Tender Crisp Balsamic Sesame Asparagus Recipes

PERFECT ROASTED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus (if you sharply bend the asparagus near the base, it will snap in the right place). Discard the ends.
• Place the asparagus on the sheet and drizzle with 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil, just enough to lightly coat the asparagus. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the asparagus, and toss until the spears are lightly coated in oil. Arrange the spears in a single layer on the pan.
• Bake just until the base of the asparagus is easily pierced through by a fork. Very thin asparagus, like the kind shown here, will take as little as 9 to 12 minutes, whereas thicker asparagus will need 15 to 20 minutes.
• Transfer the roasted asparagus to a serving platter and season however you'd like. You could keep it simple with a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of Parmesan, or add a pat of butter or drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
• Roasted asparagus is best served when it's fresh out of the oven, but it will keep at room temperature for up to 1 hour or up to 4 days in the refrigerator (gently reheat before serving).

BALSAMIC GLAZED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Toss asparagus with oil, salt and pepper; place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a 400F oven for 8-10 minutes or until tender crisp.
• Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring vinegar to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until reduced by half and syrup-like, about 5 minutes.
• Place roasted asparagus in serving dish; drizzle with the vinegar reduction. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
• Serve immediately.

BALSAMIC-GLAZED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Place the asparagus in a roasting pan and drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper and toss to coat.
• Lightly grease a large nonstick skillet with oil and place over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the balsamic vinegar. When the vinegar is sizzling, add the asparagus and spread out. Reduce the heat to medium-high and cook the asparagus, turning the stalks frequently to coat with the vinegar, until they are crisp-tender and bright green, 10 to 15 minutes. Adjust the seasonings as desired.

BALSAMIC GRILLED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Stir together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, shallots, garlic and oregano in a medium bowl. Pour the marinade into a 1-gallon resealable plastic storage bag, add the asparagus and seal the bag closed. Place the bag in a bowl or on a plate (just in case it leaks) and marinate in the refrigerator for 8 to 24 hours, flipping a couple of times.
• Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat. While the grill heats up, remove the asparagus from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Season liberally on all sides with salt and pepper.
• Place the asparagus on the hot grill and cook, flipping as needed, until crisp-tender and charred in spots, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a platter, garnish with the chopped parsley and serve immediately.

TENDER CRISP BALSAMIC SESAME ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Heat the olive and sesame oils together in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Meanwhile, cut tough ends off the asparagus and wash. Let dry for a few seconds on a paper towel.
• Place asparagus spears in hot oil all spread out so they are not on top of each other. Roll spears around to coat with oil, then add balsamic vinegar and roll again.
• Sprinkle salt and pepper over spears and cook over medium heat about 5 minutes, rolling spears around in pan once or twice for even cooking.
• Add water and turn down heat to medium low. Cover and let steam until tender crisp. Do not overcook. Spears should be a bright green color. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if you desire. Serve immediately.

PAN-SEARED ASPARAGUS WITH CRISPY GARLIC

Steps:

• Place a paper towel-lined plate next to the stove. In a medium or large skillet, combine the garlic and olive oil over medium-low heat. Cook, shaking the skillet often, until the garlic is very light golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat, tilt it, then use a slotted spoon to transfer the garlic to the towel-lined plate, leaving the remaining oil in the skillet. Season the crispy garlic with salt.
• Return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add the asparagus, season with salt and pepper, and cook, shaking often, until bright green, crisp-tender and browned in spots, 4 to 5 minutes. Slide onto a platter, including any oil in the skillet. Top with the garlic chips and season again with salt and pepper.

ASPARAGUS WITH SESAME SEEDS

Steps:

• Place the asparagus in a steamer basket; place in a saucepan over 1 in. of water. Bring to a boil; cover and steam for 4-5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Transfer to a serving dish. Combine the water, soy sauce, oil, salt and pepper; drizzle over asparagus. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

BALSAMIC ASPARAGUS SALAD

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring 1 in. of water to a boil. Add asparagus; cover and boil for 3-4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and immediately place asparagus in ice water. Drain and pat dry. Transfer to a large bowl; add the onion, red pepper and cranberries., In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper; shake well. Pour over asparagus mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Just before serving, stir in almonds and bacon.