Almonds adds crunch and toastiness to asparagus, echoing its nutty side while improving texture.
asparagus
+ Add to WorkbenchAbout this ingredient
The young shoots of Asparagus officinalis — with a distinctive vegetal-sweet flavor from asparagine (an amino acid concentrated in the shoots), fresh grassy no…
96 pairings
Editorial
Flavor profile
Asparagus flavor depends critically on freshness: the sugars in the tip begin converting to fibrous starch within hours of harvest. The best asparagus is cooked the day it is harvested; commercial asparagus stored for days has significantly less sweetness and more woody character. Thickness is not a quality indicator — thin pencil asparagus and thick jumbo asparagus are from different cultivars, not different ages or quality levels. Peeling: thick asparagus benefits from peeling the lower half of the stalk (removing the tough exterior fiber), which allows even cooking and more tender texture throughout. Cooking methods: blanching (3–4 minutes in vigorously salted boiling water, then shocking in ice water for salads and served-cold preparations); roasting at high heat (425°F/220°C, 10–12 minutes) which caramelizes the natural sugars and creates crisp tips; shaving raw with a mandoline for delicate salads. Classic accompaniments: hollandaise, brown butter, parmesan, prosciutto, lemon, and eggs in all forms.
Pairings
Flavor relationships
Pairs well with
almonds
Almonds adds crunch and toastiness to asparagus, echoing its nutty side while improving texture.
anchovies
Anchovies works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
artichokes
Artichokes complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
basil
Basil adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
bay leaf
Bay leaf adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
beets
Beets complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
bread crumbs
Bread crumbs gives asparagus a neutral base that absorbs its flavor and turns it into a more substantial dish.
butter, brown
Butter, brown rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
butter, unsalted
Unsalted butter rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
capers
Capers brightens asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness, cutting through richness or bitterness so the dish feels lighter.
caraway seeds
Caraway seeds works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
carrots
Carrots complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
cayenne
Cayenne adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
cheese, chèvre
Cheese, chèvre rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
cheese, fontina
Cheese, fontina rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
cheese, goat
Goat cheese gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
cheese, muenster
Cheese, muenster rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
cheese, parmesan
Parmesan rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
cheese, pecorino
Cheese, pecorino rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
cheese, ricotta
Cheese, ricotta rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
cheese, romano
Cheese, romano rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
chervil
Chervil adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
chives
Chives adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
crab
Crab gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
cream, heavy
Cream, heavy rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
crème fraîche
Crème fraîche rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
dill
Dill adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
eggs
Eggs works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
fava beans
Fava beans complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
garlic
Garlic adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
ginger
Ginger adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
ham
Ham gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
hollandaise sauce
Hollandaise sauce rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
leeks
Leeks complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
lemon, juice
Lemon juice works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
lemon, zest
Lemon zest works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
lemon thyme
Lemon thyme works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
lime, juice
Lime, juice works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
lobster
Lobster gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
marsala wine
Marsala wine works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
mascarpone
Mascarpone rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
mayonnaise
Mayonnaise rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
mushrooms
Mushrooms complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
mustard, dijon
Mustard, dijon brightens asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness, cutting through richness or bitterness so the dish feels lighter.
oil, hazelnut
Oil, hazelnut adds crunch and toastiness to asparagus, echoing its nutty side while improving texture.
oil, peanut
Oil, peanut adds crunch and toastiness to asparagus, echoing its nutty side while improving texture.
oil, sesame
Oil, sesame carries asparagus's flavor and softens its sharper edges, especially in simple cooked preparations.
oil, truffle
Oil, truffle carries asparagus's flavor and softens its sharper edges, especially in simple cooked preparations.
olive oil
Olive oil carries asparagus's flavor and softens its sharper edges, especially in simple cooked preparations.
onions
Onions complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
orange
Orange works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
oysters
Oysters works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
pancetta
Pancetta gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
parsley, flat-leaf
Flat-leaf parsley adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
pasta
Pasta gives asparagus a neutral base that absorbs its flavor and turns it into a more substantial dish.
peas
Peas works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
pepper, black
Black pepper adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
pepper, white
White pepper adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
peppers, piquillo
Peppers, piquillo adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
pistachios
Pistachios adds crunch and toastiness to asparagus, echoing its nutty side while improving texture.
potatoes
Potatoes complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
prosciutto
Prosciutto gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
ramps
Ramps works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
rice and risotto
Rice and risotto gives asparagus a neutral base that absorbs its flavor and turns it into a more substantial dish.
saffron
Saffron adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
sage
Sage adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
salmon
Salmon gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
salt, kosher
Kosher salt works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
salt, sea
Sea salt works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
sauce, béchamel
Sauce, béchamel gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
sauce, brown butter
Sauce, brown butter rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
sauce, mornay
Sauce, mornay works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
savory
Savory adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
scallions
Scallions works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
sesame seeds
Sesame seeds works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
shallots
Shallots works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
shrimp
Shrimp gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
soups
Soups works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
sour cream
Sour cream rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
soy sauce
Soy sauce works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
spinach
Spinach complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
stocks, chicken
Stocks, chicken gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
stocks, vegetable
Stocks, vegetable works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
tarragon
Tarragon adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
thyme, fresh
Fresh thyme adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
tomatoes
Tomatoes complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
turnips
Turnips complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
vermouth
Vermouth works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
vinaigrette, mustard
Vinaigrette, mustard brightens asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness, cutting through richness or bitterness so the dish feels lighter.
vinaigrette, sherry
Vinaigrette, sherry works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
vinegar, champagne
Vinegar, champagne gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
vinegar, red wine
Red wine vinegar works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
vinegar, sherry
Sherry vinegar works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
vinegar, white wine
Vinegar, white wine works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
wine, dry white
Dry white wine works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
yogurt
Yogurt rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Anchovies works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Artichokes complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
Basil adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Bay leaf adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Beets complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
Bread crumbs gives asparagus a neutral base that absorbs its flavor and turns it into a more substantial dish.
Butter, brown rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Unsalted butter rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Capers brightens asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness, cutting through richness or bitterness so the dish feels lighter.
Caraway seeds works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Carrots complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
Cayenne adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Cheese, chèvre rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Cheese, fontina rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Goat cheese gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
Cheese, muenster rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Parmesan rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Cheese, pecorino rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Cheese, ricotta rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Cheese, romano rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Chervil adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Chives adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Crab gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
Cream, heavy rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Crème fraîche rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Dill adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Eggs works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Fava beans complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
Garlic adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Ginger adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Ham gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
Hollandaise sauce rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Leeks complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
Lemon juice works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Lemon zest works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Lemon thyme works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Lime, juice works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Lobster gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
Marsala wine works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Mascarpone rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Mayonnaise rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Mushrooms complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
Mustard, dijon brightens asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness, cutting through richness or bitterness so the dish feels lighter.
Oil, hazelnut adds crunch and toastiness to asparagus, echoing its nutty side while improving texture.
Oil, peanut adds crunch and toastiness to asparagus, echoing its nutty side while improving texture.
Oil, sesame carries asparagus's flavor and softens its sharper edges, especially in simple cooked preparations.
Oil, truffle carries asparagus's flavor and softens its sharper edges, especially in simple cooked preparations.
Olive oil carries asparagus's flavor and softens its sharper edges, especially in simple cooked preparations.
Onions complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
Orange works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Oysters works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Pancetta gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
Flat-leaf parsley adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Pasta gives asparagus a neutral base that absorbs its flavor and turns it into a more substantial dish.
Peas works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Black pepper adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
White pepper adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Peppers, piquillo adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Pistachios adds crunch and toastiness to asparagus, echoing its nutty side while improving texture.
Potatoes complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
Prosciutto gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
Ramps works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Rice and risotto gives asparagus a neutral base that absorbs its flavor and turns it into a more substantial dish.
Saffron adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Sage adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Salmon gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
Kosher salt works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Sea salt works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Sauce, béchamel gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
Sauce, brown butter rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Sauce, mornay works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Savory adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Scallions works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Sesame seeds works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Shallots works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Shrimp gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
Soups works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Sour cream rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.
Soy sauce works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Spinach complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
Stocks, chicken gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
Stocks, vegetable works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Tarragon adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Fresh thyme adds aromatic definition to asparagus, keeping its vegetal flavor from tasting flat.
Tomatoes complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
Turnips complements asparagus's vegetal character with another green, earthy, sweet, or bitter note.
Vermouth works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Vinaigrette, mustard brightens asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness, cutting through richness or bitterness so the dish feels lighter.
Vinaigrette, sherry works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Vinegar, champagne gives asparagus a savory partner with enough richness to make its green or nutty side stand out.
Red wine vinegar works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Sherry vinegar works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Vinegar, white wine works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Dry white wine works with asparagus by balancing its grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with contrast, richness, or freshness.
Yogurt rounds asparagus's grassy, savory vegetal sweetness with fat and softness, which is why the pairing feels comfortable in gratins, sauces, and salads.