Crispy Oriental Asparagus Delight
Elevate your vegetable side dish with this refreshing Crispy Oriental Asparagus Delight. Perfectly tender asparagus is combined with a delightful mix of soy sauce, vinegar, and spices for a burst of flavor. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a light appetizer, this salad not only paints a vibrant plate but also packs a nutritious punch. Chill it for an hour to let those flavors harmonize, making it a great make-ahead option for your gatherings. Share this easy and delicious recipe with family and friends, and watch them come back for seconds!
4
Servings
25
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Asparagus
1 lb (cut into 2-inch pieces)
Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons
Vegetable Oil
1 tablespoon
Vinegar
1 tablespoon
Sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons
Toasted Sesame Seeds
1 teaspoon
Ground Ginger
1/4-1/2 teaspoon
Ground Cumin
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a small pot of water to a gentle boil.
2
Add the asparagus pieces and cook for about 4 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender.
3
Once cooked, drain the asparagus well and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, vegetable oil, vinegar, sugar, ground ginger, and ground cumin until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
5
Pour the dressing over the cooked asparagus and add the toasted sesame seeds.
6
Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure the asparagus is evenly coated.
7
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
8
Before serving, drain any excess dressing from the salad and serve chilled.
Nutrition Information
1.5g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
0.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Oriental Asparagus Delight?
It is a refreshing vegetable side dish featuring tender asparagus pieces tossed in a savory dressing made with soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, and cumin.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 25 calories.
Is this asparagus recipe vegan?
Yes, all ingredients used in this recipe, including vegetable oil and soy sauce, are plant-based.
How long should I boil the asparagus?
The asparagus should be boiled for about 4 minutes or until it reaches a crisp-tender consistency.
What size should I cut the asparagus pieces?
The asparagus should be cut into 2-inch pieces for optimal cooking and serving.
How long does this dish need to refrigerate?
It should be chilled for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to harmonize.
What are the primary flavors in the dressing?
The dressing features a mix of soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, ground ginger, and ground cumin.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it is an excellent make-ahead option as the chilling time improves the flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Is there fat in this recipe?
Yes, there is 1.5g of fat per serving, primarily from the vegetable oil.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 0.75g of protein.
What type of vinegar should I use?
While the recipe specifies vinegar, rice vinegar or white vinegar works best with the oriental flavor profile.
Should I serve this dish hot or cold?
This dish is intended to be served chilled after being refrigerated.
Are the sesame seeds toasted?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.
What should I do with excess dressing?
You should drain any excess dressing from the salad right before serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 2.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this dish suitable for a barbecue?
Yes, its refreshing nature makes it an ideal side dish for picnics and barbecues.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil?
You can use a neutral oil like canola or a light sesame oil for an even deeper oriental flavor.
Does this recipe use fresh ginger?
This specific recipe uses 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
What is the role of cumin in this recipe?
Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy undertone that complements the ginger and soy sauce.
Is this a low-calorie side dish?
Yes, at only 25 calories per serving, it is considered a low-calorie healthy option.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 8 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Do I need to peel the asparagus?
No, simply trim the ends and cut them into 2-inch pieces before boiling.
Can I use frozen asparagus?
Fresh asparagus is recommended for the 'crispy' texture, but frozen can be used if blanched briefly.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a Vegetable dish.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar for the entire batch.
Is the asparagus boiled in salt water?
The recipe suggests a gentle boil; you may add salt if desired, though the soy sauce provides significant sodium.
How do I ensure the asparagus is evenly coated?
Gently toss the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl after pouring the dressing.
Is this dish gluten-free?
As written, soy sauce contains wheat. To make it gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.