Table of Contents

Steamed Asparagus with Almond Butter: A Springtime Celebration

I remember the first time I truly appreciated asparagus. It wasn’t the sad, overcooked spears of my childhood. It was at a small bistro in Napa Valley, the air thick with the scent of rosemary and sun-warmed grapes. The asparagus, vibrant green and perfectly tender-crisp, arrived drizzled with a nutty, fragrant sauce that elevated it from a simple vegetable to something truly special. That almond butter, infused with the bright zest of lemon and the savory depth of shallots, transformed my perception of what asparagus could be. It was a revelation, and a dish I’ve been recreating and perfecting ever since.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Yield: 8 servings
Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
3 tablespoons shallots, finely chopped
1 large garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons parsley, chopped (fresh)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon peel, grated
2 lbs asparagus, fresh, trimmed
½ cup sliced almonds

Equipment Needed

Heavy small skillet
Medium bowl
Heavy large skillet
Steamer basket and pot

Instructions

Begin by melting 2 tablespoons of the butter in a heavy small skillet over low heat. Be careful not to let the butter brown; we’re just looking to gently soften it.
Add the finely chopped shallots and minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté over low heat until they are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. This gentle cooking allows the shallots and garlic to release their sweetness and create a flavorful base for the almond butter.
Pour the sautéed shallot and garlic mixture into a medium bowl.
Add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter (which should be at room temperature for easy blending) to the bowl.
Incorporate the chopped fresh parsley, fresh lemon juice, and grated lemon peel into the mixture. The lemon juice provides a welcome acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter, while the lemon peel adds a burst of bright, citrusy aroma.
Whisk all the ingredients together until well blended. Season generously to taste with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s crucial to balance the sweetness of the butter and nuts with savory notes.
Prepare your steamer. Bring a pot of water to a boil and place the asparagus in a steamer basket. Steam the asparagus until it is crisp-tender. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asparagus spears. To test for doneness, pierce a spear with a fork; it should be easily pierced but still offer some resistance. Overcooked asparagus is mushy and loses its vibrant color and flavor. Once steamed, set the asparagus aside.
Place the butter mixture in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. A heavy skillet will distribute the heat evenly and prevent the butter from burning.
Add the sliced almonds to the melted butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter begins to brown and the almonds are toasted and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Watch carefully, as almonds can burn quickly. The browning butter imparts a rich, nutty flavor to the sauce that complements the asparagus beautifully. The aromas are incredible at this stage.
Add the steamed asparagus to the skillet with the almond butter. Stir gently to coat the asparagus spears evenly with the flavorful sauce.
Cook until the asparagus is heated through, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the asparagus at this stage; you want it to retain its crisp-tender texture.
Season the asparagus to taste with salt and pepper. Remember, seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
Divide the steamed asparagus with almond butter among individual plates and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an even richer flavor, use browned butter (beurre noisette) as the base for the almond butter. Simply cook the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns a nutty brown color and emits a fragrant aroma. Let it cool slightly before adding the other ingredients.
To add a hint of spice, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes to the almond butter mixture.
If you don’t have fresh parsley on hand, you can substitute with dried parsley. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley for every 3 tablespoons of fresh parsley.
To make the dish ahead of time, you can prepare the almond butter in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in a skillet before adding the asparagus. You can also steam the asparagus ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the skillet with the almond butter.
If you want to add some protein to the dish, consider topping it with a poached egg or grilled shrimp.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the steamed asparagus with almond butter immediately while it is still warm and the asparagus is crisp-tender. It makes a delicious side dish for grilled fish, chicken, or steak. It’s also wonderful as part of a spring brunch spread.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the asparagus. The almond butter may separate slightly upon reheating, but this will not affect the flavor.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	165 kcal	8%
Total Fat	14.7g	22%
Saturated Fat	7.6g	38%
Cholesterol	30.5mg	10%
Sodium	18.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	7.1g	2%
Dietary Fiber	3.1g	12%
Sugars	1.9g	7%
Protein	4.2g	8%

Variations & Substitutions

Different Nuts: Experiment with other nuts, such as hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans, for a different flavor profile. Toasting the nuts before adding them to the butter will enhance their flavor.
Herb Variations: Substitute the parsley with other fresh herbs, such as chives, tarragon, or dill.
Vegan Option: Replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative for a vegan version of the dish. Ensure it browns similarly to dairy butter to develop the proper flavor.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the almond butter for a spicy kick.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
A: While fresh asparagus is best for its texture and flavor, frozen asparagus can be used in a pinch. Be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before steaming.

Q: How do I prevent the almond butter from burning?
A: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet and cook the almond butter over medium heat, stirring frequently. Watch carefully and remove from heat as soon as the butter begins to brown.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the almond butter in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in a skillet before adding the asparagus. You can also steam the asparagus ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

Q: What other vegetables can I use with this almond butter?
A: This almond butter is also delicious with green beans, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.

Q: How do I store leftover steamed asparagus with almond butter?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give this Steamed Asparagus with Almond Butter a try. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for showcasing the fresh flavors of spring. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and nuts to create your own unique variation. Pair it with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the bright flavors of the dish. I’d love to hear what you think – please share your experiences and any creative twists you come up with! Happy cooking!

Steamed Asparagus With Almond Butter Recipe