The Best Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce

Take the perfect recipe for a special dinner or breakfast – asparagus with hollandaise sauce. Many people are hesitant to cook asparagus at home because they think it’s too complicated. Well, it’s easier than you think. What’s more, with this asparagus with hollandaise sauce recipe, you can prepare this dish in just 35 minutes. You’ll learn how to cook asparagus properly to keep it crisp and tasty. You will also be able to make a creamy hollandaise sauce. So, follow the recipe and cook asparagus quickly and easily.

What is Asparagus?

Asparagus is a much-loved vegetable known for its distinctive flavor and tender texture. It is prized for its delicate flavor, which is slightly sweet with an earthy undertone. Because of its versatility and nutritional benefits, asparagus is widely used in cuisines around the world.

Asparagus has a long history dating back to ancient times and is native to the Mediterranean region. Cultivated for its taste and reputed medicinal properties by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Over time, trade and exploration spread asparagus to other parts of Europe and eventually to other continents.

Asparagus became popular as a culinary ingredient during the Renaissance and has remained a popular vegetable ever since. It is celebrated for its bright green color, tender spears, and ability to enhance a variety of dishes, from salads and soups to stir-fries and pasta. Asparagus is also a nutritious addition to any diet, as it is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folate, fiber, and antioxidants.

What You’ll Need for Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce

• Asparagus: Asparagus is a green vegetable with a crunchy texture. It has a slightly sweet, earthy flavor. It pairs well with rich sauces such as hollandaise.
• Thyme: Thyme enhances the flavor of both asparagus and hollandaise sauce by adding a subtle, earthy note.
• Butter: Butter is essential to hollandaise sauce. It provides a rich, creamy base that complements the asparagus.
• Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor to hollandaise sauce. It balances the richness of the sauce and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Chicken eggs (yolks): Egg yolks are essential for emulsifying the hollandaise sauce, giving it a smooth and velvety texture.
• Salt: Salt makes the dish more savory and balanced by enhancing the natural flavors of the asparagus and hollandaise sauce.
• Pepper: Pepper contributes to the overall flavor profile of the dish by adding mild heat and subtle spiciness.
• Lemon (zest): Lemon zest adds a fresh, tangy note that brightens the dish and complements the rich hollandaise sauce.

How to Make Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce at Home?

1. To prepare the asparagus: Cut off the roots of 1-2 cm because there is a solid part, and clean the asparagus with a housekeeper to the inflorescence. 
2. Put the saucepan with water on the stove, bout 1.5 liters. Add salt. Then, add the asparagus and cook in boiling water for 40 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the thickness. 
3. When cooked, transfer to a bowl of cold water. You can add ice. Then, allow the asparagus to cool completely for 3-5 minutes and stop the cooking process. 
4. Transfer to napkins. Dry them. 
5. To prepare the sauce: Melt 4,2 ounces (120 g) of butter in a saucepan over low heat. 
6. Combine the egg yolks with the lemon juice, salt, and pepper and mix well. Place in a bain-marie. Gradually add the melted butter until the sauce thickens and becomes elastic. 
7. Then, fry the asparagus in butter with salt and pepper for 1.1-1.5 minutes. 
8. Place them on a plate and pour the sauce over them. Grate the lemon zest. Enjoy!

Chef Recipe Tips:

• In the sauce, lemon juice can be replaced with dry white wine or wine vinegar. 
• After cooking, put the asparagus in cold water with ice. It will be crunchy and juicy.

What is a Hollandaise Sauce?

It is a rich and creamy sauce with a smooth consistency and delicately balanced flavor. Its buttery richness, tang of lemon juice, and subtle hint of egg yolk give it a luxurious flavor. The sauce is a popular accompaniment to a variety of dishes and is known for its smooth consistency and indulgent mouthfeel.

It is believed that hollandaise sauce originated in the Netherlands in the 17th century, hence its name, which means ‘Dutch sauce’. However, it gained popularity in French cuisine and has become a staple sauce in classic dishes such as Eggs Benedict and as a topping for vegetables such as asparagus.

To make hollandaise sauce, melted butter, egg yolks lemon juice, or vinegar are emulsified over low heat to create a smooth, creamy texture. It is traditionally flavored with salt, white pepper, and sometimes a dash of cayenne pepper to add depth of taste. It has become a popular sauce in professional kitchens and home cooks alike for its luxurious taste and versatility.

How to Store and Reheat Advice?

Keep the remaining roasted asparagus and hollandaise airtight in the refrigerator. I recommend that you store them separately to make it easier if you want to reheat them. You can reheat both the asparagus and the hollandaise sauce in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave in short bursts. You can also use the leftovers to make a homemade version of Eggs Benedict!

How to Serve Roasted Asparagus With Hollandaise

• Plate the cooked asparagus on a platter or individual plates then drizzle with the hollandaise.
• Sprinkle with paprika for color and serve with additional lemon wedges if desired.
• This recipe makes 2 servings. You can double the recipe to make more servings if you like.

Advice for a successful result

If the sauce becomes too thick: If you find that your hollandaise sauce has become too thick, add a teaspoon or two of warm water to thin it. You can also add a little more butter if your sauce is on the runny side. 

The roasting time may vary: Depending on the thickness of your asparagus spears, the roasting time may vary slightly (for example, thicker spears may need to be roasted a little longer in the oven).