Let me tell you, nothing beats a summer barbecue for food gatherings. And what shines at these festive tables? Side dishes that pack a punch of flavor without stealing the show from the main star. That’s why I love serving Korean asparagus.
It meshes beautifully with marinated grilled chicken or perfectly grilled shrimp. The bright green asparagus and peppery sauce add just the right amount of zing. Trust me; it’s a hit that won’t sit quietly on the plate!
Korean asparagus is a vibrant side dish that brings together tender asparagus spears and a sweet, spicy sauce, all in under 15 minutes. This dish combines the fresh crunch of vegetables with iconic Asian flavors, turning a simple stalk into a flavor powerhouse.
It’s perfect for those busy days when you need a quick, healthy side that still impresses. With just a few ingredients, you’re on your way to a delicious and colorful table.
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What is Korean Asparagus?
Korean asparagus elevates a standard vegetable to new heights. This dish involves blanching asparagus to achieve that perfect crisp-tender texture, followed by a vibrant dressing made with gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste), soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness. It’s a dish that’s commonly enjoyed in Korean cuisine but easily fits into any culinary setting, making it a fantastic addition to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Korean Asparagus
People love Korean asparagus because it’s quick, colorful, and genuinely delicious. It adds a burst of flavor and texture to any meal, making it a delightful addition to summer picnics or weeknight dinners. The balance between sweet, spicy, and savory flavors ensures that this dish won’t just be a side—it’ll be the talk of the table. Plus, it’s loaded with nutrients, giving you a health kick while still being wonderfully satisfying.
The Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 large bunch (about 1 pound) of thin-stem asparagus, trimmed
– 1 tablespoon rice syrup (or honey for that golden touch)
– 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste)
– 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or your favorite vinegar)
– 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
– ½ teaspoon grated ginger (a little extra zing)
– 1 green onion, finely chopped
Ingredients From : maangchi.com
How to Make Korean Asparagus
This journey involves a few simple steps, but each one is crucial to achieving that delightful blend of textures and flavors. Let’s dive right into preparing this dish together!
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Blanch the Asparagus
Start by filling a pot with about two inches of water and bring it to a rolling boil. This water bath is where the magic happens! Once the water is boiling, gently add the trimmed asparagus. Blanch the asparagus for about 1 to 2 minutes, leaving the lid off. You’re looking for that vibrant green color and a slight tenderness. Keep an eye out: thinner asparagus will need less time than thicker ones.
Step 2: Cool and Drain
Once the asparagus has turned a bright green, remove the pot from the heat. But don’t just toss it into a strainer yet! Instead, rinse the asparagus under cold running water for a few seconds. This step halts the cooking process, keeping your asparagus crisp. After rinsing, drain well and let it sit aside as we prep the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Seasoning Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, rice syrup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil. This is where all those delectable flavors come together. Whisk the mixture together well until combined; it should be slightly thick and fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Asparagus with the Sauce
Now comes the fun part. Toss the blanched asparagus with the seasoning mixture. I find using tongs works best here, allowing you to coat each spear thoroughly without breaking it. Get in there and mix until the asparagus is evenly covered in that gorgeous, tangy sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the dressed asparagus to a serving platter. Here’s a lovely touch: sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onion on top for that finishing flair. Serve it warm or at room temperature alongside rice or grilled meats for a delicious mealtime balance.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh asparagus for the best flavor and texture. Winging it with old asparagus will give you a sad dish!
– If you’re short on time, you can prep the seasoning mixture a few hours in advance.
– Experiment with the level of gochujang; add a little more for extra heat or a bit less if you prefer it milder.
– Consider adding sliced radishes or cucumbers for extra crunch.
– Make it a complete meal by tossing in your favorite protein like chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
Can I Store Korean Asparagus?
Absolutely! You can store leftover Korean asparagus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the asparagus may lose some of its crunch after a day or so. I recommend enjoying it fresh for the best texture and flavor!
What Can I Serve with Korean Asparagus?
– Grilled Chicken: The savory flavors complement each other perfectly.
– Tofu Stir-Fry: A vegetarian option that pairs beautifully.
– Bibimbap: This Korean rice bowl allows the asparagus to shine amongst other ingredients.
– Fish Tacos: And yes, those zestier fish goodies can handle this flavor bomb side!
– Quinoa Salad: The earthiness of quinoa elevates the freshness of the asparagus.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Korean Asparagus?
– Zucchini: Slice it thinly and blanched — a delightful alternate veggie.
– Broccolini: A little more hearty but would taste great with the same seasoning.
– Green Beans: A familiar favorite that has its own crunch.
– Snow Peas: For something sweeter and fresh.
– Chard or Bok Choy: Offered in Asian cooking, these greens would work too!
Korean Asparagus
Equipment
- pot
- Tongs
- wooden spoon
- Colander
- Whisk
Ingredients
- Here’s what you’ll need:
- – 1 large bunch about 1 pound of thin-stem asparagus, trimmed
- – 1 tablespoon rice syrup or honey for that golden touch
- – 2 tablespoons gochujang Korean hot pepper paste
- – 2 cloves of garlic finely minced
- – 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or your favorite vinegar
- – 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- – 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- – ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- – 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- – ½ teaspoon grated ginger a little extra zing
- – 1 green onion finely chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Blanch the Asparagus
- Start by filling a pot with about two inches of water and bring it to a rolling boil. This water bath is where the magic happens! Once the water is boiling, gently add the trimmed asparagus. Blanch the asparagus for about 1 to 2 minutes, leaving the lid off. You’re looking for that vibrant green color and a slight tenderness. Keep an eye out: thinner asparagus will need less time than thicker ones.
Step 2: Cool and Drain
- Once the asparagus has turned a bright green, remove the pot from the heat. But don’t just toss it into a strainer yet! Instead, rinse the asparagus under cold running water for a few seconds. This step halts the cooking process, keeping your asparagus crisp. After rinsing, drain well and let it sit aside as we prep the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Seasoning Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, rice syrup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil. This is where all those delectable flavors come together. Whisk the mixture together well until combined; it should be slightly thick and fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Asparagus with the Sauce
- Now comes the fun part. Toss the blanched asparagus with the seasoning mixture. I find using tongs works best here, allowing you to coat each spear thoroughly without breaking it. Get in there and mix until the asparagus is evenly covered in that gorgeous, tangy sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the dressed asparagus to a serving platter. Here’s a lovely touch: sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onion on top for that finishing flair. Serve it warm or at room temperature alongside rice or grilled meats for a delicious mealtime balance.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s a fantastic make-ahead option. Just prepare and dress the asparagus earlier in the day and store it until serving.
2. What if I don’t like spicy food?
Feel free to reduce the amount of gochujang. The dish will still have a nice flavor without the heat.
3. Can I use frozen asparagus?
While fresh asparagus is best for this recipe, you can use frozen. Just make sure it’s thawed and drained thoroughly.
4. How can I add protein to this dish?
You can mix in grilled chicken or tofu after dressing the asparagus for a complete meal.
5. Is this dish vegan?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegan as there are no animal products involved.
Conclusion
Korean asparagus turns a simple vegetable into a delightful explosion of flavor and color on your table. It’s quick to make, easy to adapt, and is guaranteed to impress both family and friends. With its crunchy texture and spicy-sweet sauce, this dish is a keeper in my recipe toolbox, and I hope it finds a special place in yours, too.
So fire up the grill, pour that sesame oil, and get ready to bite into something refreshingly delicious!
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