SMOKED SALMON WRAPPED WHITE ASPARAGUS

Smoked Salmon Wrapped White Asparagus image

Provided by Robert Irvine : Food Network

Time 25m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

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1 bunch white asparagus
2 quarts vegetable oil
1 cup cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 pound smoked salmon, chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper blend
1 lemon, zested
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon minced thyme leaves
1 teaspoon minced parsley leaves
2 tablespoons truffle oil
Chopped herbs of choice, for garnish

Steps:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium heat. Prepare the asparagus by breaking off any tough bottom sections, rinse well and add to the boiling water for 2 minutes. Remove the asparagus and submerge in an ice bath, to stop the cooking process.
Preheat the vegetable oil in large deep pot to 350 degrees F.
In a standing mixer with paddle attachment, add the cream cheese and blend until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn the mixer off and add the salmon, salt and pepper blend and the lemon zest and mix for additional 2 minutes. Remove the mixture from the mixer to a small bowl. Apply the softened salmon cream cheese to the exterior portion of the asparagus, leaving the top 1-inch exposed. In a small bowl, blend the panko, thyme, and parsley. Roll the cheesed asparagus into the bread crumbs until well coated. Carefully add the asparagus, in batches, to the oil and fry until golden brown about 2 to 3 minutes. Once cooked, remove asparagus from oil and allow to drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Arrange the asparagus on a serving dish, drizzle with the truffle oil and garnish with herbs of choice.