Are you tired of bland vegetable side dishes that put your dinner guests to sleep? Get ready to transform ordinary asparagus into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds! This Sweet and Sour Asparagus recipe is not just a side dish; it's a taste sensation that combines the crisp freshness of perfectly blanched asparagus with a tantalizing sweet and sour sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold running water, then trim off the tough woody ends by snapping or cutting approximately 1-2 inches from the bottom of the stalks.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the asparagus flavor.
- Carefully place the trimmed asparagus into the boiling water and blanch for 3-4 minutes until they become bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- While the asparagus is blanching, prepare the sweet and sour sauce by combining sugar, vinegar, water, and soy sauce in a separate saucepan.
- Heat the sauce mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar completely dissolves and the sauce begins to simmer.
- Drain the blanched asparagus immediately and transfer to a colander. Rinse quickly with cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
- Place the asparagus in a serving dish and pour the hot sweet and sour sauce over the vegetables, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Allow the asparagus to marinate in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors before serving.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful side dish.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Asparagus: Select firm, bright green asparagus with tight, compact tips. The fresher the asparagus, the more vibrant the flavor and texture.
- Blanching Technique: Don't overcook! The key is to blanch for just 3-4 minutes to maintain that perfect crisp-tender texture and vibrant green color.
- Ice Bath Alternative: If you don't want to rinse with cold water, prepare an ice bath to immediately stop the cooking process and preserve the asparagus's bright color and crispness.
- Sauce Consistency: Stir the sauce continuously while heating to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and the sauce reaches a smooth, slightly syrupy consistency.
- Marinating Magic: Let the asparagus sit in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb maximum flavor, but not so long that it becomes soggy.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is versatile - serve it warm as a side dish or chilled as a unique appetizer at your next gathering.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
