Asparagus is one of the most popular vegetables due to its many health benefits and delicious flavor. But have you ever tried fried asparagus? This unique way of cooking this nutritious vegetable brings out a whole new flavor and texture that can be enjoyed in any meal! Fried asparagus can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or even main course. Read on to discover how to make the perfect fried asparagus.

What is Fried Asparagus?

Fried asparagus is a delicious way of cooking this popular vegetable that brings out a whole new flavor and texture. It is prepared by dipping fresh asparagus spears into a light batter and then frying them in oil until they are cooked through and golden brown. Fried asparagus can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or even main course.

History of the dish

Fried asparagus has been enjoyed by people around the world for centuries. The earliest known reference to fried asparagus appears in a 15th-century Italian cookbook, which describes the preparation of this popular dish. Over the years, fried asparagus has become a popular way to prepare this nutritious vegetable across many cultures and cuisines.

Why fried asparagus is a popular dish

Fried asparagus is a popular dish for many reasons. It offers an easy way to enjoy the health benefits of this vegetable while adding a delicious flavor and texture to any meal. The crunchy coating from the batter provides an enjoyable contrast to the tender spears, making it a unique side or appetizer option. Plus, fried asparagus can be served in many different ways, such as with dips, sauces, or even on its own.

Ingredients needed for fried asparagus

Fresh asparagus

Fresh asparagus is the most important ingredient for making fried asparagus. Look for firm, bright green spears with closed tips. The thickness of the spears will determine how long they should be cooked in the oil, so make sure to choose spears of a uniform size. To prepare them for frying, trim off any tough ends and rinse them under cold water.

Flour

Flour is the second key ingredient in fried asparagus. You can use all-purpose flour or a combination of flours, depending on the flavor and texture you want to achieve. To prepare the flour for coating the asparagus spears, mix it with any seasonings or herbs you desire and whisk together until there are no lumps. Once this is done, you can begin coating the asparagus.

Egg

Egg is the third ingredient needed to make fried asparagus. You will need one egg for every two cups of flour. To prepare the egg for coating, whisk it in a bowl until it is light and frothy. Once this is done, you can begin dipping the asparagus spears into the egg mixture and then in the flour mixture before frying them.

Bread crumbs

Bread crumbs are an optional ingredient for making fried asparagus. To prepare the bread crumbs, simply grind up a few slices of bread in a food processor or blender until they resemble a fine powder. Once this is done, you can mix the bread crumbs with any desired seasonings and use them to coat the asparagus spears before frying.

Oil

The final ingredient needed for fried asparagus is oil. You will need a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil, for frying the asparagus. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Once the oil is hot enough, carefully lower the coated asparagus spears into the oil for frying.

Steps to prepare fried asparagus

Cleaning the asparagus

Before frying asparagus, it is important to clean and prepare the spears. Start by trimming off any tough ends of the asparagus. Then, rinse the spears under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. If desired, you can peel away some of the thick outer skin with a vegetable peeler for an even more tender texture.

Preparing the coating

To prepare the coating for your fried asparagus, you will need a bowl of flour or a combination of flours and any desired seasonings or herbs. Whisk this mixture together until there are no lumps, then set aside. In a different bowl, whisk one egg for every two cups of flour you used. Once this is done, you can begin coating the asparagus spears.

Dredging the asparagus

Once the asparagus has been washed and prepared, it is time to dredge them in the coating mixture. Start by dipping the spears into the egg mixture and then rolling them in the flour mixture until they are completely coated. If desired, you can also roll the asparagus in bread crumbs for an extra crunchy texture.

Frying the asparagus

Once the asparagus spears are completely coated, it’s time to fry them. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to generously cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot enough, carefully lower the coated asparagus spears into the oil for frying. Fry until golden brown and tender, flipping them periodically to ensure even cooking. Once they are finished cooking, transfer the fried asparagus to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Serving the fried asparagus

Once the asparagus has been fried, it is ready to be served. For a light meal, simply sprinkle with some salt and serve warm with a side of dipping sauce. For a heartier meal, you can top the fried asparagus with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, crumbled cheese, fresh herbs, or any other desired toppings. Enjoy!

Variations and accompaniments

Lemon Parmesan asparagus

Lemon Parmesan asparagus is a delicious variation of fried asparagus that adds a zesty flavor to the dish. To make this variation, simply prepare and coat the asparagus spears as outlined above. Then, before frying them in hot oil, sprinkle each spear with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Fry until golden and serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a spritz of lemon.

Cajun fried asparagus

For a spicy twist on fried asparagus, try making Cajun fried asparagus. To make this variation, prepare and coat the asparagus spears as outlined above, but add some Cajun seasoning to the flour mixture for an extra kick of flavor. You can also substitute regular bread crumbs with Panko or crushed cornflakes for a crunchier texture. Fry the asparagus in hot oil and serve with a side of ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.

Aioli dipping sauce

Aioli dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment for fried asparagus. To make this creamy, garlicky condiment, simply combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 clove of finely minced garlic. Stir until all ingredients are fully combined, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve this aioli sauce alongside your fried asparagus for a delicious and flavorful meal.

Honey mustard dipping sauce

Honey mustard dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment for fried asparagus, adding a sweet and savory flavor to the dish. To make this delicious condiment, simply combine equal parts of honey and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar and whisk until all ingredients are fully combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve alongside your fried asparagus for a delicious meal!

Nutritional value

Calories and fat content

Fried asparagus is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and fat. A standard serving of fried asparagus contains approximately 210 calories, with only 11 grams of fat. This makes it a great choice for those looking to cut down on their calorie and fat intake. The nutritional value of fried asparagus can also be increased by using healthier cooking methods, such as baking or grilling instead of frying.

Vitamin and mineral content

Fried asparagus is a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals. It is rich in vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy skin, eyesight and immunity, as well as vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting and bone health. Fried asparagus also contains iron, magnesium, manganese and copper – all of which are important for maintaining optimal health.

Conclusion

Fried asparagus is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It is easy to prepare, requiring only a few ingredients and simple steps. Fried asparagus is low in calories and fat, and it is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin K, iron, magnesium, manganese and copper. For an extra flavor boost, try adding Parmesan cheese or Cajun seasoning to the dish, or serve with a creamy aioli or honey mustard dipping sauce.

Fried asparagus is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. It is low in calories and fat, making it a great choice for those looking to cut down on their calorie and fat intake. To get the most out of this dish, try adding Parmesan cheese or Cajun seasoning to the coating for an extra flavor boost. For an extra indulgent touch, serve it with a creamy aioli or honey mustard dipping sauce. Enjoy!