Crispy Asparagus Sticks with Bacon Mayonnaise Dressing

• asparagus↗2 пучки bunches

  approximately 20 stems total

• all-purpose flour↗
• eggs↗3
• parmesan↗50g g

  finely grated

• panko↗50g g

  bread crumbs

• olive oil↗4 ст. л. tbsp
• smoked streak bacon↗250g g
• sunflower oil↗2 ст. л. tbsp

  plus extra for frying

• egg↗1

  plus 1 yolk (from previous)

• mustard↗1 ст. л. tbsp
• apple cider vinegar↗1 ст. л. tbsp

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Separate one egg: place the white in a bowl and keep the yolk for the mayonnaise. In another bowl beat the remaining two eggs with a fork. Prepare the bacon: cut it into thin strips, heat olive oil in a pan, add the bacon and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes until golden‑brown and crisp. Strain the melted fat through a metal sieve into a jug, measure about 200 ml; add more oil if needed and let cool for 10 minutes.

2. 2

   In a bowl with the yolk and mustard, whisk with a whisk until smooth, then gradually pour in the warm bacon fat, first dropwise then in a thin stream, whisking constantly. When the mixture thickens, add apple cider vinegar, minced bacon and season with salt and black pepper to taste. The finished dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

3. 3

   Trim the asparagus by cutting off the tough ends (the trimmings can be used for stock). Prepare three shallow dishes: the first with flour, the second with beaten eggs, the third with a mixture of grated parmesan and panko. Coat each spear first in flour, then in egg, and finally in the cheese breadcrumb mixture. Place the ready sticks on a plate; if needed, cover with a lid and keep in the refrigerator until baking.

4. 4

   Preheat the oven to 220 °C (200 °C for convection, gas 7). Grease a baking tray with olive oil (a Swiss roll pan works well) and place it in the oven to heat the oil. Carefully arrange the asparagus sticks in a single layer, then turn them over. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the breadcrumb coating turns golden and crisp. Let cool slightly and serve with the bacon mayonnaise dressing for dipping.

5. 5

   Enjoy the aromatic, crunchy snack that combines the freshness of asparagus with the rich flavor of bacon.