Elevate your vegetable side dishes with this vibrant and flavor-packed Toasted Sesame Asparagus recipe! Tender-crisp asparagus spears are sautéed to perfection with a savory blend of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil, then finished with a sprinkle of golden toasted sesame seeds for a delightful nutty crunch. This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal addition to weeknight dinners or holiday feasts. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats, stir-fries, or as a standalone vegetarian delight, this dish balances simplicity with bold, irresistible flavors. Whether you're a fan of Asian-inspired cuisine or simply looking for a healthy, gluten-free side, Toasted Sesame Asparagus is a must-try!
Trim the woody ends off the asparagus stalks and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the sesame seeds and toast them, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes or until golden and fragrant. Remove the sesame seeds from the pan and set them aside.
In the same skillet, add the olive oil and sesame oil. Heat over medium heat until hot.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Add the asparagus to the skillet and toss to evenly coat with the oil and garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender-crisp and begins to develop light charring.
Drizzle the soy sauce over the asparagus and stir to evenly coat. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and stir in the toasted sesame seeds.
Remove from heat and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with additional sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil before serving.
Calories |
534 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 47.6 g | 61% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.1 g | 36% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 15.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1770 mg | 77% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21.5 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.9 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.7 g | ||
| Protein | 13.5 g | 27% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 132 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 10.8 mg | 60% | |
| Potassium | 1034 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.