Asparagus With Ginger Orange Butter Recipe

Ingredients for Asparagus With Ginger Orange Butter

• Navel Orange
• Unsalted Butter
• Fresh Cilantro
• Fresh Ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound asparagus

How to Make Asparagus With Ginger Orange Butter

1. Zest 2 teaspoons of orange peel using a microplane or fine grater.
2. In a small bowl, combine the orange zest, 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened, 1 tablespoon orange juice, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
3. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture until smooth and well combined.
4. Spread the butter mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap, shape into a 3-inch log, and twist the ends to seal.
5. Freeze for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight until firm.
6. While the butter is freezing, prepare the asparagus: peel the bottom third of each asparagus spear with a vegetable peeler.
7. In a large, deep skillet, combine 2 cups water, 2 tablespoons orange juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 pound asparagus spears.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
9. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover partially, and simmer for 4-6 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp.
10. Drain the asparagus well.
11. Transfer the asparagus to a serving platter.
12. Remove the frozen ginger-orange butter from the freezer and let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly.
13. Unwrap the butter and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
14. Top the asparagus with the ginger-orange butter slices.
15. Serve immediately and enjoy! (Approximate nutritional information per serving: 120 calories, 5g protein, 6g carbohydrate, 10g fat, 26mg cholesterol, 271mg sodium).