Roasted Asparagus with Orange Ginger Glaze

“Can I have one?” asked Builder Guy and Top Gun as I took the roasted asparagus out of the oven. I handed a spear to each of them, and they noshed on it while I plated the asparagus and drizzled the orange ginger glaze on top. Roasting is one of my favorite ways to cook vegetables, and I enjoy the fresh flavor a fruity glaze adds. I’ll take a light glaze such as this over a heavy cream sauce any day. This recipe makes a family-sized amount, but you can cut it in half for a smaller group. You can also make this with green beans, if you prefer.

Always taste the marmalade first to judge the sweetness. If it’s really sweet you can omit the honey. I created this recipe using real orange marmalade made from Seville oranges (bitter oranges), so look for that in the jams and jellies section at your grocery store, or better yet, make your own orange marmalade if you have access to bitter oranges.

ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH ORANGE GINGER GLAZE

Makes about 2 pounds, serves 6.

Equipment

baking sheet
1-quart sauce pan

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil + more for the roasting
2 slices of Vidalia onion, finely chopped
1/2 inch (5 mm) fresh ginger, peeled and grated
1/2 cup (120 ml) orange marmalade
2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey (optional, more or less, to your taste)
2 pounds (~900 g) asparagus, washed, patted dry, ends trimmed
coarse sea salt or kosher salt

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 450° F/230° C.

2. While the oven heats, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the small pan over medium heat. Add the chopped Vidalia onion and sauté until the onions are soft and glistening. Add the grated ginger and cook for one more minute.

3. Add the marmalade and soy sauce. Stir and cook until the marmalade has melted and the mixture is combined. Taste for sweetness. Add honey as desired. Turn the heat down to low to keep warm.

4. Spread 3 or 4 tablespoons of olive oil around the baking sheet, then arrange the asparagus on the sheet. Brush with the olive oil, then sprinkle on some coarse sea salt.

5. Roast in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, shaking the pan and turning the spears after 6 minutes.

6. Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving plate. Pour the warm glaze on top and serve.

Variations

Cut the asparagus into 2-inch chunks and stir-fry with the onions and ginger. Add the marmalade, soy sauce, and honey and cook until the sauce comes together.

More Vegetable Recipes

More Asparagus Recipes From Around the Blogs

Kalyn’s Kitchen – Pan Fried Asparagus Tips with Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest

Karina’s Kitchen – Asparagus with Maple Tahini Dressing

Steamy Kitchen – Slow Butter Braised Asparagus

House of Annie – Quinoa Salad with Shrimp and Asparagus