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steamed asparagus with lemon-butter herb sauce

wmnofoz avatar
Recipe by
Pam Ellingson
@wmnofoz
Wichita, KS

I wanted to make a sauce for asparagus that would coat it with smooth, rich and tangy flavor. Not terrifically original, but darn tasty. Hubby loved it.

yield serving(s)
prep time 10 Min
cook time 10 Min
method Microwave

Ingredients For steamed asparagus with lemon-butter herb sauce

  • 1 lb
    asparagus, fresh, trimmed of tough ends
  • 2 to 3 Tbsp
    butter, room temperature
  • 1 lg
    shallots
  • pinch
    salt and pepper
  • 1/2 c
    chicken broth (divided use)
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp
    italian flat leaf parsley chopped fine
  • 1 1/2 tsp
    lemon thyme chopped fine
  • 1 md
    lemon
  • 1 1/2 tsp
    cornstarch
  • salt and/or extra lemon juice, to taste

How To Make steamed asparagus with lemon-butter herb sauce

  • 1
    Wash and trim asparagus, set aside. Very finely chop the shallots,thyme and parsley. Melt butter in microwave safe casserole long enough to hold the asparagus, saute shallots on high for 30-45 seconds until translucent and softened. Add juice of half a lemon, salt, pepper, 1/2 c broth, stir and place prepared asparagus in the casserole. Cook covered on high in the microwave for 2 minutes. Uncover and stir, recover and microwave for another 1 or 2 minutes. (These times are variable, depending how large the asparagus stalks, and how soft or firm you like your dish.)
  • 2
    Mix cornstarch into remaining broth Check firmness of asparagus and if done to your taste, remove from casserole and place on a shallow dish, If it needs a bit more cooking, leave in casserole. Add broth with cornstarch, lemon thyme and parsley, cook 1 to 2 more minutes until thickened. Replace asparagus in casserole if it was set aside to prevent overcooking. Stir gently to coat stalks, and add salt and pepper to taste. Squeeze on a little more lemon juice if desired. You can also sprinkle a bit of lemon zest over it if you like.
  • 3
    Wonderful to serve with rice to catch the juices.
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