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Parmesan Crusted Asparagus

Enjoy a delightful blend of crunchy asparagus and rich Parmesan cheese in this easy, budget-friendly dish that's perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Asparagus Preparation
  • 1 pound fresh asparagus Opt for firm, vibrant green spears.
Breading Mixture
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour For a healthier option, consider whole wheat or almond flour.
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use freshly grated for better flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt Can substitute with a mix of regular salt and garlic powder.
Dipping Setup
  • 2 cups buttermilk Can be substituted with plant-based milk mixed with vinegar.
  • Oil for frying Use vegetable, corn, or cottonseed oil, avoid strong oils.
  • Ranch dipping sauce (optional) Consider garlic aioli or zesty lemon yogurt for variety.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Trim the bottom inch of each asparagus spear and save trimmings for soup.
  2. In a shallow bowl, mix flour, seasoned salt, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan.
  3. Pour buttermilk into a second shallow dish for dipping.
Coating and Frying
  1. Coat each asparagus spear with flour mixture, dip in buttermilk, and dredge in flour mixture again.
  2. Let coated asparagus rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes to help batter adhere.
  3. Heat oil in a deep frying vessel to 350°F.
  4. Fry asparagus spears in batches for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
  5. Drain the asparagus on a wire rack, and sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top while hot.
Serving
  1. Serve hot with optional dipping sauces and lemon wedges.

Notes

For best crispiness, serve hot or warm. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.