Asparagus with miso butter
If you are searching for a new way to enjoy greens, this recipe for asparagus with miso butter is a delicious place to start. Asparagus becomes wonderfully tender when sautéed, but the flavours truly come alive when adorned with a nutty, golden miso butter. Fresh coriander and black sesame seeds complete the dish perfectly. Stunning as a side or main dish, you will never look at asparagus the same way again!
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Ingredients
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1 bunch
Green asparagus (about 500 g)
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100 g
Butter
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2 tbsp
White miso paste
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2 dl
Fresh coriander (about 10 g)
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1 tbsp
Black sesame seeds
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Wash the asparagus well to remove any dirt or residue, then dry it thoroughly before cooking. Since this recipe calls for sautéing rather than steaming, any water left on the spears will affect the result. Pat the asparagus spears dry with kitchen paper to remove excess moisture and help them sauté quickly and evenly.
Sesame seeds offer a lovely crunch and inviting appearance, but their true flavour is unlocked when they are toasted. Toast the seeds on low to medium heat in a dry frying pan, which gives them a deeper aroma and a nuttier taste. There is no need for oil here, as the heat alone releases their natural oils and makes them even more delicious.
FAQ: Questions about asparagus with miso butter
Has the idea of reinventing asparagus with miso butter got your brain in a whirl? You have come to the right place. Our FAQs are here to guide you to asparagus success, helping you achieve perfect results every time. Get clued up on all the essentials for our asparagus with miso butter recipe.
Why did my miso butter turn bitter?
Miso butter usually turns bitter because the miso has burned. Miso has a salted, concentrated flavour with hints of tanginess, but it does not respond well to high heat. Stir it into the browned butter once the pan is off the heat, and avoid cooking it further. If the flavour has already turned noticeably bitter, the best fix is to start again with a new batch.
What is the best way to break the asparagus bottoms?
The bottom ends of asparagus tend to be woody and unpleasant, so the best way to break off the asparagus ends is by gently bending the bottom few centimetres until the end snaps off. Hold the spear between your thumbs and forefingers, bending the asparagus until it naturally wants to break. This is the best way to remove the tough, woody ends of asparagus.
Can I prepare the miso butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the miso butter ahead of time. Soften 100 g of butter, then blend it with 2 tablespoons of miso until smooth. For a deeper flavour, brown 75 g of the butter first and mix it with the remaining 25 g of softened butter and the miso. Store the miso butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can also roll it into a log using cling film or baking parchment before storing it. When you are ready to use it, warm it gently until it has fully melted and drizzle it over the sautéed asparagus.
How should I store leftover asparagus with miso butter?
Let the asparagus cool to room temperature before storing it. This helps reduce condensation in the container and keeps the texture better. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for 3–4 days. Keep the sesame seeds and fresh coriander separate, as they can lose their texture when stored with the miso butter.
What can I serve with asparagus and miso butter?
Serve asparagus with miso butter as a side for pan-seared steak, roasted chicken, seafood, or poached eggs. It also works well with gnocchi, rice bowls, pasta, or noodle dishes, especially when you want something to catch the buttery miso sauce. The rich umami flavour makes it a flexible option for both simple and more refined meals.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
790 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
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| Fibre | - | 2.1 g |
| Protein | 1.5 % | 2.9 g |
| Fat | 97 % | 86.6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1.5 % | 3 g |
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Discover tender asparagus with miso butter
Asparagus and miso butter go together like a dream. The green spears are sautéed until tender-crisp and topped with a decadent miso sauce. This recipe takes mere moments to make, with butter being a key ingredient in making everything dreamily rich and indulgent.
If you are new to using miso paste or have mainly reserved it for noodle dishes, give this recipe a go. You may be surprised by how quickly and deliciously it is to transform everyday vegetables into a scrumptious delight.
Nutty brown butter infused with umami-rich miso
Miso has a unique, savoury, umami flavour that complements fresh, earthy asparagus perfectly. The pungent flavours meld with browned butter, which brings a mild, caramel-like sweetness to offset the salty miso.
Browning butter can take a little practice at first, especially if you want to avoid overcooking it, but it becomes easier with time. When done properly, the butter coats each asparagus spear and enhances its natural earthy flavour.
Ideal as a refined side or main
Asparagus with miso butter is a versatile dish that can excel in any culinary situation. It pairs well with juicy steak, tender chicken, or flaky fish, offering a light side dish with refreshing flavours. It can even be served alongside a simple poached egg, where the thick yolk can mix with the miso butter, creating a rich breakfast of champions.
Enjoy the asparagus on top of a creamy mushroom risotto or with honey-roasted root vegetables like parsnips and carrots. The salty, umami flavour of miso works well with subtly sweet flavours, but grains also pair well. Quinoa, barley, rice, and noodles all form a delicious base, ideal for topping with the miso butter.
Of course, you can also try more asparagus recipes, such as air fryer white asparagus, asparagus cannelloni, and an open lasagne with asparagus. These are all delicious options you can enjoy throughout the week or for more special occasions.
Take the recipe in a new direction
It is easy to put your own spin on this asparagus recipe with a few simple changes. Swap the sesame seeds for toasted almonds or pine nuts for a slightly richer, nuttier finish. Add a generous grating of Parmesan for an extra savoury note, or use diced white cheese if you want a creamier option to the salty miso butter. With a few simple additions, vegetables like asparagus can be transformed into something special.
Find more asparagus inspiration with our green asparagus recipes and white asparagus recipes, or learn more about the best ways to prepare asparagus.
