Rather than doing my usual asparagus with lemon or Parmesan I decided to branch out and use Asian flavours on the asparagus. I was very pleased with the result. Because of the grill the sesame oil wasn’t overpowering but rather added a nutty, smokey flavour to each asparagus spear.
Unfortunately, not everyone was as enthusiastic. Do you ever produce a recipe you love only to hear from your family, “this is great, but what was wrong with your regular recipe?”
I get this a lot.
Classics and household favorites seem to meet the most resistance when changed. I have tried at least half a dozen different bolognese recipes over the years to find the one I like best. It doesn’t matter though, J likes the original. The bolognese I used to make.
So last weekend I broke the rules and made a different grilled asparagus recipe. Life is hard people. Change is good. Suck it up.
[print_this]Grilled Sesame Asparagus Recipe
(serves 2-4)
1 large bunch asparagus
3 tablespoons tamari (or light soy sauce)
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Wash the asparagus and break off the woody ends. Dry thoroughly. Whisk together tamari, sesame oil and sesame seeds in a large bowl and toss with asparagus.
Heat grill to medium high heat. Oil grill with vegetable oil. Remove asparagus from marinade and place on grill. Grill for ~4 minutes, then roll asparagus over to get the other side. You don’t have to be too fussy. Grill for another 4 minutes. They should be a bit charred but still slightly firm. If they aren’t quit charring yet, turn again and give them a few more minutes. Watch them carefully though.
Remove asparagus and serve immediately, you can garnish with extra sesame seeds if you like.[/print_this]
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Oo! I like the tamari and sesame seeds!
Nice touch with the sesame seeds!
Old habits die hard I guess. At least for some of us. (Not me. I’m all for change when it comes to dinner!)
Love the Asian flavors!
Belinda – I love tamari, easier on my digestion too!
Maria – thanks, garnish is so easy and goes along way.
Joanne – Excellent. You should come over and talk to my boyfriend.
This looks great! I love Asparagus!
I love the smoky bitterness grilled gives to asparagus and the simmple dressing to go with is just perfect!!!
I love the smoky bitterness grilled gives to asparagus and the simmple dressing to go with is just perfect!!!
Oh I wouldn’t definitely say that (I mean your family comment)! I make pretty similar dressing for roasted brocoli (you get a good quality asparagus in Finland maybe just several time a year
and its delicious! I just instead of sprinkling the seasam seeds add them a bit more and crush to make crunchy paste and add a bit of Mirin – It’s such a wonderful flavor, I would enjoy your asparagus so much!
No Onion Please – this sounds great! I will have to pick up some mirin.