75 minutes
A fresh, zesty, and peppery asparagus dish, perfect for a healthy side.
Silken Tofu, blended
cups
Lemon Zest, finely grated
tablespoons
Lemon Zest, finely grated
teaspoons
tablespoons
tablespoons
tablespoons
cups
teaspoons
tablespoons
teaspoons
Thick Asparagus, trimmed
0 lb
to taste
1. Prepare the Lemon-Pepper Marinade
Blend the silken tofu, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, olive oil, water, rice vinegar, ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
2. Prepare an Ice Bath
Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water to use as an ice bath for the asparagus.
3. Blanch the Asparagus
Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot, adding 2 tablespoons of kosher salt. Blanch the asparagus for 30 seconds, then transfer them to the ice bath to cool for 5 minutes. Pat dry.
4. Marinate the Asparagus
Place the dried asparagus in a shallow dish and pour over the lemon-pepper marinade. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour.
5. Grill the Asparagus
Preheat your grill. Grill the marinated asparagus for 3 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and slightly blistered.
6. Finish and Serve
Arrange the grilled asparagus on a serving plate, sprinkle with remaining lemon zest, a pinch of kosher salt, and freshly ground white pepper. Serve immediately.
Opt for fresh, in-season asparagus with firm stalks and tightly closed tips. The thickness of the stalks should be consistent to ensure even cooking. Thin stalks are ideal for quick sautés, while thicker stalks can be peeled at the bottom to ensure tenderness.
Cook the asparagus in a single layer, and do not overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will cause the asparagus to steam rather than sauté, preventing browning and resulting in a less flavorful dish.
Freshly cracked black pepper and high-quality sea salt or kosher salt can make a significant difference. The lemon zest should be freshly grated, and consider adding a touch of lemon juice at the very end of cooking to brighten up the flavors without making the dish soggy.
Always taste your dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. The right amount of salt can make all the difference, and a final squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the entire dish.
Use a mix of butter and oil when sautéing. The oil will allow you to cook at a higher temperature without burning, while the butter will add a rich, nutty flavor as it browns. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the asparagus to achieve a good sear.
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