Sesame-Ginger Asparagus Delight
This vibrant Sesame-Ginger Asparagus Delight recipe elevates your vegetable side dish game with a medley of flavors. Fresh asparagus is blanched to retain its crunchiness and then quickly tossed in a savory teriyaki or hoisin sauce, enhanced with zesty ginger and a hint of heat from chili-garlic sauce. Topped with toasted sesame seeds, this dish not only makes for an eye-catching presentation but also embodies a deliciously balanced taste that will complement any meal. Perfect for gatherings or as a healthy weeknight side, this recipe serves 3-4 people and is both quick and nutritious.
4
Servings
45
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
asparagus
1 lb (trimmed, tough ends removed)
teriyaki sauce or hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons (serve as a base)
bottled chopped ginger or fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon or 1/4 teaspoon (finely chopped or grated)
hot chili-garlic sauce
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
toasted sesame seeds
2 teaspoons (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by snapping off the tough ends of the asparagus and discarding them.
2
In a large frying pan, bring water to a rolling boil over high heat.
3
Carefully add the asparagus to the boiling water. For a better texture, consider steaming the asparagus, which helps it maintain its crunchiness.
4
Boil for 3 minutes, ensuring not to overcook. Immediately drain the asparagus and set it aside.
5
In a small bowl, mix together the teriyaki sauce (or hoisin sauce), ginger, and hot chili-garlic sauce until well combined.
6
Return the frying pan to the burner and reduce the heat to medium. Add the cooked asparagus back into the pan.
7
Pour the teriyaki mixture over the asparagus. Stir often as the asparagus cooks for an additional 1 to 3 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp and evenly coated in the sauce.
8
Once done, sprinkle the dish with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition Information
1.75g
Fat
6.25g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sesame-Ginger Asparagus Delight?
It is a vibrant vegetable side dish featuring blanched asparagus tossed in a savory teriyaki or hoisin sauce, flavored with ginger, chili-garlic sauce, and toasted sesame seeds.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in each serving of the asparagus delight?
Each serving contains approximately 45 calories.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this dish?
The main ingredients include 1 lb of asparagus, teriyaki or hoisin sauce, ginger, hot chili-garlic sauce, and toasted sesame seeds.
How should the asparagus be prepared before cooking?
You should snap off the tough ends and ensure the asparagus is trimmed before starting the cooking process.
Can I use hoisin sauce instead of teriyaki sauce?
Yes, the recipe allows for either teriyaki sauce or hoisin sauce to be used as a savory base.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegan-friendly, provided the specific brand of teriyaki or hoisin sauce you use does not contain animal products.
How long should I boil the asparagus?
The asparagus should be boiled for about 3 minutes to ensure it does not overcook.
What is a recommended alternative to boiling the asparagus?
Steaming is recommended as an alternative to help the asparagus maintain its crunchiness and texture.
Should I use fresh or bottled ginger?
You can use either 1/2 teaspoon of bottled chopped ginger or 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ginger.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is approximately 1.75g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 6.25g of carbohydrates.
Is this asparagus dish a good source of fiber?
Yes, it provides 2.5g of fiber per serving.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This dish contains 1.25g of protein per serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe can be a gluten-free option if you use a certified gluten-free teriyaki or hoisin sauce.
How do I make the sauce mixture?
In a small bowl, mix together the sauce base (teriyaki or hoisin), the ginger, and the hot chili-garlic sauce until well combined.
What do I do after boiling and draining the asparagus?
Return the asparagus to the frying pan over medium heat and pour the prepared sauce mixture over it.
How long do I cook the asparagus in the sauce?
Stir the asparagus often in the sauce for an additional 1 to 3 minutes until tender-crisp.
What garnish is used for this dish?
Toasted sesame seeds are used as a garnish to add flavor and visual appeal.
What style of cuisine does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as Asian cuisine.
Is this recipe considered a quick side dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe, making it perfect for a healthy weeknight side.
How much chili-garlic sauce should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon, but you can adjust this amount to taste depending on your heat preference.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are a total of 5 main ingredients required for this recipe.
Does the recipe contain any cholesterol?
The nutritional information provided indicates no cholesterol content.
What heat level should I use when returning the asparagus to the pan?
You should reduce the heat to medium before adding the asparagus and sauce back to the pan.
How can I ensure the asparagus stays crunchy?
To keep it crunchy, be careful not to overcook it during the boiling phase and consider steaming it instead.
What size batch of asparagus does this use?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of asparagus.
Is the ginger supposed to be grated?
If using fresh ginger, it should be finely chopped or grated.
How many sesame seeds are used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame seeds.
What is the recommended cooking time for the final sauce coating?
The final stage takes 1 to 3 minutes of stirring until the asparagus is evenly coated.