Sesame Sautéed Asparagus

This Sesame Sautéed Asparagus is simple to make on the stovetop and ready in about 10 minutes. Your family will love the flavors in this easy Asian asparagus recipe! 

We’re rounding the corner, folks! It’s officially the last quarter of 2020. When I talk to most of you, you’re so tired of cooking. I get it! I’m a food blogger, and even I am getting tired of cooking! Cooking three meals a day for my family while we’ve been (mostly) home for the last 7 months has worn me out. So, I’m leaning on simple recipes like this Sesame Sautéed Asparagus more than ever! 

I added an Asian flavor to this Sautéed Asparagus recipe by using both sesame oil and soy sauce. The smell of the sesame oil in the pan always brings my husband and son running to the kitchen. It is so fragrant! 

With the sesame, lemon and soy sauce, this Sesame Sautéed Asparagus recipe is a keeper! Add or omit a bit of hot sauce for a kick.

How to Blanch Asparagus

Blanching is an important part of this recipe! 

Why blanch asparagus? Blanching removes much of the bitterness and makes for much milder flavor. Blanching also keeps your asparagus nice and green, if aesthetics are important to you! 

To blanch asparagus:

• Heat water to a boil 
• Scald asparagus in boiling water for 5 minutes. Adjust the time slightly down for super thin asparagus, or up for thick asparagus. 
• Meanwhile, prepare a large bowl with ice water.
• Drain the asparagus, then quickly add to the ice water. 
• Allow the asparagus to sit in the ice water until it has cooled. 
• Then, proceed with additional cooking, seasoning or freezing. 

The most important part of the blanching process is the ice water bath! Dunking your asparagus in ice water stops the cooking process, keeping them from becoming limp and soggy! 

Blanching is actually an important step in learning how to freeze asparagus, too! Just blanch your asparagus and fully cool it before freezing. 

Need some ideas on what to serve with this Asian asparagus recipe? Here are some delicious ideas!

• Baked Red Snapper with Spicy Honey Lime Sauce
• Pan Seared Cod with Tarragon Cream Sauce
• Easy Grilled Mojo Chicken
• Marinated Grilled Pork Chops
• Marinated Beef Kabobs + Awesome Beef Marinade Recipe
• Salmon Meunière

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Sesame Sautéed Asparagus

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 9 minutes

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Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 4 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• A dash of hot sauce
• Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1.     Prepare a large bowl of ice water.

2.     Add about an inch of water to a large skillet and bring to a boil.

3.     Add asparagus and cook for 5 minutes.

4.     Drain and transfer asparagus to bowl of ice water until cool.

5.     Drain asparagus and pat dry.

6.     In a large non-stick skillet, melt butter with sesame oil on medium-high heat.

7.     Add asparagus and sauté until tender, about 2 minutes.

8.     Mix in lemon juice, soy sauce and hot sauce. Toss to coat.

9.     Season with salt and pepper.

10.  Transfer to serving platter, sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

Did you make this recipe?

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