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Pan-Seared Asparagus With Cashews

By Melissa Clark

Updated April 30, 2024

Pan-Seared Asparagus With Cashews
Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
25 minutes
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Rating
5(744)
Comments
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In this speedy, springy dish, a crunchy mix of nuts, seeds and coconut flakes gives seared asparagus plenty of texture, while a squeeze of lime and handful of fresh herbs add brightness right at the end. This makes a hearty side dish for simple roasted fish or chicken, or it can be a light meal when served over rice or alongside a fried or soft-cooked egg, the yolk turning into a glossy sauce that coats the stalks.

Featured in: The Best Ways to Cook Asparagus

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Ingredients

Yield:3 to 4 servings
  • ⅓cup roasted unsalted cashews, coarsely chopped
  • ¼cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 2tablespoons raw sunflower seeds or pepitas
  • 1tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1tablespoon coconut oil (or use a neutral-flavored oil)
  • 1garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 1pound asparagus (about 1 bunch), trimmed and cut into 2- to 3-inch pieces
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 to 2tablespoons soy sauce, to taste
  • 1tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice, plus lime wedges for serving
  • ¼teaspoon red-pepper flakes, more to taste
  • Chopped cilantro and sesame seeds, for serving
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

201 calories; 17 grams fat; 8 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 6 grams monounsaturated fat; 3 grams polyunsaturated fat; 9 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 2 grams sugars; 5 grams protein; 335 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large dry skillet over medium-low heat, toast the cashews, coconut flakes and sunflower seeds, stirring, until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour mixture into a bowl to cool.

  2. Step 2

    Return pan to the heat, and add sesame and coconut oils and garlic. Cook for 30 seconds, then stir in asparagus. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. Cook asparagus until crisp-tender, 3 to 7 minutes depending on how thick they are.

  3. Step 3

    Stir in the soy sauce, lime juice, nut mixture and red-pepper flakes. Taste and season with more salt and red pepper, if you like. Transfer asparagus mixture to a serving dish. Top with sesame seeds and cilantro, and serve with lime wedges for squeezing.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
744 user ratings
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Comments

Nancy L.

I toasted the nuts and coconut flakes in the microwave, trying to minimize stove-time to keep the house cooler. Use a glass pie-plate or similar because the plate gets really hot! Coconut flakes brown beautifully after about 2 minutes. Cashews toast up after about 4 minutes - check after 2 minutes. Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) toast up after about 3 minutes.

KT

Fantastic! I thoroughly toasted the cashews, seeds, and coconut and topped the dish with that mixture, rather than stirring it in. Also tripled the sauce and it made the dish slightly saucy without being overly drenched. Adding this to the simple weeknight meal rotation!!

Mandie

One of the best recipes I have made in awhile for really minimal effort! I would go a little lighter on the soy sauce next time but otherwise an excellent meatless meal that will become a regular in my rotation. Served it with rice and an egg.

Hobart

I added pistachios to the nuts and did pepitas and sunflower seeds as well, which only made it more nutty, served this over rice alongside Ali Slagle’s Stickey Tempeh here on NYT cooking, and it was fabulous. They share roughly the same cooking time and complement each other so well.

Isabelle

Delicious and added broccolini which was a good addition

Marjorie

Love, love, love…. Keep trying with a variety of veggies and mushrooms - zucchini, water chestnuts, lions mane…. I tweak sauce by adding a bit of fish sauce, ginger garlic and honey. It is wonderful the next day - all ingredients marinate.

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