Orange Nut Asparagus
Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant and flavorful Orange Nut Asparagus recipe! Tender-crisp asparagus is blanched to perfection, then coated in a luscious orange glaze made with freshly squeezed orange juice, zesty orange peel, honey, and a touch of butter. A sprinkle of toasted almonds or pecans adds the perfect crunch and nutty undertones, while optional red pepper flakes bring just the right hint of heat. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy yet elegant dish is bursting with citrusy brightness and subtle sweetness, making it a stunning companion to roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or your favorite vegetarian main. Perfect for dinner parties, holiday feasts, or weeknight meals, this crowd-pleasing recipe is as nutritious as it is delicious. Keywords: orange asparagus recipe, citrus side dish, healthy asparagus with nuts.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus
- 0.5 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.25 cup toasted almonds or pecans
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups ice
Instructions
Wash the asparagus and trim the woody ends (about 1-2 inches from the bottom).
Fill a large bowl with the ice and set aside. This will be used to shock the asparagus after blanching.
In a large pot, bring the water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a rolling boil.
Add the asparagus to the boiling water and blanch for 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp and bright green.
Immediately transfer the asparagus to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then drain and pat dry with paper towels.
In a medium skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Once the butter has melted, add the orange juice, honey, orange zest, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to slightly reduce and form a light glaze.
Add the blanched asparagus to the skillet and toss gently to coat the spears evenly with the orange glaze. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Transfer the glazed asparagus to a serving dish and sprinkle toasted almonds or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.
Serve warm as a stunning side dish for any meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
593 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.2 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.2 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 1223 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54.6 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.8 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.0 g | ||
| Protein | 17.5 g | 35% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 265 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 11.1 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 1380 mg | 29% | |
*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.
