20 Best Sauces For Asparagus

Find the best sauces for asparagus here, along with our recommended choices and tips on picking the perfect sauce to enhance the flavor of your favorite veggie. 

Asparagus, a slender green vegetable that signifies the beginning of spring, has long been celebrated for its tender shoots and distinct flavor. While asparagus is delectable on its own, it can be made even more appetizing with the addition of a well-matched sauce. 

The right sauce can enhance the natural flavors of the asparagus and transform the vegetable into a gourmet treat. Whether grilled, roasted, steamed, or blanched, here’s a compilation of the best sauces for asparagus:

Top 5 Recipe Picks

No time to lose? Let’s make it quick. Here are the faves:

• #2 Lemon Butter Sauce is bright and citrusy, with a rich note. 
• #6 Tarragon Mustard Sauce has a smooth, creamy consistency with a slight tang. 
• Making #11 Roasted Garlic Hummus is easy and allows for personal taste adjustments. 
• #13 Pesto Mayo contrasts nicely with the firm, crunchy texture of the asparagus.
• #19 Avocado Lime Crema offers every bite a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor.

Best Sauces For Asparagus

1. Hollandaise Sauce

Hollandaise is a rich, buttery sauce that complements the delicate flavor of asparagus. The two flavors blend well, with the rich taste of the hollandaise sauce offsetting the bitter note of the asparagus.

2. Lemon Butter Sauce

Asparagus has a slightly bitter flavor, which can be off-putting to some people. The tart taste of the lemon juice in the sauce helps to balance out this bitter taste, making the asparagus more palatable.

3. Béarnaise Sauce

When béarnaise sauce is drizzled over asparagus, the two flavors come together perfectly. The rich flavor of the sauce cuts through the bitter taste of the asparagus, while the herbs add complexity and a fresh touch.

4. Garlic Aioli

Garlic aioli is a mayonnaise-based sauce flavored with garlic, lemon juice, and salt. The garlic in the aioli gives it a strong, pungent flavor that pairs well with the delicate flavor of asparagus.

5. Parmesan Cream Sauce

Parmesan Cream Sauce blends perfectly with asparagus due to its rich, velvety texture and umami-packed flavor. The sauce’s creamy texture also helps soften the spears and create a smooth, velvety texture.

6. Tarragon Mustard Sauce

This versatile Tarragon Mustard Sauce can be enjoyed with various dishes, but it’s well-suited for asparagus. The sauce’s tangy and earthy flavor makes the veggie taste even better, and its creamy note makes it less bitter.

7. Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

The velvety texture of this sauce beautifully coats the tender asparagus, enhancing each bite with a burst of vibrant color. It also adds a touch of acidity, which helps brighten up the veggie flavors.

8. Pistachio Pesto

The rich taste of this Pistachio Pesto beautifully accentuates the vegetal notes of the asparagus. The green color of both ingredients also makes them a visually appealing combination.

9. White Wine Butter Sauce

The flavors of white wine butter sauce and asparagus are complementary. The sauce’s light, buttery flavor is not overpowering and allows the asparagus’s natural flavor to shine through.

10. Honey Mustard Sauce

Honey mustard sauce is a combination of sweet honey and tangy mustard, which beautifully enhances the mild, grassy flavor of asparagus. The mustard also helps to tenderize the veggie, making it easier to eat.

11. Roasted Garlic Hummus

Roasted Garlic Hummus, with its velvety texture and rich, earthy flavor, forms a harmonious union with asparagus. The nutty taste of the hummus elegantly enhances the tender, slightly crisp asparagus spears.

12. Blue Cheese Sauce

This Blue Cheese Sauce uses high-quality ingredients, and the preparation is straightforward. The blue cheese sauce’s creamy texture also helps coat the asparagus and make it more palatable.

13. Pesto Mayo

This pesto mayo only has two ingredients, so it’s easy to make at home. Its bright green color and the tender spears of asparagus make for a visually stunning presentation.

14. Truffle Aioli

The creamy consistency of this aioli adds a luscious contrast to the crisp-tender asparagus spears, while its rich, earthy notes enhance the fresh and nutty taste of asparagus even better.

15. Mango Salsa

The combination of flavors in this mango salsa creates a delicious and refreshing accompaniment to asparagus. The soft, juicy mango also contrasts with the crunchy spears of asparagus.

16. Orange Ginger Sauce

This sauce can be drizzled over roasted, steamed, or grilled asparagus. The bright, tangy essence of oranges dances alongside the earthy, tender nature of asparagus, creating a remarkable interplay on the palate.

17. Thai Peanut Sauce

Thai peanut sauce is made with peanut butter, which is naturally sweet and nutty. This complements the slightly bitter and grassy flavor of asparagus.

18. Basil Walnut Pesto

Basil is a classic ingredient in pesto, and it pairs well with asparagus as they both have a fresh, green flavor. The walnuts included also help to thicken the pesto and give it a creamy texture.

19. Avocado Lime Crema

This Avocado Lime Crema can be used as a dipping sauce for asparagus spears or can be spooned over grilled or roasted asparagus. The ingredients are all pantry staples, and the steps are easy to follow.

20. Cilantro Lime Pesto

The bright, grassy flavor of cilantro is a good match for the earthy flavor of asparagus. The lime juice also helps to preserve the pesto and keep it from browning.

Tips When Choosing Sauces For Asparagus

Picking the right sauce for asparagus can greatly enhance its flavor and complement its natural taste. Here are some tips to keep in mind when selecting sauces for asparagus:

• Start simple. Use melted butter or olive oil with sea salt and pepper.
• Consider textures. Pair with creamy sauces, like hollandaise.
• Acidity is key. Lemon juice or vinaigrette highlights asparagus’ freshness.
• Herbaceous flavors. Try sauces with basil, tarragon, or dill.
• Umami boost. Pair with soy sauce or a light miso glaze.
• Cheese choices. A light sprinkle of Parmesan or a cheese sauce can work well.
• Avoid overpowering. Steer clear of overly spicy or rich sauces.
• Nutty complements. Almond or tahini-based sauces pair nicely.
• Roasted flavors. Combine with roasted garlic aioli or sauces with charred ingredients.
• Stay seasonal. Consider sauces with ingredients in season for the best pairing.

The bottom line

Asparagus is a flexible vegetable that pairs well with a wide range of sauces to suit various tastes. Whether you’re a fan of classic choices like Hollandaise or eager to try something new, like orange ginger glaze, there’s a perfect match for you. Whatever sauce you choose, ensure it complements the asparagus without overwhelming its natural flavor.

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