Imagine transforming a simple vegetable into a gourmet side dish that will have your dinner guests swooning with delight! Our Asparagus with Tarragon Butter is not just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that elevates the humble asparagus from ordinary to extraordinary. With just a few simple ingredients and some expert techniques, you'll create a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from a high-end restaurant kitchen.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the asparagus by washing thoroughly under cold running water. Trim the tough woody ends by either snapping them off naturally or cutting about 1-2 inches from the bottom of the stalks.
- Fill a large pot or wide skillet with about 2 inches of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water, which will help season the asparagus and maintain its vibrant green color.
- Carefully place the trimmed asparagus spears into the boiling water, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes until they become bright green and are tender-crisp.
- While the asparagus is cooking, prepare the tarragon butter. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat until it becomes completely liquid.
- Remove the melted butter from heat and stir in the freshly chopped tarragon, allowing the herbs to infuse into the warm butter.
- Once the asparagus is cooked, use tongs to carefully remove the spears from the boiling water and drain them briefly on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Transfer the asparagus to a serving platter and immediately drizzle the warm tarragon butter over the spears.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring an even distribution of seasoning.
- Serve immediately while the asparagus is hot and the butter is still warm, allowing the tarragon flavors to fully complement the vegetable.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Asparagus: Look for bright green, firm spears with tight, compact tips. Avoid limp or discolored stalks.
- Trim Correctly: Remove the woody ends by either snapping them naturally or cutting about 1-2 inches from the bottom to ensure tender, delicious spears.
- Blanching Technique: Keep your asparagus bright green by cooking briefly in boiling, salted water and removing promptly to maintain that perfect tender-crisp texture.
- Butter Infusion: Allow the tarragon to sit in warm butter for a few extra minutes to maximize the herb's flavor profile.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right after preparation, so time your cooking to serve the asparagus hot and the butter warm for maximum flavor impact.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
