Asparagus With Lemon Butter
Tender asparagus spears are enhanced with toasted almonds and a zesty lemon butter, making this dish a perfect side for spring meals or elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sliced almonds and 2 tablespoons butter in a pie plate.
- Microwave at High for 3 to 3 1/2 minutes, or until almonds are lightly toasted, stirring once.
- Drain and set aside.
- Combine water and salt in a 12 x 8 x 2-inch casserole.
- Snap off tough ends of asparagus.
- Remove scales from stalks with a knife or vegetable peeler, if desired.
- Arrange asparagus in casserole with thick stem ends toward the outside.
- Cover with heavy-duty plastic wrap; microwave at High for 6 to 7 minutes, or until crisp-tender, giving dish a half turn after 3 minutes.
- Let asparagus stand 3 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter and stir in grated lemon rind to make lemon butter.
- Serve asparagus topped with lemon butter and toasted almonds.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, choose firm, bright green asparagus and avoid any that appear wilted or slimy. If you don't have fresh lemon, lemon juice can be used instead, but the zest adds a vibrant flavor. Alternatively, try substituting the almonds with pine nuts for a different nutty flavor. To enhance the dish, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish as a vibrant side alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Perfect Dinner Rolls for a delightful contrast in textures. For a vegetarian option, serve the asparagus with a quinoa salad. A light white wine or sparkling water can complement the flavors well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently steam or microwave the asparagus until warmed through, being careful not to overcook it. The lemon butter can be stored separately and reheated before serving to retain its flavor and consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus With Lemon Butter contains roughly 1123 calories, with 36g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 100g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), protein (72% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 21g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 is recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen asparagus. However, be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water during cooking. Adjust the cooking time as needed since frozen asparagus may cook faster.
What can I substitute for butter in the lemon butter?
If you need a dairy-free option, consider using olive oil or vegan butter as a substitute for the butter in the lemon butter. Alternatively, you can use a nut-based margarine for a similar effect while maintaining a rich flavor.
How do I know when the asparagus is cooked perfectly?
The asparagus should be bright green and tender-crisp when done. You can test it by piercing a spear with a fork; it should be easy to pierce but still have a slight resistance. Avoid overcooking, as it can become mushy and lose its vibrant color.
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).