Asparagus with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Asparagus with Lemon Butter Sauce is a delicious, budget-friendly side dish featuring tender cooked asparagus topped with a sensational lemon butter sauce.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the Asparagus
- water, for boiling
- salt
- 2 pounds asparagus, ends trimmed
For the Lemon Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, use less if you don't like a strong citrus flavor
- 3 tablespoons vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pats
- salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- shredded parmesan cheese, fresh chopped parsley, and lemon zest, for garnish, optional
Instructions
For the Asparagus
- Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of salted water and bring to a boil.
- Add the asparagus to the boiling water; cover with a lid and let it steam until it's cooked to your liking, about 5 to 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asparagus. Drain.
- Transfer the asparagus to a large bowl of ice water to cool, and drain again. Gently pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.
For the Lemon Butter Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, vegetable broth, and white vinegar. Cook over medium heat to reduce the sauce by half.
- Turn the heat down to a simmer and whisk in the cream; keep whisking to break up the curds.
- Add sugar and continue to whisk while adding the pats of butter, letting each pat melt into the sauce before you add the next.
- Season with salt and pepper and continue to simmer until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it stands.
- Taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly.
- Transfer the cooked asparagus to a serving plate.
- Serve the lemon butter sauce by drizzling it over the asparagus or serve it on the side.
Notes
- Asparagus: Trim the woody ends off the asparagus. Depending on the size and thickness, the asparagus may need to cook longer or until fork tender.
- Lemon Juice: Use less lemon juice if you don't like a strong citrus flavor.
- Creamier Sauce: If you prefer a creamier sauce, add more butter, about 1/2 tablespoon at a time.
Nutrition
Calories: 95kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 234mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1125IU | Vitamin C: 8.5mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2.4mg
