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.
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.
(serves 2-4)
1 large bunch asparagus
3 tablespoons tamari (or light soy sauce)
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
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Grilled Fennel with Balsamic
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Grilled Beets with Balsamic and Rosemary
{ 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.