Ginger Sesame Asparagus Recipe
This Ginger Sesame Asparagus is a flavorful and nutritious dish that comes together quickly, perfect for a light side at brunch or as part of an Asian-inspired meal. With the crunch of tender asparagus and a savory ginger sesame glaze, it’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that brings the fresh, earthy flavor of asparagus to life with a punch of umami.
Ingredients
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
1 bunch | Fresh asparagus |
2 tbsp | Hoisin sauce |
1/2 tsp | Ground ginger |
1/4 tsp | Fresh ginger (minced) |
2 tsp | Toasted sesame seeds |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 62.3 kcal |
Fat | 1.9 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.3 g |
Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Sodium | 481.6 mg |
Carbohydrates | 9.2 g |
Fiber | 3.5 g |
Sugars | 3.5 g |
Protein | 4.9 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Asparagus:
Begin by snapping the tough ends off the asparagus. You can do this by gently bending each stalk until it naturally breaks. Discard the tough ends, leaving only the tender parts for cooking. -
Boil Water:
In a large frying pan, bring water to a rapid boil over high heat. The water should be enough to cover the asparagus when added. -
Cook or Steam the Asparagus:
Add the prepared asparagus to the boiling water. Boil for 3 minutes to soften the stalks slightly. Alternatively, if you prefer a crunchier texture, steaming the asparagus is a great option. Steaming allows the asparagus to retain more nutrients and stay crisp. -
Drain the Asparagus:
Once the asparagus has boiled or steamed for 3 minutes, drain immediately. Set aside the asparagus while preparing the sauce. -
Prepare the Sauce:
While the asparagus cooks, combine hoisin sauce, ground ginger, and freshly minced ginger in a small bowl. Stir until well mixed to create the flavorful glaze for the asparagus. -
Return the Asparagus to the Pan:
Place the drained asparagus back into the frying pan and reduce the heat to medium. Add the hoisin-ginger sauce mixture, ensuring that the asparagus is well-coated with the sauce. Stir frequently to evenly distribute the sauce and allow the asparagus to become tender-crisp. -
Finish and Serve:
Cook the asparagus in the sauce for 1 to 3 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness. Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the asparagus with toasted sesame seeds for a final touch of flavor and crunch. -
Plate and Enjoy:
Serve immediately as a flavorful side dish or as part of a larger meal. The nutty sesame seeds and the rich ginger sauce elevate the fresh taste of the asparagus to a delightful level. Enjoy!
Additional Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or fish, or as a part of a larger Asian-inspired menu. It also makes a great side for brunch dishes like scrambled eggs or omelets.
- Steaming Option: If you choose to steam the asparagus, using a steaming basket over boiling water works well. Steaming for 3–4 minutes ensures the asparagus retains its bright green color and crisp texture.
- Customizations: If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or chili-garlic sauce to the hoisin-ginger mixture for an extra kick.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a pan or microwave.
This Ginger Sesame Asparagus recipe is the perfect balance of fresh and savory, with the zing of ginger complementing the natural sweetness of the asparagus. Whether you’re looking to make a quick brunch side or a vibrant dish for dinner, this recipe is sure to please!