Crisp Asparagus In Oyster Sauce

Servings: 4 Difficulty: Advanced
Tender asparagus spears poached in broth and finished with a savory, aromatic oyster and sesame glaze.
Crisp Asparagus in Oyster Sauce recipe image

This elegant side dish transforms simple asparagus into a restaurant-quality accompaniment. The spears are gently poached in savory chicken broth to retain their vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture, ensuring they aren’t overcooked. They are then bathed in a rich, glossy sauce made from rendered fat, oyster sauce, dry sherry, and a hint of toasted sesame oil. The combination creates a deep umami flavor profile that balances the natural earthiness of the asparagus. It is a sophisticated yet quick-to-prepare dish perfect for pairing with roasted meats or seafood on special occasions, or for elevating a standard weeknight dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Crisp Asparagus In Oyster Sauce

Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4 Calories: 860.4

Description

This elegant side dish transforms simple asparagus into a restaurant-quality accompaniment. The spears are gently poached in savory chicken broth to retain their vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture, ensuring they aren't overcooked. They are then bathed in a rich, glossy sauce made from rendered fat, oyster sauce, dry sherry, and a hint of toasted sesame oil. The combination creates a deep umami flavor profile that balances the natural earthiness of the asparagus. It is a sophisticated yet quick-to-prepare dish perfect for pairing with roasted meats or seafood on special occasions, or for elevating a standard weeknight dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Prepare the asparagus by snapping off the tough woody ends and trimming them to uniform lengths if desired.
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a rapid boil over high heat.
  3. Once boiling, add the oil and the prepared asparagus spears to the broth.
  4. Cook the asparagus for about 2 minutes, or until bright green and crisp-tender.
  5. Turn off the heat but leave the asparagus submerged in the hot broth to keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster-flavored sauce, water, and pale dry sherry to create the sauce mixture.
  7. In a small saucepan, heat the rendered chicken or duck fat over medium-low heat.
  8. Pour the sauce mixture into the hot fat and stir gently.
  9. Cook the sauce over low heat just until it begins to foam and thicken slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
  10. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sesame seed oil.
  11. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the asparagus to a serving platter, allowing excess broth to drain off.
  12. Immediately pour the warm oyster sauce glaze over the arranged asparagus.
  13. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over the top and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 860.4kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 43.2g67%
Saturated Fat 11.9g60%
Cholesterol 320.4mg107%
Sodium 295.2mg13%
Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 97.2g195%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: asparagus, oyster sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, side dish, vegetable, umami, quick dinner, sherry, glaze, healthy, low carb, gluten free, spring vegetable, poached, savory, easy recipe, chicken fat, dinner party, classic
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