Hot or Cold Sesame Asparagus
Elevate your vegetable game with this versatile Hot or Cold Sesame Asparagus recipe—an effortless side dish bursting with bold Asian-inspired flavors. Tender-crisp asparagus is blanched to vibrant perfection, then dressed in a tantalizing blend of toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey for sweetness. Minced garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes add aromatic depth and a subtle kick, while toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty crunch. Serve it chilled for a refreshing, make-ahead option or warm for a comforting accompaniment to any meal. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is as quick as it is delicious, making it a crowd-pleaser for everything from weeknight dinners to elegant gatherings.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted)
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups ice cubes
Instructions
Wash and trim the asparagus, removing the tough ends.
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Prepare a large bowl of ice water and set aside.
Blanch the asparagus by adding it to the boiling water and cooking for 2-3 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp.
Immediately remove the asparagus from the boiling water and plunge it into the bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and minced garlic until fully combined.
Optional: If serving the dish hot, gently heat the dressing in a small saucepan over low heat for 1-2 minutes, but do not let it boil.
Arrange the asparagus on a serving platter. Drizzle the sesame dressing over the top.
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and red pepper flakes evenly over the asparagus.
Serve immediately as a warm side dish, or chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes for a refreshing cold option.
Enjoy your Hot or Cold Sesame Asparagus!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
312 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.4 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.0 g | 15% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 616 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.6 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.6 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.5 g | ||
| Protein | 13.8 g | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 232 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 10.9 mg | 61% | |
| Potassium | 1022 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
