Rice and Asparagus Recipe with Lemon Butter Sauce

Topped with a zesty, lemon butter sauce, asparagus and peas, this tasty, whole grain brown rice dish is a fresh and flavorful side.

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Rice and Asparagus Recipe with Lemon Butter Sauce

Cooking time
PREP TIME 15 mins
Cooking time
COOK TIME 10 mins
Servings
SERVES 4
Ready in
TOTAL TIME 25 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 bag Success® Brown Rice
  • 1/2 lb asparagus, woody ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup frozen or fresh-shelled peas
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup butter, cut into cubes
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill

Instructions

  • Ready in less than 30 minutes, this delicious and zesty dish is perfect for your next family gathering, weeknight dinner or, as a filling vegetarian lunch!

    Step 1

  • Prepare rice according to package directions. Add asparagus and peas to boiling water with rice for the last 2 minutes of cooking, or until fork tender. Drain well.

    Step 2

  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan set over medium heat, bring cream to a boil. Cook until reduced by half, to about 2 tablespoons. Reduce heat to low and remove pan from heat. Whisk in butter, one cube at a time, allowing each piece to incorporate before adding the next one. Place the saucepan back and forth over the heat as needed, until the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 3 to 5 minutes. (If the heat is too high the sauce will separate.) Stir in shallots, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

    Step 3

  • Stir asparagus and peas into butter sauce. Spoon over rice and sprinkle with chives and dill.

    Recipe Tip

  • If you don’t have dill on hand, feel free to garnish the rice with parsley, tarragon or basil, instead.

Side Dish Upgrade 

This hassle-free side dish is a step above the classic asparagus covered in a lemon butter sauce. With added whole grain brown rice, peas and shallots, you’ll feel more satisfied with each flavorful bite. 

Wondering what you can serve with this dish? You’ll be happy to learn that this delicious side is incredibly versatile! It goes well with fish, such as salmon, tilapia or cod, and also pairs nicely with roast chicken, ham, beef or lamb. Looking for a vegetarian option? This side is delicious with meat-free alternatives like tofu and tempeh. 

Looking for more tasty, whole grain sides? Try out this Sesame Brown Rice Salad topped with an Asian-inspired sesame and soy sauce vinaigrette.

The Secret is in the Sauce 

One of the key elements of this tasty dish is the creamy lemon butter sauce. To make the best sauce, we suggest that you gather all of your ingredients near to your saucepan before you start. Once your sauce has reached the creamy, smooth consistency you’re looking for, it’s time to pour it over your fluffy brown rice, top it with herbs and enjoy!

Ready in just 10 minutes, our Success® Boil-in-Bag Brown Rice, makes it easy to create tasty, impressive, hassle-free dishes in no time.