A delightful asparagus dish with a crispy garlic lemon crumb topping, perfect for any occasion.
Wash the asparagus under cold running water and trim the woody ends by snapping them off.
Snapping the ends off ensures you remove the tough parts without wasting the tender stalks.
Steam the asparagus in a steamer over simmering water until tender, about 5-6 minutes.
Check the asparagus for doneness by piercing it with a fork; it should be tender but not mushy.
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and garlic, stirring until golden and crispy.
Keep stirring the breadcrumbs to prevent burning and ensure even toasting.
Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Adding the zest off the heat preserves its fresh, citrusy aroma.
Arrange the steamed asparagus on a serving plate. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the top.
Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between the warm asparagus and the crispy topping.