Experience the magic of sous vide cooking with this simple yet elegant asparagus recipe. The method locks in the nutrients and flavors of the asparagus, while ensuring perfect tenderness every time. This dish, finished with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and a sprinkle of sea salt, is a great side for any meal.
Photos of Sous Vide Asparagus Recipe
All the ingredients needed for this recipe are quite common and should be easily found at your local grocery store or supermarket. However, bear in mind the importance of choosing good quality asparagus. Look for firm, bright green stalks with tightly closed tips. Moreover, for the best result, choose spears that are uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking.
Sous Vide Asparagus Ingredients
Asparagus: This green vegetable is the star of the dish. It's rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6, as well as folate, iron, copper, calcium, protein, and fiber.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and enhances the flavor of the asparagus.
Olive oil: Used for its health benefits and to add a rich, fruity flavor to the dish.
Lemon: The juice and zest add brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the olive oil.
Sea salt: Brings out the natural flavor of the asparagus.
One reader, Brittan Goode says:
This sous vide asparagus recipe is a game-changer! The asparagus turned out perfectly tender and flavorful. The lemon zest and juice added a refreshing zing, and the olive oil and black pepper complemented the natural sweetness of the asparagus. It's a must-try for any asparagus lover!
Mastering the Art of Sous Vide Asparagus: Techniques to Know
How to heat the water: Fill a pot with water and place your immersion circulator inside. Set your immersion circulator to 180°F and let the water come up to temperature.
How to prep the asparagus: Wash the asparagus and make a fresh cut on the bottom to eliminate any tough, woody ends. Add the asparagus to a zip-top, gallon-sized plastic freezer bag. Add the black pepper and olive oil, and toss together in the bag to distribute the ingredients. Add a few heavy soup spoons to the bag to help weigh it down, ensuring the asparagus cooks evenly.
How to seal the bag: Seal the bag as tightly as possible using the water-displacement method to press out all the air. Once the air is out of the bag, seal it just above the water line. You can do this in the pot of water as it heats, but be careful if the water is already steaming.
How to cook the asparagus: Once the water has come up to temperature, submerge the bag of asparagus in the pot of water. Make sure the bag is completely submerged. Check the asparagus after 6 to 7 minutes if it’s pencil thin, or after 8 to 10 minutes if it’s average or thick. If in doubt, pull them out after 8 minutes, open the bag carefully, and use a fork to determine tenderness.
How to serve: Remove from the water, turn off the circulator, and serve immediately. Sprinkle lemon juice and zest over the top of the asparagus, along with some of the cooking oil or butter if desired, and some flaky sea salt, such as Maldon. Leftover asparagus will keep refrigerated for about 5 days.
For a perfect asparagus side dish, I recommend doing this quick and easy sous vide asparagus recipe. Sous vide cooking is the best way to ensure that the asparagus retains its crisp, tender texture and bright green color when served. Grilling and frying vegetables has their merits, but I honestly prefer the resulting taste and texture of sous vide vegetables.
Asparagus can be pretty easy to overcook, but I think following this simple asparagus sous vide recipe can help you avoid any overcooking mishaps. I got to enjoy tender stalks of asparagus that are seasoned with garlic butter and lemon pepper. Add this side dish to your list of sous vide recipes!
If you’ve never tried sous vide cooking, it’s basically using an immersion circulator like an Anova precision cooker to create a temperature controlled water bath. The consistent temperature helps cook the vegetables or meat evenly without the risk of overcooking the dish. It may sound complicated, but the meal prep for this is actually a breeze! What you need is a good quality zip-top, freezer bag to keep the asparagus safe while it’s submerged in the water. You can also use a Foodsaver vacuum sealer to completely seal the asparagus.
Alternatively, you can also use the water displacement method which is what I did for this recipe. What you do is to slowly submerge the freezer bag in the water with the bag slightly open to let the air escape from the bag, then seal it shut. Use a binder clip, if you have, to keep it from floating and getting air and water inside. Adding in heavy utensils on top can also help weigh down the bag. It’s important that the bag is sealed and submerged completely in the water bath. The immersion circulator makes cooking asparagus easier and faster while retaining its color and texture.
After that, simply wait for about 6 to 10 minutes depending on the thickness of your asparagus stalks. The first time I did this sous vide asparagus, I had to open the bag carefully to check if they’re really done. What I did was pull them out after 8 minutes and then used a fork to determine their tenderness. If the fork keeps getting stuck in the asparagus, then it’s not ready. I resealed the bag, then returned it to the water for another minute or two.
Once they were done cooking, I removed them from the water and added in my favorite seasoning for asparagus. You can go for the classic garlic parmesan asparagus flavorings. Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese with salt and pepper, and you’re good to go. For my dish, however, I wanted a slightly buttery and lemony flavor with a bit of garlic and pepper to taste. And what I got was an appetizing dish of crisp and tender asparagus stalks perfect for any meal!
How To Make Sous Vide Asparagus
Sous vide asparagus is a great method to create fresh, vibrant, and crisp veggies that are packed with garlic butter, and lemon pepper flavors.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh asparagus
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil, or unsalted butter
- zest and juice of one lemon
- sea salt, for garnish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated, or ½ tsp garlic powder, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a pot with water and place your immersion circulator inside. Set your immersion circulator to 180 degrees F and let the water come up to temperature.
- Wash the asparagus and, like a bunch of flowers, make a fresh cut on the bottom, eliminating any of the tough, woody ends. Add the asparagus to a zip-top, gallon-sized plastic freezer bag.
- Add the black pepper and olive oil; save the salt for after it’s cooked, as the salt will turn this green veggie a little grey. Toss together in the bag to distribute the ingredients.
- Seal bag as tightly as possible by using the water displacement method to help press out all the air.
- Put the food in the bag and slowly lower it into the water, letting the pressure of the water press the air through the top of the bag. Once the air is out of the bag, seal it just above the waterline.
- Once the water has come up to temperature, submerge the bag of asparagus in the pot of water. Make sure the bag is completely submerged.
- Check the asparagus after 6 to 7 minutes, if it’s pencil thin. For thick or average asparagus, check after 8 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from the water bath, turn off the circulator and serve immediately.
- Sprinkle lemon zest and juice over the top of the asparagus, along with some of the cooking oil or melted butter (if desired), and garlic with some flaky sea salt, and pepper.
Recipe Notes
- For storing, leftover asparagus will keep refrigerated for about 5 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 100.08kcal
- Fat: 7.07g
- Saturated Fat: 1.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.93g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.82g
- Carbohydrates: 10.04g
- Fiber: 4.10g
- Sugar: 3.58g
- Protein: 3.17g
- Sodium: 415.12mg
- Calcium: 44.22mg
- Potassium: 314.07mg
- Iron: 2.85mg
- Vitamin A: 43.77µg
- Vitamin C: 37.09mg
Elevate Your Sous Vide Game: Pro Tip for Perfect Asparagus
When preparing asparagus for sous vide cooking, it's important to ensure that the asparagus spears are evenly coated with the olive oil and black pepper. This can be achieved by massaging the bag once the ingredients are inside. This not only ensures that the asparagus is evenly seasoned, but also helps to remove any air pockets, which can affect the cooking process. Additionally, when checking the doneness of the asparagus, remember that the texture should be tender but still have a slight crunch. Overcooking can result in a mushy texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Sous Vide Asparagus
Prep ahead: Wash and trim the asparagus a day before and store it in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Quick seasoning: Instead of individually seasoning each asparagus spear, toss them in a bowl with the olive oil and black pepper before placing them in the bag for sous vide cooking.
Efficient bag sealing: Use the water displacement method to remove air from the bag quickly and effectively, ensuring a tight seal without spending extra time.
Check doneness: Periodically check the asparagus for tenderness during the cooking process to avoid overcooking and save time.
Multi-task: While the asparagus is cooking, prepare other components of your meal to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Batch cooking: Cook a larger quantity of asparagus at once and store the leftovers for future use, saving time on meal prep later.
Substitute Ingredients For Sous Vide Asparagus Recipe
asparagus - Substitute with green beans: Green beans can be cooked using the sous vide method and have a similar texture and flavor to asparagus when prepared this way.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor compared to black pepper and can be used as a substitute in this recipe for a different flavor profile.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in sous vide cooking.
lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime can provide a similar citrusy flavor and acidity to the dish, complementing the green beans when used as a substitute for lemon.
sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used as a substitute for sea salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
Elevate Your Plate: Presenting Sous Vide Asparagus
Elevate the asparagus spears: Gently arrange the cooked asparagus spears on the plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and aligned for a visually appealing presentation.
Drizzle with lemon-infused olive oil: Create a delicate drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil over the asparagus, adding a touch of brightness and flavor to the dish.
Garnish with lemon zest: Sprinkle a fine dusting of freshly grated lemon zest over the asparagus to enhance the aroma and provide a pop of vibrant color.
Sprinkle with sea salt flakes: Finish the dish by delicately sprinkling sea salt flakes over the asparagus, adding a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor with each bite.
Serve on a pristine white plate: Present the sous vide asparagus on a pristine white plate, allowing the vibrant green color of the asparagus to stand out and take center stage.
Add a touch of elegance with edible flowers: For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding a few edible flowers as a garnish, such as microgreens or delicate blossoms, to elevate the visual appeal of the dish.
Incorporate a decorative swirl of lemon juice: Create a decorative swirl of freshly squeezed lemon juice on the plate, adding a subtle artistic element while infusing the dish with a hint of citrus.
Arrange with precision: Pay attention to the arrangement of the asparagus, ensuring that each element is placed with precision and care to showcase the attention to detail in the presentation.
Essential Equipment for Perfectly Cooked Asparagus
Immersion circulator: An immersion circulator is a crucial tool for sous vide cooking. It heats and circulates water to a precise temperature, ensuring consistent and accurate cooking.
Zip-top, gallon-sized plastic freezer bag: These bags are used for sealing the food before cooking it in the water bath. They are durable and can withstand the sous vide cooking process.
Pot: A pot is used to hold the water for the sous vide cooking process. It provides a stable and insulated environment for the immersion circulator.
Heavy soup spoons: These are placed in the bag with the asparagus to weigh it down and keep it submerged in the water bath during cooking.
Fork: A fork is used to check the tenderness of the asparagus during the cooking process. It helps determine if the asparagus is cooked to the desired level of doneness.
Preserving Perfection: Storing and Freezing Sous Vide Asparagus
- Let the asparagus cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooked asparagus in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. It will keep well for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the asparagus:
- Arrange the cooled asparagus spears in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the asparagus is frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen asparagus to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen asparagus will maintain its quality for up to 8 months.
- To reheat frozen asparagus, you can:
- Place the frozen spears directly into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Alternatively, thaw the asparagus in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- Keep in mind that while frozen and reheated asparagus will still be tasty, it may lose some of its original texture and crispness compared to freshly cooked asparagus.
How To Reheat Leftover Sous Vide Asparagus
The best way to reheat leftover sous vide asparagus is to place it back in the sous vide bath at the same temperature you originally cooked it at (180°F) for about 5 minutes, or until it's heated through. This method ensures that the asparagus retains its original texture and doesn't become overcooked or mushy.
Another option is to quickly sauté the leftover asparagus in a hot pan with a little olive oil or butter for 1-2 minutes, just until it's warmed through. This method adds a slight char and nuttiness to the asparagus, giving it a new dimension of flavor.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the asparagus in the microwave. Place the asparagus on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 30-second intervals until it's heated through. Be careful not to overcook the asparagus, as it can quickly become soggy in the microwave.
For a cold option, try adding leftover sous vide asparagus to a salad or wrap. Chop the asparagus into bite-sized pieces and toss it with your favorite greens, vegetables, and dressing for a refreshing and healthy meal.
Lastly, you can incorporate leftover sous vide asparagus into a frittata, quiche, or omelet. Simply chop the asparagus into small pieces and add it to your egg mixture before cooking. This is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and create a new, delicious dish.
Fascinating Trivia About Sous Vide Asparagus
Sous vide cooking involves sealing food in airtight plastic bags and cooking it in a water bath at a precisely regulated temperature. This method helps retain the natural flavors and nutrients of the ingredients, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes.
Is Sous Vide Asparagus Budget-Friendly for Home Cooks?
This sous vide asparagus recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Asparagus is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be enjoyed in various dishes. The ingredients, such as asparagus, olive oil, and lemon, are relatively affordable and can be used in multiple recipes. The cooking method, sous vide, ensures that the asparagus retains its flavor and nutrients, making it a worthwhile investment. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its simplicity and delicious outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12, making it a budget-friendly option.
Is Sous Vide Asparagus Healthy or Unhealthy?
The sous vide asparagus recipe is a healthy choice for several reasons:
- Asparagus is a nutrient-dense vegetable, packed with vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folate, iron, and fiber
- The recipe uses minimal added fat in the form of olive oil, which is a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat
- Sous vide cooking preserves nutrients by cooking the asparagus in a sealed bag, preventing nutrient loss through leaching or evaporation
- The recipe calls for minimal seasoning, allowing the natural flavor of the asparagus to shine through
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved:
- The recipe calls for adding salt after cooking, but using a small amount of salt during cooking can enhance the flavor without significantly increasing sodium content
- While olive oil is a healthy fat, the recipe could be made even healthier by reducing the amount of oil used or substituting a portion of the oil with lemon juice or vinegar
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Pair the asparagus with a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken or fish, to create a balanced meal
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor without increasing calorie or sodium content
- Serve the asparagus over a bed of whole grains, such as quinoa or brown rice, to add fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Use the asparagus as a topping for a salad, along with other colorful vegetables, to create a nutrient-packed meal
Editor's Take: My Honest Opinion on Sous Vide Asparagus
The sous vide asparagus recipe is a delightful way to elevate this vibrant vegetable. The precise cooking method ensures a tender yet crisp texture, while the infusion of olive oil, black pepper, and zesty lemon adds layers of flavor. The technique of using sous vide allows for consistent results and optimal retention of nutrients and natural flavors. This recipe is a wonderful addition to any meal, providing a refreshing and vibrant side dish that is both visually appealing and bursting with fresh, bright flavors.
Enhance Your Sous Vide Asparagus Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Discover Delicious Alternatives to Sous Vide Asparagus
Perfect Pairings: Main Courses and Desserts to Complement Sous Vide Asparagus
Why trust this Sous Vide Asparagus Recipe:
This sous vide asparagus recipe guarantees perfect tenderness and flavor infusion, ensuring a delightful dining experience. The precise cooking method using sous vide technology ensures consistent results, while the addition of lemon juice and zest, olive oil, and black pepper elevates the dish with vibrant and refreshing flavors. Trust in the expertise of this culinary creation to deliver a sensational asparagus dish that will impress your taste buds. Embrace the simplicity and reliability of this recipe to savor the natural essence of asparagus in every bite.
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