Get Your Greens with Our Surprisingly Delicious Vegan Steamed Asparagus Recipe!
Looking for a healthy and delicious recipe? Check out this vegan steamed asparagus recipe! It’s easy to make and full of flavor, but there’s one surprising ingredient that really sets it apart. Want to know what it is? Keep reading to find out!
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Steamed Vegan Asparagus: A Delicious and Healthy Side Dish
Asparagus is a delicious and healthy vegetable that has been enjoyed for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks and Romans used it both as a food and a medicine, and it was even considered a luxury item during the Renaissance. Today, asparagus is readily available in markets and is often used in a variety of dishes.
One way to prepare asparagus is by steaming it, which helps the vegetable maintain its nutritional content and subtle flavor. This Steamed Vegan Asparagus recipe is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy this vegetable as a side dish or even a light meal.
The dish includes a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic, and black pepper that is drizzled over the steamed asparagus to bring out its natural flavors. The sesame seeds can be added as a garnish to add a nutty crunch and visual appeal to the dish.
Moreover, the dish is vegan, making it a healthy and sustainable option for a wide variety of diets. It’s also easy to prepare and can be a great way to add some color to your plate and get some vitamins and minerals in the process.
So, the next time you’re looking for a quick and tasty way to enjoy asparagus, give this delicious Steamed Vegan Asparagus recipe a try!
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Steamed Vegan Asparagus
Choose The Right Asparagus
Look for bright green asparagus with firm stems and tightly closed tips. Avoid any stalks that are soft, limp or have a musty smell.
Don’t Overcook The Asparagus
Be careful not to overcook the asparagus, which will make it mushy. It should be lightly steamed for 3-4 minutes until it’s still bright green but slightly tender.
Whisk The Sauce Thoroughly
Make sure to whisk the sauce until it’s well combined and the cornstarch is dissolved. This will ensure the sauce evenly coats the asparagus.
Adjust Soy Sauce Amount According to Preference
Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce according to how salty you like your food. You can add more soy sauce if you prefer a saltier flavor, or less if you want a milder taste.
Use Fresh Garlic
Fresh garlic will give this dish a more intense flavor and aroma than pre-minced garlic. However, if you are short on time, pre-minced garlic will work just as well.
Consider Adding Some Heat
If you enjoy spicier foods, try adding a little bit of red pepper flakes or chili oil to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Save The Ends For Broth
Don’t throw away the trimmed ends of the asparagus! You can use them to make a delicious vegetable broth or stock.
Serve Immediately
Asparagus is best served hot right after it’s cooked. Try not to let it sit too long before serving, or it may lose its flavor and texture.
How Many Calories are in Steamed Vegan Asparagus?
Nutrition Facts
4 Servings per Recipe
Calories: 45
- Total Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 575mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 7g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 4g
- Added Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 3g
What Drinks Pair Best with Steamed Vegan Asparagus?
Wine pairing: A crisp, light white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would pair well with this recipe. The wine’s acidity will complement the soy sauce and rice vinegar, while its lightness will not overpower the delicate asparagus flavors.
Beer pairing: A Belgian Saison would be a great beer pairing for this dish. Its light and effervescent qualities complement the fresh and delicate flavors of the asparagus, while its spicy and earthy notes enhance the seasoning.
Cocktail pairing: A refreshing and light cocktail pairing for this vegan steamed asparagus recipe could be a sake and soda with a splash of lime.
How to Make Steamed Vegan Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 Bunch Asparagus
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1 Tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tsp Cornstarch
- 1 Tsp Garlic, minced
- Black Pepper to Taste
- Sesame Seeds for Garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse and trim the asparagus spears, discarding the woody ends.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic, and black pepper.
- Place the asparagus in a steamer basket and steam for 3-4 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender.
- Drizzle the soy sauce mixture over the steamed asparagus and toss to thoroughly coat.
- Arrange the asparagus on a serving plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds (if using) for garnish.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light meal.