Zesty Lemon Garlic Stir-Fried Asparagus with Toasted Almonds
This vibrant stir-fried asparagus dish is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Featuring fresh asparagus spears, sauteed to perfection, this recipe incorporates zesty lemon juice and savory soy sauce for a tasty punch. The addition of slivered, toasted almonds provides a delightful crunch, making this dish a perfect side for any meal. Quick and easy, this recipe embraces the freshness of vegetables, making it an ideal choice for a light and delicious dinner or lunch.
4
Servings
57.5
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Asparagus
1 1/2 lbs (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
Butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
Vegetable Oil
1 tablespoon (for frying)
Chicken Broth
3 tablespoons (low-sodium)
Lemon Juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
Soy Sauce
1 teaspoon (low-sodium)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Almonds
2 tablespoons (slivered and toasted)
Instructions
1
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the butter and vegetable oil, allowing them to melt and combine.
2
Once the butter is bubbling, add the trimmed asparagus pieces to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
3
Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the asparagus is bright green and tender but still crisp.
5
Remove the lid, sprinkle the slivered and toasted almonds over the asparagus, and toss gently to incorporate before serving.
Nutrition Information
4.5g
Fat
3g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Garlic Stir-Fried Asparagus with Toasted Almonds?
It is a vibrant stir-fried side dish featuring fresh asparagus spears sauteed with lemon juice, soy sauce, and topped with toasted slivered almonds.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this asparagus dish?
There are approximately 57.5 calories per serving.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include fresh asparagus, butter, vegetable oil, chicken broth, lemon juice, soy sauce, black pepper, and slivered almonds.
How should I prepare the asparagus before cooking?
The asparagus should be trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
To make it vegan, replace the butter with more vegetable oil or a plant-based butter, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How long do I stir-fry the asparagus initially?
You should stir-fry the asparagus in the butter and oil for about 2 minutes before adding the liquids.
How long should the asparagus cook under a lid?
Cover and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until tender but still crisp.
What is the purpose of the chicken broth in this recipe?
The chicken broth is used to help steam the asparagus and add a savory depth of flavor.
What kind of almonds should I use?
The recipe calls for slivered and toasted almonds for the best texture and crunch.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best zesty flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
What type of soy sauce is recommended?
Low-sodium soy sauce is suggested to keep the salt content in check.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written it contains soy sauce which may have gluten; use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 4.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 3g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this dish provide any protein?
Yes, it provides about 1.5g of protein per serving.
What equipment do I need to cook this?
A large skillet or a wok with a lid is required for this recipe.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, olive oil can be used, though vegetable oil is recommended for its higher smoke point during stir-frying.
What should the texture of the cooked asparagus be?
The asparagus should be bright green and tender but still have a slight crispness.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients used in this dish.
Is this considered a quick recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe and a simple side dish.
When do I add the toasted almonds?
The almonds are sprinkled over the dish at the very end after removing the lid.
Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
Fresh asparagus is highly recommended to maintain the proper texture; frozen may become too soft when stir-fried.
What temperature should I use for the skillet?
The skillet should be heated over medium heat.
Is the butter salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifies using unsalted butter.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, although the name mentions garlic, you can add minced fresh garlic during the first 2 minutes of stir-frying for extra flavor.
What can I serve with this asparagus?
It serves as a perfect side for grilled chicken, fish, or a light pasta dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I substitute the almonds with other nuts?
Yes, toasted walnuts or pine nuts would also provide a nice crunch and flavor profile.