Broiled Asparagus with Basil-Parmesan Butter
Indulge in a delightful side dish that transforms simple asparagus into a gourmet experience. Broiled to perfection with a flavorful basil-Parmesan butter topping, this dish captures the essence of fresh ingredients and rich flavors. Perfect for a sophisticated dinner or a casual brunch, the nutty Parmesan and aromatic basil meld exquisitely with tender asparagus. A hint of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty finish to each bite. Whether paired with a main course or served as a standalone appetizer, this recipe is sure to become your go-to method for preparing asparagus. Originally inspired by Bon Appétit magazine, it's simple yet elegant and absolutely irresistible.
4
Servings
158
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
asparagus
1 lb (ends trimmed)
butter
3 tablespoons (room temperature)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (packed grated (about 2 1/2 ounces))
basil
1 tablespoon (chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried)
garlic
1 large clove (chopped)
lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons (fresh)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed asparagus and cook until they are just crisp-tender, approximately 3 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2
Arrange the drained asparagus in a single layer on a broiler-proof serving platter. Preheat your broiler.
3
In a medium bowl, whip the room temperature butter with a fork or hand mixer until it becomes fluffy and soft.
4
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil (or dried basil if using), chopped garlic, and fresh lemon juice to the butter. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Drop small spoonfuls of the butter mixture evenly over the asparagus, ensuring each piece gets a generous amount.
6
Place the platter under the broiler. Broil for approximately 3 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning, until the butter is browned and bubbly.
7
Serve immediately while hot, allowing the butter to melt over the asparagus.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
3g
Carbs
6g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
1.25g
Sugar
213mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Broiled Asparagus with Basil-Parmesan Butter?
It is a gourmet side dish featuring tender asparagus topped with a flavorful mixture of butter, Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic, and lemon juice, then broiled until bubbly.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the main ingredients for the butter topping?
The topping consists of butter, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh or dried basil, chopped garlic, and fresh lemon juice.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 158 calories.
How should I prepare the asparagus before cooking?
You should trim the ends of the asparagus before boiling them in salted water.
How long should the asparagus be boiled?
The asparagus should be boiled for approximately 3 minutes until it is just crisp-tender.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil with 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of packed grated Parmesan cheese.
How much butter is required?
You will need 3 tablespoons of room temperature butter.
Is garlic used in this dish?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 large chopped garlic clove.
How much lemon juice is added to the butter mixture?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice.
How long does the dish need to be broiled?
The asparagus should be broiled for approximately 3 minutes until the butter is browned and bubbly.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 13 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the dish?
Each serving provides 6 grams of protein.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, there is 1.25 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the sugar content per serving?
The dish contains 1.25 grams of sugar per serving.
How much sodium is in one serving?
Each serving contains 213mg of sodium.
Is the butter whipped before adding other ingredients?
Yes, the room temperature butter should be whipped with a fork or hand mixer until it becomes fluffy and soft.
How should the asparagus be arranged for broiling?
Arrange the drained asparagus in a single layer on a broiler-proof serving platter.
Can this be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it is suitable as both a side dish and a standalone appetizer.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was originally inspired by Bon Appétit magazine.
How do I season the butter mixture?
Season the butter mixture with salt and black pepper to taste after mixing the primary ingredients.
How is the butter mixture applied to the asparagus?
Drop small spoonfuls of the butter mixture evenly over the asparagus before placing it under the broiler.
Should the dish be served hot?
Yes, it should be served immediately while hot so the butter is melted over the asparagus.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 8 ingredients in total, including salt and pepper.
What is the texture of the finished asparagus?
The asparagus should be tender with a crisp bite and a bubbly, browned butter topping.
Can I use a hand mixer for the butter?
Yes, a hand mixer can be used to achieve a fluffy texture for the butter.
Do I need to drain the asparagus after boiling?
Yes, ensure the asparagus is drained thoroughly before arranging it on the broiler-proof platter.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe with simple steps.