Steamed Asparagus with Orange Butter Sauce
Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant and elegant recipe for Steamed Asparagus with Orange Butter Sauce. Crisp, tender asparagus is delicately steamed to perfection, then cooled in an ice bath to lock in its vibrant green hue and fresh texture. The star of the dish is a luxurious orange butter sauce, made by blending freshly squeezed orange juice, a hint of zest, and creamy, melted butter for a balance of tangy sweetness and velvety richness. Finished with a sprinkle of parsley for a pop of color and flavor, this quick and easy asparagus recipe is perfect for special occasions, holiday meals, or a refreshing weeknight dinner. Ready in just 20 minutes, this vibrant vegetable side is as visually stunning as it is delicious—a perfect pairing for roasted meats, seafood, or vegetarian entrées.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 0.33 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Wash the asparagus thoroughly and trim the woody ends by snapping them off where they naturally break.
Prepare a steaming setup by filling a pot with 1 cup of water. Place a steamer basket or insert in the pot, ensuring it stays above the water level.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the asparagus to the steamer basket.
Cover the pot with a lid and steam the asparagus for 4-5 minutes, or until bright green and tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking to preserve the texture.
While the asparagus steams, prepare the ice bath by filling a large bowl with 2 cups of ice and water. Once the asparagus is done steaming, immediately transfer it to the ice bath to stop the cooking process, ensuring vibrant color and crisp texture.
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the orange juice, orange zest, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken and meld the flavors.
Remove the asparagus from the ice bath and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Arrange the asparagus on a serving platter.
Drizzle the orange butter sauce over the asparagus evenly. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful, refreshing side dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
542 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.9 g | 63% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.2 g | 141% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 124 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 615 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.0 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.4 g | 37% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.3 g | ||
| Protein | 11.2 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 149 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 10.0 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 1098 mg | 23% | |
*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.
