Asparagus With Brown Butter
A vibrant side featuring tender asparagus drizzled with golden brown butter and toasted almonds, accented with lemon, perfect for spring gatherings or elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and trim the asparagus, then cook in boiling salted water for 8 to 12 minutes until tender.
- Drain the asparagus and keep warm.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add slivered almonds to the melted butter.
- Cook and stir until the butter and almonds are golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the butter and almonds mixture.
- Spoon the browned butter and almond mixture over the hot asparagus before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, use high-quality unsalted butter for the brown butter sauce, allowing for better control of saltiness. If you want a nuttier taste, substitute the almonds with crushed hazelnuts or walnuts. For a twist, add a pinch of garlic powder or fresh herbs like thyme to the butter. Make sure to keep an eye on the butter as it browns quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the asparagus with brown butter as a vibrant side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Irene'S Pumpkin Pie for a delightful meal. Consider adding a fresh salad or some crusty bread to round out your dining experience. This dish also complements vegetarian recipes like quinoa salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover asparagus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam the asparagus lightly or microwave it for a short time to avoid sogginess. Reheat the browned butter and almond mixture separately before drizzling it over the asparagus for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus With Brown Butter contains roughly 19 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
While fresh asparagus yields the best texture, you can use frozen asparagus. Just be mindful to adjust the cooking time, as frozen asparagus may require less time in boiling water. Drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture before adding the brown butter sauce.
What can I substitute for slivered almonds?
If you don't have slivered almonds, you can use pine nuts or chopped pecans for a different flavor profile. Toast the nuts lightly in the butter for added crunch and richness. This flexibility allows you to cater to personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this asparagus dish vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan butter. Use nutritional yeast instead of slivered almonds for a cheesy flavor without dairy. The lemon juice will still provide brightness, making it a delicious vegan option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).