Micro-Steamed Asparagus with Hollandaise or Mayonnaise

Micro-steamed asparagus is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this delicious vegetable. Whether you prefer the warmth of hollandaise sauce or the cold creaminess of mayonnaise, both options complement the asparagus beautifully. For a simpler approach, melting compound butter over hot asparagus or drizzling extra-virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon will also create a delightful side dish.

SERVES 2 OR 3

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 ounces asparagus, bottom 1½ inches trimmed off, stalks peeled if desired
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Foolproof Hollandaise Sauce (recipe here) or Foolproof Homemade Mayonnaise (recipe here), for serving

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place the asparagus in an even layer on a large microwave-safe plate and season with salt and pepper.
2. Lay a triple layer of damp paper towels on top of the asparagus, completely covering them, or cover with a clean damp kitchen towel.
3. Microwave on high power until the asparagus is bright green and tender but still crisp, for 2½ to 6 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave.
4. Remove the asparagus from the microwave, arrange them on a warmed serving platter, and serve with the hollandaise sauce.
5. Alternatively, to serve with mayonnaise, run the asparagus under cold running water until chilled, dry them carefully, and serve.

SERVING OPTIONS:

• Hollandaise Dip: Serve the micro-steamed asparagus with a side bowl of warm hollandaise sauce for dipping. The rich and creamy hollandaise complements the tender asparagus, creating a delectable combination.
• Mayonnaise Drizzle: For a refreshing twist, drizzle the chilled micro-steamed asparagus with homemade mayonnaise. The creamy and tangy mayo adds a delightful contrast to the crisp asparagus.
• Compound Butter: For a simple and flavorful option, melt a flavored compound butter over the hot asparagus. Choose from options like garlic herb butter or lemon butter to enhance the natural flavors of the asparagus.
• Lemon Zest: Sprinkle some freshly grated lemon zest over the asparagus before serving. The bright and citrusy flavors will add a burst of freshness to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate some parmesan cheese over the warm asparagus for a savory and nutty enhancement. The combination of asparagus and parmesan is a classic and always crowd-pleasing.
• Toasted Almonds: Add a crunchy element by sprinkling toasted slivered almonds over the asparagus. The nutty flavor and texture make for a delightful addition.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds can add an earthy and nutty taste to the asparagus. Sprinkle them over the dish to create a more exotic flavor profile.
• Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze over the asparagus for an elegant touch. The glaze complements the natural sweetness of the vegetable.
• Grilled or Roasted: If you prefer a smokier flavor, grill or roast the asparagus instead of micro-steaming. The charred or roasted edges will add depth to the dish.
• Serve as an Appetizer: Arrange the micro-steamed asparagus on a platter and serve as an appetizer with various dipping sauces, such as hollandaise, mayonnaise, and garlic aioli, for guests to enjoy.

Enjoy this micro-steamed asparagus dish with your choice of hollandaise or mayonnaise for a flavorful and satisfying side that pairs perfectly with any main course. This quick and simple preparation brings out the best in the asparagus, making it a delightful addition to your meal.