Japanese Miso Yuzu Asparagus

This Japanese Miso Yuzu Asparagus is a healthy side dish that you can add to any meal! Ready in 10 minutes, this quick salad is just the right amount of fruity, but super savory thanks to miso paste and kai dong Yuzu Sesame Dressing. It’s a perfect companion to my Miso Marinated Salmon for an easy, but super nutritious brunch. For an easy to prep side dish that stores beautifully in the fridge, you have to make this Miso Yuzu Asparagus Salad!

Miso Yuzu Asparagus: Quick Make-Ahead Side Dish

This Yuzu Miso Asparagus is a dish I tasted as part of a set in Japan, and it really blew my mind! I’ve started making this as part of my meal prep rotation whenever I’m looking to clean out my fridge. Having a set of healthy, simple side dishes prepared in the fridge helps me get all the nutrients I need without having to think too hard about what to eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, especially when I’m tired!

This type of Japanese dish is also known as Aemono, or dressed salads typically made with blanched veggies. We’re combining this blanched asparagus with a Miso Yuzu “Sumiso”, or Japanese miso vinaigrette, with tons of sesame flavor. They’re traditionally served as a side dish. Today, I’m making this as part of 3 side dishes for my Miso Marinated Salmon Brunch with a big bowl of rice.

Miso Yuzu Asparagus Salad Ingredients

Extra Tender Asparagus

Asparagus is low key a superfood. A single 1-cup serving provides over 50% of daily Vitamin K and 34% of Folate, alongside essential antioxidants like Vitamin E and Vitamin C. These nutrients work together to protect your cells from oxidative damage while supporting bone and heart health. It also supports your digestion with extra fiber!

There’s nothing worse than biting into a tough asparagus. The key to tender stalks ever time is prepping properly. I like to snap off the ends and peel the stalks, which remove that woody texture. Another hack I love is an ice bath after blanching. This stops the cooking process and keeps that beautiful bright green color.

Miso Yuzu Vinaigrette

This miso yuzu sauce is inspired by Sumiso (酢味噌), which is basically a Japanese vinaigrette with miso . It is a mix of miso paste, yuzu sesame dressing, sesame seeds, Black pepper, and sesame oil. It tastes umami-packed, super tart, tart, and packed with 3 layers of sesame flavor. It’s amazing with any vegetable, but particularly good with asparagus because the brightness tones down that naturally grassy, slightly bitter flavor. The sesame seeds also gives you a little crunch with every bite!

Instructions

1. In a pot of boiling, salted water, add oil.
2. Blanch asparagus in the pot for 2-4 minutes. 
3. immediately transfer blanched asparagus into ice-cold water.
4. Mix miso paste, yuzu sesame dressing, sesame seeds, Black pepper, and sesame oil. 
5. Drain asparagus and add into sauce. Mix well and serve.

Enjoy Asparagus Salad With These Main Dishes For A Full Meal