Hot or Cold Sesame Asparagus

Elevate your vegetable game with this versatile Hot or Cold Sesame Asparagus recipe—an effortless side dish bursting with bold Asian-inspired flavors. Tender-crisp asparagus is blanched to vibrant perfection, then dressed in a tantalizing blend of toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey for sweetness. Minced garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes add aromatic depth and a subtle kick, while toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty crunch. Serve it chilled for a refreshing, make-ahead option or warm for a comforting accompaniment to any meal. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is as quick as it is delicious, making it a crowd-pleaser for everything from weeknight dinners to elegant gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted)
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups ice cubes

Directions

Step 1

Wash and trim the asparagus, removing the tough ends.

Step 2

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Prepare a large bowl of ice water and set aside.

Step 3

Blanch the asparagus by adding it to the boiling water and cooking for 2-3 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp.

Step 4

Immediately remove the asparagus from the boiling water and plunge it into the bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then drain and pat dry.

Step 5

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and minced garlic until fully combined.

Step 6

Optional: If serving the dish hot, gently heat the dressing in a small saucepan over low heat for 1-2 minutes, but do not let it boil.

Step 7

Arrange the asparagus on a serving platter. Drizzle the sesame dressing over the top.

Step 8

Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and red pepper flakes evenly over the asparagus.

Step 9

Serve immediately as a warm side dish, or chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes for a refreshing cold option.

Step 10

Enjoy your Hot or Cold Sesame Asparagus!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1948.1 grams (1948.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	312

Total Fat 20.40g	26%
Saturated Fat 3.00g	15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 616mg	27%
Total Carbohydrate 27.60g	10%
Dietary Fiber 10.60g	38%
Total Sugars 14.50g
Protein 13.80g	28%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 232mg	18%
Iron 11mg	61%
Potassium 1022mg	22%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.6%

Protein: 15.8%

Carbs: 31.6%