Roasted Asparagus with Smoked Salmon, Radishes, and Browned Butter

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This dish is a simple yet elegant combination of flavors and textures, perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or even a fancy brunch. The roasted asparagus pairs beautifully with the smoky richness of the salmon, the crisp freshness of radishes, and the nutty warmth of browned butter. It’s quick to make, visually stunning, and deliciously satisfying.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

  • 1.1 lbs green asparagus
  • 1 bunch radishes
  • 2 green onions
  • 8.8 oz cold-smoked salmon, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3.5 oz butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Tools You’ll Need

  • Cutting board and knife
  • Large skillet or grill pan (for asparagus)
  • Small saucepan (for browning butter)
  • Vegetable peeler (optional, for asparagus tips if desired)
  • Tongs (for handling asparagus)

Pro Tips

  1. Asparagus Prep: To test where to trim the asparagus, bend one stalk gently—it will naturally snap where the tough part ends. Use this as a guide for trimming the rest.
  2. Browned Butter Timing: Watch the butter carefully as it browns—it can go from golden and nutty to burnt very quickly. Look for a caramel color and a toasted aroma.
  3. Crisp Radishes: For an extra crunch, slice the radishes thinly using a mandoline.
  4. Serve Warm: Serve the dish immediately after assembling for the best combination of warm asparagus and browned butter with the cool, fresh toppings.
  5. Optional Garnish: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace smoked salmon with crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan.
  • Additional Greens: Add arugula or baby spinach under the asparagus for extra greenery.
  • Nuts: Sprinkle toasted almonds or hazelnuts for a crunch.
  • Herbs: Add fresh dill or chives to enhance the flavor profile.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Trim the Asparagus:
    • Rinse the asparagus thoroughly and cut off about 1.2 inches from the tough bottom ends. If desired, peel the lower third of the stalks with a vegetable peeler for extra tenderness.
  2. Slice the Radishes and Onions:
    • Rinse the radishes and slice them thinly.
    • Trim and rinse the green onions. Thinly slice the green parts, and chop the white part of one onion finely.

Step 2: Sauté or Grill the Asparagus

  1. Heat some of the butter (about 1 tablespoon) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the asparagus and sauté for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until slightly charred and tender but still crisp.
  3. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. Alternatively, grill the asparagus for a smokier flavor.

Step 3: Brown the Butter

  1. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped white onion and let it simmer gently.
  3. Watch carefully as the butter turns a golden caramel color and gives off a nutty aroma (this takes 3–5 minutes). Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

  1. Arrange the roasted asparagus on a serving platter or individual plates.
  2. Top with smoked salmon pieces, sliced radishes, and the green parts of the onions.
  3. Drizzle the browned butter (with the onion bits) evenly over the top.

Step 5: Serve

Serve warm as a standalone dish or alongside crusty bread or roasted potatoes for a heartier meal. Enjoy the perfect blend of textures and flavors!

Cooking Times

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Leftovers and Storage

  • Asparagus: Store any leftover asparagus and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat asparagus in a skillet over medium heat or enjoy it cold as part of a salad.
  • Butter: Store any leftover browned butter in a jar in the fridge. It can be used for other dishes like pasta or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

This Roasted Asparagus with Smoked Salmon, Radishes, and Browned Butter is a dish that combines elegance with simplicity. The rich, nutty flavor of browned butter complements the freshness of the vegetables and the smoky salmon perfectly. Whether you’re making this for a dinner party or a weeknight treat, it’s guaranteed to impress. Let me know how yours turned out, and feel free to share any twists you added in the comments below. 😊

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