, or Italian seasoning to make a variety of easy keto asparagus recipes. Wrap the spears in bacon and roll them in pork rinds for the easiest way to make a crunchy bacon-wrapped asparagus.

Pairing Ideas for this Low Carb Asparagus Recipe

Asparagus is one of the best vegetables in my opinion because it goes well with a variety of main ingredients. You can serve it alongside pork chops, chicken breast, or any meat you choose, it really is the best side dish! 

Kids usually prefer the taste of asparagus over many green vegetables such as green beans and brusells sprouts. So, when you are looking for keto-friendly recipes that make the perfect side dishes, give this one a try because even non-asparagus fans will love this one.

How to Choose the Best Asparagus

When you’re on the hunt for some delicious asparagus, keep an eye out for bright green firm spears. Straight thin asparagus with thin stalks are usually a good sign too, and make sure their tips are tightly closed. You definitely want to avoid any asparagus that looks wilted, or yellow, or has open or spread-out tips. That’s a clear indication it might not be at its freshest.

These rules do not apply to white asparagus, these tips are only for choosing the best green asparagus. Speaking of freshness, when you give the asparagus a whiff, it should have a mild, pleasant asparagus smell. When asparagus is fresh, it contains natural sugars that contribute to its delightful sweetness. If it smells off or overpowering, it’s probably not the best choice.

Now, here’s a helpful tip for buying asparagus: try to get it during peak asparagus season, which is in the spring. That’s when you’ll find the tastiest and most abundant selection at grocery stores. And when it comes to storing your asparagus, a cool, dark place is ideal. It helps maintain its freshness and flavor until you’re ready to enjoy it.

Before cooking, it’s a good idea to trim the bottom ends of the spears. If you prefer, you can also peel the bottom inch to ensure a more tender texture. It’s a matter of personal preference, so feel free to give it a try if you’d like. I hope these tips come in handy and help you choose the absolute best asparagus for your next meal!

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