Vegetable | Vegan Gluten Free Low Calorie Low Fat

Asparagus

Asparagus officinalis Allergen-Free
Asparagus

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Asparagaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Mediterranean
  • Seasonality Spring
  • Source Plant

The Forktionary Angle

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Definition

A perennial flowering plant whose young shoots are eaten as a spring vegetable. Known for its distinct flavor and tender-crisp texture.

Sensory Profile

TasteEarthy, Slightly bitter, Umami
TextureCrisp-tender, Fibrous, Succulent
AromaGrassy, Earthy, Mild sulfurous
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g
Calories20 kcal
Total Fat0.1 g
Saturated Fat0.0 g
Trans Fat0.0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein2.2 g
Total Carbohydrate3.9 g
Dietary Fiber2.1 g
Total Sugars1.8 g
Calcium24 mg
Iron2.1 mg
Potassium202 mg

Chef’s Secret

To avoid stringiness, snap off the woody ends of asparagus instead of cutting them. Roast or grill for best flavor.

Substitutions

Best Match

Green Beans

1:1

Good for similar crunch and form factor in side dishes.

Broccoli Florets

1:1

Offers similar texture and green vegetable benefits, but different flavor.

Zucchini Sticks

1:1

Sugar Snap Peas

1:1

Sweeter, crisper, good for raw applications or light stir-fries.

Buying Guide

Look for firm, brightly colored spears with tightly closed tips. Avoid limp or woody stalks.

Flavor Pairings

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Poached Eggs Salmon Hollandaise Sauce.

Recipes Using Asparagus

Vegan Course Vegetarian 5 Ingredients Or Less

Asian Inspired Asparagus

Whip up this flavorful Asian-inspired asparagus side dish in just 21 minutes! A quick and easy recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, boasting bright, fresh flavors that will complement any main course. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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Vegetables Easy Fruit Preparation

Asparagus And Cashews

A family favorite passed down through generations! This quick and easy recipe transforms tender asparagus into a vibrant dish with a creamy cashew sauce. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy the delightful combination of fresh asparagus, crunchy cashews, and zesty lemon.

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To Go Beginner Cook Low Cholesterol Meat

Asparagus Chicken Stir Fry

Ready in 20 minutes, this vibrant Asparagus Chicken Stir-Fry is a delicious and healthy weeknight meal! Tender chicken and crisp-tender asparagus are tossed in a sweet and savory hoisin sauce. Serve over fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying dinner.

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Vegetables Easy Time To Make Preparation

Asparagus Chicken With Black Bean Sauce

A family favorite recipe inspired by Thai cuisine! This flavorful dish features tender chicken and crisp-tender asparagus in a rich, slightly spicy black bean sauce. Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, it's perfect for a weeknight meal. We use a pre-made black bean sauce for convenience, allowing you to enjoy authentic Asian flavors without the fuss. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Main Ingredient Preparation Dinner Party For Large Groups

Asparagus Cigars

These elegant Asparagus Cigars, inspired by Gourmet Magazine's December 2005 issue, are the perfect show-stopping hors d'oeuvre for your next gathering. Crispy, crunchy, and bursting with fresh asparagus flavor, they're surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress your guests. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Preparation Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less Side Dishes

Asparagus In White Wine

Elegant and easy, this Asparagus in White Wine recipe delivers tender asparagus spears bathed in a creamy, flavorful white wine sauce. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch, this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and sure to impress!

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Asparagus Course 30 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient

Asparagus On The Side

Celebrate the arrival of spring with this vibrant and simple asparagus side dish! Tender asparagus spears are perfectly complemented by juicy grape tomatoes and melted Parmesan cheese. This recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with fresh spring flavors. Use soft, fresh Parmesan from the deli counter for the best melt!

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Breakfast Brunch Time To Make Course

Asparagus Rolls

These elegant Asparagus Rolls are the perfect side dish for your Easter brunch! Simple to make, yet incredibly impressive, these savory rolls combine tender asparagus with flaky crescent dough and your favorite toppings. Serve alongside ham and eggs for a complete and delicious meal. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Dinner Party Nuts Easy Course

Asparagus Salad With Balsamic Vinegar

A vibrant and refreshing asparagus salad featuring a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. This easy 10-minute recipe combines the best of spring asparagus with a burst of flavor, perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or appetizer.

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Bisques Cream Soups Thanksgiving Asparagus Christmas

Asparagus Soup In Seconds

Ready in 10 minutes! This unbelievably creamy asparagus soup uses minimal ingredients for maximum flavor. Elevate your weeknight meal with this surprisingly delicious and quick recipe. Optional: Add half-and-half for extra richness!

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Lunch Ontario Dinner Party Brunch

Asparagus Strudel

This Asparagus & Goat Cheese Strudel recipe is a delightful spring dish featuring tender asparagus spears nestled in a creamy goat cheese filling, all encased in flaky puff pastry. Whether you have thick or thin asparagus, this recipe provides clear instructions for perfectly blanched spears. The bright citrus notes and fresh herbs create a flavor explosion in every bite. Easy to follow steps and precise measurements ensure strudel perfection!

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15 Minutes Or Less Low Sodium Healthy 2 Easy

Asparagus With Citrus Vinaigrette

Brighten your dinner table with this vibrant asparagus side dish! Ready in under 15 minutes, this recipe features tender-crisp asparagus spears tossed in a zesty citrus vinaigrette. The perfect complement to grilled fish, chicken, or even tofu, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and bursting with fresh flavors!

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Asparagus Course Time To Make Side Dishes

Asparagus With Ginger Orange Butter

Elevate your asparagus game with this vibrant and flavorful recipe! A zesty ginger-orange butter, easily made ahead and frozen, adds a burst of sunshine to tender asparagus spears. This recipe is quick, easy, and the incredible butter is versatile enough to use on other vegetables too. Get ready for a taste of culinary delight!

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European Italian Occasion Vegetables

Asparagus With Gorgonzola Sauce

Elevate your asparagus game with this decadent, creamy Gorgonzola sauce! Chef Silvia Maccari of Le Cordon Bleu shares her secret recipe for a dish that's perfect alongside other Italian favorites or as a stunning side for any meal. This recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor – get ready to impress!

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Preparation Dietary Dutch Cuisine

Asparagus With Ham And Eggs

Experience the classic Dutch way to enjoy asparagus! This recipe, equally beloved in Germany and Belgium, features tender asparagus (green or white – your choice!), perfectly complemented by salty ham and a rich, sunny-side-up egg. Learn how to prepare this simple yet elegant dish, served with melted butter and boiled new potatoes. Perfect for a delightful brunch or light dinner, this recipe easily serves two.

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Course Time To Make Preparation Asparagus

Asparagus With Lemon Caper Dipping Sauce

Impress your guests with this elegant yet easy Asparagus with Lemon Caper Dipping Sauce recipe! Perfectly roasted asparagus spears are complemented by a bright, tangy dipping sauce that's equally delicious with sweet potato fries. This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Fruit Asparagus Low Protein Technique

Asparagus With Toasted Pine Nuts Lemon Vinaigrette

This vibrant recipe delivers crisp-tender asparagus spears tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette and topped with crunchy toasted pine nuts. Ready in under 15 minutes, it's the perfect light and flavorful side dish or starter for any occasion. Impress your guests with this elegant yet easy recipe!

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