Honey Dijon Glazed Asparagus
Highlighted under: Nourish & Refresh Recipes
I absolutely love how simple yet delicious this Honey Dijon Glazed Asparagus is! When I first made it, I was amazed by how the sweet and tangy flavor of the honey and Dijon mustard paired perfectly with the tender asparagus spears. It's a dish that elevates any meal and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Whether I'm serving it at a gathering or enjoying it solo, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen that always garners rave reviews.
When I first discovered the combination of honey and Dijon mustard, I knew I had to try it on vegetables. I decided to experiment with asparagus, which is one of my favorite spring vegetables. The result was nothing short of magic! The glaze adds a beautiful shine and infuses the asparagus with sweet and savory notes that brilliantly enhance its natural flavor.
One tip I learned along the way is to roast the asparagus at high heat, which brings out its nuttiness while keeping it crisp. Pairing it with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper not only adds depth but also elevates the plating. It’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors
- Quick and easy to make, ready in just 25 minutes
- A fantastic side dish that complements a variety of main courses
Preparing the Perfect Asparagus
When selecting asparagus for this dish, look for firm, bright green spears with tightly closed tips. Thicker stalks tend to have a meatier texture but can take slightly longer to roast. If you prefer a more delicate flavor and texture, opt for thinner spears. After trimming the stalks, it’s beneficial to rinse them thoroughly to remove any grit. You may prefer to peel the lower third of the stalks if they are particularly thick, allowing for a tender bite after roasting.
Another key preparation tip is to ensure the asparagus is completely dry before seasoning with oil, salt, and pepper. This helps the oil adhere better and promotes even roasting. Consider lining your baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup; it also prevents the asparagus from sticking and aids in achieving that coveted caramelization.
Mastering the Honey Dijon Glaze
The honey Dijon glaze is a simple yet transformative component of this dish. The sweetness of honey complements the sharpness of Dijon mustard, creating a delectable balance. To enhance the glaze, consider adding a dash of garlic powder or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness and depth. Adjust the proportions of honey and mustard to suit your personal taste—more honey for sweetness or extra mustard for a tangier profile.
To save time, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. This not only enhances flavor as the ingredients meld, but it also makes it easier to toss with your asparagus right before cooking.
Ingredients
For the Glaze
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Asparagus
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Mix the glaze ingredients in a bowl before preparing the asparagus for an even distribution of flavor.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help to crisp the asparagus while cooking.
Prepare the Asparagus
Wash and trim the asparagus. Place the trimmed asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil until fully combined.
Coat the Asparagus
Drizzle the honey-Dijon glaze over the asparagus. Toss gently to coat all the spears with the glaze.
Roast
Spread the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
Serve
Remove from oven and serve warm, drizzled with any remaining glaze if desired.
For the best flavor, serve the asparagus immediately after roasting.
Pro Tips
- Experiment with adding minced garlic or lemon zest to the glaze for an extra flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
Honey Dijon Glazed Asparagus pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main courses. I particularly enjoy serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish, as the bright flavors really elevate the meal. For a vegetarian option, consider pairing it with quinoa or a hearty grain salad. The dish also works wonderfully as part of a holiday spread; the vibrant green color looks stunning on the table.
For a complete meal, you might consider adding roasted potatoes or a light baked pasta dish. The sweet and tangy asparagus can also be served for brunch alongside eggs or incorporated into a salad for a refreshing touch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating in the oven for about 5-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) helps preserve the spears' texture, allowing them to regain some crispness. Alternatively, a quick reheat in the microwave is possible, but take care not to overdo it as it can make the asparagus limp.
For meal prep enthusiasts, consider making a larger batch and freezing your glazed asparagus. Spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag, allowing you to pull out only what you need later. When reheating from frozen, a similar oven temperature and time will help retain the flavors and texture.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
While fresh asparagus yields the best results, you can use frozen asparagus. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
→ What main dishes pair well with this asparagus?
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or steak. It adds a vibrant color and fresh flavor to any meat.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
→ Can I make the glaze in advance?
Yes, you can make the glaze a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a stir before using.
Honey Dijon Glazed Asparagus
I absolutely love how simple yet delicious this Honey Dijon Glazed Asparagus is! When I first made it, I was amazed by how the sweet and tangy flavor of the honey and Dijon mustard paired perfectly with the tender asparagus spears. It's a dish that elevates any meal and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Whether I'm serving it at a gathering or enjoying it solo, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen that always garners rave reviews.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Nourish & Refresh Recipes
Skill Level: easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Glaze
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Asparagus
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help to crisp the asparagus while cooking.
Wash and trim the asparagus. Place the trimmed asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil until fully combined.
Drizzle the honey-Dijon glaze over the asparagus. Toss gently to coat all the spears with the glaze.
Spread the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
Remove from oven and serve warm, drizzled with any remaining glaze if desired.
Extra Tips
- Experiment with adding minced garlic or lemon zest to the glaze for an extra flavor boost.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 21g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 3g