Prepare the Asparagus: Wash the asparagus thoroughly and trim the woody ends, about 1-2 inches from the bottom. Pat dry with a kitchen towel.
Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot but not smoking.
Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently until fragrant but not browned.
Cook the Asparagus: Add the trimmed asparagus to the skillet. Season with sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until the asparagus is tender-crisp and lightly browned. Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the asparagus.
Add Fresh Ingredients: Once the asparagus is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the asparagus, then sprinkle with chopped parsley and lemon zest for brightness.
Serve: Transfer the asparagus to a serving platter. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Serve immediately while the asparagus is crispy.
Notes
Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the asparagus.