Orange Asparagus Sauce
A vibrant, citrus-infused asparagus sauce featuring orange and butter, perfect for a fresh, flavorful side dish that suits brunches or elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mince shallots and sauté in a little of the butter.
- Add orange juice and mustard to the shallots.
- Reduce the mixture to 2/3 cup, approximately 10 minutes.
- Cook the asparagus until tender.
- Reheat the sauce, adding the rest of the butter a chunk at a time.
- Serve the sauce over the cooked asparagus, garnished with orange slices.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using compound butter with herbs or citrus zest. If you have a preference for spiciness, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can elevate the sauce. You can substitute the Dijon mustard with whole grain mustard for a different texture and flavor. Alternatively, try using lemon juice instead of orange juice for a tangy twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Orange Asparagus Sauce over grilled or roasted asparagus as a delightful side dish. It pairs beautifully with Oven Fried Fish (Low-Fat) or roasted chicken for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it alongside a quinoa salad or alongside dishes from the vegetarian recipes category.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of orange juice or water to restore its consistency. The asparagus can also be stored in the same manner and reheated quickly in the microwave or by steaming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Asparagus Sauce contains roughly 2187 calories, with 5g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 227g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 5g 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?
Yes, you can use frozen asparagus, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before cooking. Frozen asparagus may have a softer texture after cooking, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid mushiness.
What can I substitute for shallots?
If you don't have shallots, you can use a mix of onion and garlic for a similar flavor. Use a small amount of finely chopped onion and a clove of minced garlic to mimic the sweetness and depth of shallots.
Is this sauce suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving. It's great for meal prep and can add flavor to various dishes throughout the week.
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).