Asparagus With Sesame Butter
A vibrant dish featuring tender asparagus drizzled with a rich sesame butter sauce, perfect for spring gatherings or a healthy, flavorful side. Toasted sesame seeds add nutty depth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place asparagus spears in a large skillet; add boiling water and salt.
- Cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until tender.
- Remove asparagus and keep warm.
- Drain cooking liquid, reserving 1/2 cup in a small saucepan.
- Combine cornstarch and cold water; stir into the reserved liquid.
- Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly; cook and stir 1 minute more.
- Stir in butter until melted.
- Spoon the sesame butter over the asparagus.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seed and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter or adding a dash of soy sauce to the sesame butter. If you don't have cornstarch, arrowroot powder can be a great substitute for thickening. To add a bit of heat, try sprinkling some red pepper flakes over the finished dish. Ensure the asparagus is fresh and vibrant for the best taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this asparagus dish as a delightful side to grilled meats, such as Broiled Venison Steaks, or alongside a light salad for a refreshing meal. It also pairs beautifully with rice or quinoa for a wholesome vegetarian option. For a complete spread, consider adding a slice of Banana Or Pumpkin Or Zucchini Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover asparagus with sesame butter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm in a skillet over low heat to maintain texture, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the asparagus mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus With Sesame Butter contains roughly 774 calories, with 21g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (44% of the Daily Value), protein (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 879mg per serving (38% 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 instead of fresh?
While fresh asparagus is recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen asparagus. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess water in the dish.
How can I tell when the asparagus is cooked properly?
The asparagus is perfectly cooked when it's bright green and tender yet still crisp. You can test this by piercing a spear with a fork; it should go through easily without being mushy.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sesame butter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Cook the asparagus just before serving for the best texture and flavor. Reheat the butter gently before drizzling it over the asparagus.
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).