Asparagus with Bacon-Hazelnut Vinaigrette and Slow-Cooked Egg Recipe

By
J. Kenji López-Alt
Kenji Lopez Alt
Culinary Consultant
Kenji is the former culinary director for Serious Eats and a current culinary consultant for the site. He is also a New York Times food columnist and the author of The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science.
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Updated August 25, 2020
J. Kenji Lopez-Alt

Note: This recipe requires the use of a temperature-controlled water bath like the Sous-Vide Supreme or an equivalent.

Recipe Details

Asparagus with Bacon-Hazelnut Vinaigrette and Slow-Cooked Egg Recipe

Cook 50 mins
Total 50 mins
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 pounds thick asparagus, trimmed and peeled
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 3/4 cup hazelnuts, peeled, toasted, and roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat water oven to 142°F. Place eggs in water bath and cook at least 45 minutes, and up to 4 hours.

  2. Meanwhile, place bacon in heavy-bottomed 10-inch skillet and cover with 1/2 cup water. Place over burner on medium high heat and cook, stirring occasionally until water has evaporated and bacon has crisped, about 10 minutes. Transfer bacon and fat to medium bowl. Add hazelnuts, honey, mustard, olive oil, and vinegar. Whisk vigorously to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.

  3. Bring 4 quarts of water with 4 tablespoons kosher salt to a rolling boil in large Dutch Oven. Add peeled asparagus and cook until bright green and tender but still crisp, 2 to 5 minutes depending on thickness. Drain asparagus and set on serving plate.

  4. Carefully crack cooked egg, and using fingertips, create a hole about 1-inch in diameter. Pour egg into small bowl, then carefully set on top of asparagus. Repeat with remaining eggs. Drizzle eggs and asparagus with bacon hazelnut vinaigrette and serve immediately.

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