Best 13 Alton Brown Asparagus Recipes

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Alton Brown is known for his innovative and flavorful approach to cooking, and his asparagus recipes are no exception. Whether you prefer your asparagus roasted, grilled, or steamed, Alton Brown has a recipe that will tantalize your taste buds and make you appreciate this versatile vegetable in a whole new way. From simple preparations to more complex dishes, his recipes are sure to please even the most discerning palate. In this article, we will explore some of Alton Brown's best asparagus recipes, providing you with all the information you need to create delicious and memorable dishes that will make your next meal a hit.

Here are our top 13 tried and tested recipes!

ASPARAGUS TERRINE



Asparagus Terrine image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     appetizer

Time 2h36m

Yield 9 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 teaspoons unflavored powdered gelatin
2 tablespoons cold water
8 ounces quark or farmers cheese, room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
3 to 5 good quality, jarred anchovies in olive oil, drained
7 whole, fresh chives
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 recipe Steamed Asparagus, cooled, recipe follows
Toasted French bread slices, for serving
Special equipment: Spritz bottle filled with water
1/4 cup water
1 pound fresh asparagus, 1 to 1 1/2 inches cut off the bottom
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Steps:

  • Spritz a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan with water and line it with plastic wrap, leaving enough excess to fold over the top when filled.
  • Combine the gelatin and water in a 1-quart saucepan and set aside to bloom for 5 minutes.
  • Put the quark, cream cheese, anchovies, chives, and black pepper in the bowl of a food processor and process for 1 minute. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  • Put the bloomed gelatin over low heat until melted, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat. With the food processor running, slowly pour the melted gelatin into the cheese mixture and process for 30 seconds.
  • Sprinkle the parsley evenly across the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. Pour 1/4 of the cheese mixture over the parsley. Top with 1/3 of the asparagus in a single layer, alternating direction of tips. Repeat with remaining cheese mixture and asparagus, ending with the cheese mixture. Fold the excess plastic wrap over the filling. Set a second loaf pan on top of the plastic wrap and press down to compact. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
  • Serve chilled, cut into 1-inch slices, along with crackers or toasted French bread slices.
  • To store, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
  • Pour or spritz the water onto 4 paper towels. Spread out the paper towels and lay the asparagus on top of the dampened towels. Sprinkle with the salt. Roll up the asparagus in the dampened towels. Lay the bundle, seam side down, in the microwave. Microwave on high until the asparagus is just crisp tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the microwave using tongs and carefully unwrap.

WILD MUSHROOM AND ASPARAGUS RISOTTO



Wild Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     side-dish

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 cups chicken broth
1 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup finely chopped onion
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups Arborio rice
5 ounces wild mushrooms, cooked and coarsely chopped, approximately 3/4 cup
7 ounces asparagus, cooked and cut into 1-inch pieces, approximately 1 1/2 cups
2 ounces grated Parmesan, approximately 1/2 cup
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Steps:

  • In an electric kettle or medium saucepan with a lid, combine chicken broth and white wine and heat just to simmering. Keep warm.
  • In a large 3 to 4-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and a pinch of salt and sweat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until the grains are translucent around the edges. Be careful not to allow the grains or the onions to brown.
  • Reduce the heat to low. Add enough of the wine and chicken stock just to cover the top of the rice. Stir or move the pan often, until the liquid is completely absorbed into rice. Once absorbed, add another amount of liquid just to cover the rice and continue stirring or moving as before. There should be just enough liquid left to repeat 1 more time. It should take approximately 35 to 40 minutes for all of the liquid to be absorbed. After the last addition of liquid has been mostly absorbed, add the mushrooms and asparagus and stir until risotto is creamy and asparagus is heated through. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan, lemon zest, and nutmeg. Taste and season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • *Cook's Note: If fresh wild mushrooms are not available, reconstituted dried mushrooms can be used instead. Place 2 ounces of dried mushrooms into a bowl and cover with warm water. Allow to sit for about 30 minutes or until all the mushrooms are soft and pliable.

ROASTED ASPARAGUS



Roasted Asparagus image

Provided by Level Agency

Categories     Sides & Salads

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium lemon, zested
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 500ºF.
  • Lay the asparagus on a long double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Drizzle with the olive oil and toss to coat. Spread the spears into a single layer. Fold the edges of the foil to make a tray. Roast in the oven for 5 minutes. Carefully toss the spears with tongs and roast just until tender and tips begin to brown, about 5 minutes more. Sprinkle with the zest, salt, nutmeg, and pepper, to taste, and toss to evenly distribute. Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately.

STEAMED ASPARAGUS



Steamed Asparagus image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     side-dish

Time 9m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 3

1/4 cup water
1 pound fresh asparagus, 1 to 1 1/2 inches cut off the bottom
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Steps:

  • Pour or spritz the water onto 4 paper towels. Spread out the paper towels and lay the asparagus on top of the dampened towels. Sprinkle with the salt. Roll up the asparagus in the dampened towels. Lay the bundle, seam side down, in the microwave. Microwave on high until the asparagus is just crisp tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the microwave using tongs and carefully unwrap. Arrange on a serving platter and serve immediately.

FRITTATA



Frittata image

For a tasty breakfast or brunch, fry up Alton Brown's easy Frittata recipe, loaded with asparagus and country ham, from Good Eats on Food Network.

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     main-dish

Time 20m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 eggs, beaten
1-ounce Parmesan, grated
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch salt
1 teaspoon butter
1/2 cup chopped roasted asparagus
1/2 cup chopped country ham
1 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to broil setting.
  • In medium size bowl, using a fork, blend together eggs, Parmesan, pepper, and salt. Heat 12-inch non-stick, oven safe saute pan over medium high heat. Add butter to pan and melt. Add asparagus and ham to pan and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Pour egg mixture into pan and stir with rubber spatula. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until the egg mixture has set on the bottom and begins to set up on top. Sprinkle with parsley.
  • Place pan into oven and broil for 3 to 4 minutes, until lightly browned and fluffy. Remove from pan and cut into 6 servings. Serve immediately.

SIMPLE SMOKED ASPARAGUS



Simple Smoked Asparagus image

A simple vegetable side dish to pair with your meat while you already have the smoker fired up. I've tried several different flavor combos but have found that olive oil, salt, and pepper work best with asparagus. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Provided by Soup Loving Nicole

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Asparagus

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 pound thick asparagus spears, trimmed
½ tablespoon olive oil
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the smoker to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Add wood chips according to manufacturer's directions.
  • Place asparagus inside a disposable foil pan. Drizzle oil, salt, and pepper over the top. Toss to coat.
  • Place the pan on the smoker rack and smoke for 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 37.6 calories, Carbohydrate 4.4 g, Fat 1.8 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 2.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.3 g, Sodium 2.3 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

CHEF JOHN'S CREAM OF ASPARAGUS SOUP



Chef John's Cream of Asparagus Soup image

For me, asparagus is one of those rare vegetables that shines brightest when enjoyed in soup form. Here's an ultra-easy and gorgeously colored cream of asparagus soup recipe.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Cream Soup Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, finely diced
salt to taste
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch ground nutmeg
½ cup heavy whipping cream
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 pinch cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add minced onion and salt; cook and stir until onion is soft and golden, about 10 minutes.
  • Pour chicken broth and water into pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer 15 minutes.
  • Place asparagus pieces in simmering broth. Cook, stirring occasionally until asparagus is just tender and still bright green, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Use an immersion blender to blend soup until smooth, about 3 minutes.
  • For a finer texture, strain soup through mesh strainer. Return strained soup to pot and place on stove.
  • Turn heat to low. Season with cayenne pepper, black pepper, and nutmeg. Adjust salt to taste. Whisk 1/2 cup cream into soup.
  • Place 1/4 cup cream, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Whisk until frothy and slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
  • Ladle soup into bowls. Drizzle a spoonful of Parmigiano-Reggiano-lemon cream on top of each serving and swirl to form a random design.
  • Sprinkle with a pinch of lemon zest and cayenne pepper, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 187.1 calories, Carbohydrate 10.5 g, Cholesterol 51.5 mg, Fat 15.4 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Protein 4.8 g, SaturatedFat 9.6 g, Sodium 59.8 mg, Sugar 4.5 g

ASPARAGUS ONION CASSEROLE



Asparagus Onion Casserole image

This asparagus casserole goes great with just about any meal. I've prepared it ahead of time, then popped it in the oven so it's ready with the meal. -Judy Fleetwood, Beulah, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces or 2 packages (10 ounces each) asparagus cuts, thawed
2 medium onions, sliced
5 tablespoons butter, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup 2% milk
3 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup soft bread crumbs

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, saute asparagus and onions in 1 tablespoon of butter until crisp-tender, about 8 minutes. Transfer to an ungreased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. , In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. , Reduce heat. Add the cream cheese, salt and pepper; stir until cheese is melted. Pour over vegetables. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Melt remaining butter; toss with bread crumbs. Sprinkle over casserole. , Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 250 calories, Fat 19g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 57mg cholesterol, Sodium 654mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

ASPARAGUS PANZANELLA



Asparagus Panzanella image

Crisp asparagus gives a springtime twist to this Italian bread salad.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Salad Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound medium asparagus
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 seedless cucumber, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch wedges
8 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
2 small tomatoes, such as red, Green Zebra, or yellow, each cut into 8 wedges
1 medium red onion, cut into 1/4-inch-thick wedges
3/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
1/4 cup capers, drained
6 one-half-inch-thick slices country-style bread, crust on, torn into 1-inch chunks
2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Snap off and discard the tough ends of asparagus. Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil; prepare an ice bath. Cook asparagus until bright green and just tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer immediately to ice bath. Drain; place on a clean kitchen towel.
  • In a large bowl, combine asparagus, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, capers, and bread; toss to combine.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together red-wine vinegar and olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Pour vinaigrette over asparagus mixture, and toss until well coated. Let sit until bread absorbs juices, and serve.

ALTON BROWN QUICHE RECIPE - (3.9/5)



Alton Brown Quiche Recipe - (3.9/5) image

Provided by devogirl

Number Of Ingredients 12

Any one of the following combinations:
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
2 eggs
2 pinches kosher salt
Freshly grated nutmeg
1 frozen 9-inch pie crust
Cooked spinach, cheddar cheese, cubed cooked ham or mushrooms
Bacon, Sauteed leeks, and Gruyere cheese
Cooked spinach, canned artichoke hearts, and Parmesan cheese
Roasted chicken, goat cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes
Blanched asparagus and smoked salmon
Port Salut and Spam

Steps:

  • In a nonreactive, stainless steel bowl, combine the cream or half-and-half and the eggs. Whisk until combined thoroughly. Add the salt and the nutmeg. Whisk to combine. Refrigerator Pie Rules: Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Evenly distribute the pie fillings in the pie crust. Do not overfill the crust with the filling ingredients. Do not pour too much royale into the crust. The eggs will expand upon cooking. Bake the pie until it is firm to the touch like set Jell-O, about 45 minutes. Cool the pie for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

ASPARAGUS STEAK OSCAR



Asparagus Steak Oscar image

By using fantastic ingredients such as beef tenderloin, crabmeat and fresh asparagus, you can make an elegant dinner. Oscar-style steak is a fine recipe combining the delicious taste of asparagus with only the finest of steaks around. -Cindy Dorsett, Lubbock, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 envelope bearnaise sauce
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
1/4 pound fresh crabmeat
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon lemon juice
4 beef tenderloin steaks (1 inch thick and 3 ounces each)
1/8 teaspoon paprika

Steps:

  • Prepare bearnaise sauce according to package directions. Meanwhile, place asparagus in a steamer basket; place in a large saucepan over 1 in. of water. Bring to a boil; cover and steam for 8-10 minutes or until crisp-tender. , In a large skillet, saute crab in butter for 3-4 minutes or until heated through. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in lemon juice; keep warm., Grill steaks, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 6-8 minutes on each side or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 135°; medium, 140°; medium-well, 145°). Top with crab mixture, asparagus and bearnaise sauce. Sprinkle with paprika.

Nutrition Facts :

GRILLED ASPARAGUS



Grilled Asparagus image

Editor's note: The recipe and introductory text below are adapted from Elizabeth Karmel's Web site, girlsatthegrill.com . Grilling asparagus miraculously transforms it from the kind of vegetable you hated as a kid to a sweet, meaty, lip-smackin' treat that you can't get enough of as an adult. Contrary to popular belief, look for the fatter stalks when buying asparagus-they are much better suited to grilling and actually have better flavor. This is the least amount of work you will ever have to do to be considered the Queen or King of the Grill.

Provided by Elizabeth Karmel

Categories     Side     Picnic     Vegetarian     Kid-Friendly     Quick & Easy     Backyard BBQ     Dinner     Lunch     Asparagus     Spring     Summer     Tailgating     Grill     Grill/Barbecue     Healthy     Sugar Conscious     Vegan     Pescatarian     Paleo     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher     Small Plates

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 pound fresh asparagus
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt (use salt according to taste)

Steps:

  • Trim off the tough bottom of the spear by grasping each end and bending it gently until it snaps at its natural point of tenderness-usually two-thirds of the way down the spear. If the spear is less than 6 inches long, chances are it has already been trimmed for you. Alternatively, you can cut the ends off with a knife.
  • Coat each spear with olive oil by placing clean, dry spears in a resealable plastic bag, pour in the oil, and massage spears to coat each one. Sprinkle with salt and massage again. Leave the asparagus in the bag until ready to cook.
  • Place on the cooking grate crosswise so it won't fall through. Grill for 10 to 15 minutes (depending on the size and thickness of the stalks), turning occasionally to expose all sides to the heat. Asparagus should begin to brown in spots (indicating that its natural sugars are caramelizing) but should not be allowed to char.
  • Remove from grill and serve immediately-eating spears with your fingers enhances the experience.

ROASTED-GARLIC ASPARAGUS



Roasted-Garlic Asparagus image

Provided by Susie Fishbein

Categories     Garlic     Side     Roast     Passover     Asparagus     Healthy     Kosher     Kosher for Passover     Sugar Conscious     Vegan     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Paleo     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
8 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons fresh finely chopped parsley
2 pounds thin asparagus, ends trimmed
Fleur de sel or coarse sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Line a large jelly-roll pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • In a small pot, heat the oil, garlic, onion powder, and parsley on medium-low heat. Cook for 3 minutes, until the garlic mixture is fragrant but not browned.
  • Spread the asparagus in a single layer on the prepared pan. Lightly sprinkle with coarse sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Drizzle on the garlic-oil mixture.
  • Roast for 8-10 minutes, until the asparagus are bright green; do not overcook.
  • Transfer to a platter and serve hot.

Tips:

  • Choose the right asparagus. Look for spears that are firm and have tight, closed tips. Avoid spears that are limp or have brown or yellow tips.
  • Prepare the asparagus properly. Rinse the asparagus spears under cold water and trim off the woody ends. You can also peel the asparagus spears if desired.
  • Cook the asparagus quickly. Asparagus is a delicate vegetable, so it's important to cook it quickly over high heat. This will help to preserve the asparagus's鮮豔色彩 and flavor.
  • Don't overcook the asparagus. Asparagus should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight crunch. Overcooked asparagus will be mushy and tasteless.
  • Serve the asparagus immediately. Asparagus is best served immediately after it is cooked. You can drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, melted butter, or a vinaigrette dressing.

Conclusion:

Asparagus is a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. With its mild flavor and slightly crunchy texture, asparagus is a perfect addition to salads, stir-fries, pasta dishes, and more. When choosing asparagus, look for spears that are firm and have tight, closed tips. Avoid spears that are limp or have brown or yellow tips. Asparagus can be cooked quickly over high heat, either by roasting, sautéing, or steaming. Be careful not to overcook the asparagus, as this will make it mushy and tasteless. Asparagus is best served immediately after it is cooked. You can drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, melted butter, or a vinaigrette dressing.

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