Fried Green Tapas Asparagus

This Spanish-inspired asparagus recipe combines crisp-tender green asparagus with garlic, parsley, and olive oil. It can be served hot or cold as a tapas dish, a vegetarian one-pan meal, or a side for roasted meat or fish. Fresh white bread is ideal for soaking up the seasoned olive oil.

Recipe details

• Preparation: 5 minutes
• Cooking: 10 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 500 g fresh green asparagus
• 100 ml good-quality olive oil, plus about 1 tablespoon for frying
• 30 g fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, very finely chopped
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Wash the asparagus and cut off the woody ends.
2. Wash and finely chop the parsley. Finely chop the garlic.
3. Combine the parsley and garlic with 100 ml olive oil. Season with sea salt and black pepper.
4. Heat about 1 tablespoon olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook the asparagus for 8–10 minutes, turning as needed, until cooked but still slightly crisp.
5. Pour the garlic, parsley, and olive-oil mixture over the asparagus. Fry for another 30–60 seconds, just until the garlic is lightly golden. Do not let it become dark, or it may taste bitter.
6. Divide the asparagus between plates and finish with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Serving suggestions

Serve immediately or allow the asparagus to cool for a tapas spread. It also works well alongside grilled or roasted meat, fish, or other buffet dishes.