Before I went away to Philly the weather around here had turned positively tropical. Those who have followed this blog for awhile know that when it gets warm outside I start to grill (actually . . . I grill year around, just a whole lot more when it is warm). One of my favourite things to grill are vegetables - roasting brings out a lovely sweetness from the natural sugars so grilling brings a cool sweetness AND smokiness - a wonderful combination.
This was at the easiest and tastiest asparagus recipe that I have made in a while - even with the crap asparagus we get in from Mexico and Peru at this time of the year. This was definitely easy to make and the sauce was so simple, yet so flavorful! I liked that it didn't require ingredients that I had to run out and buy - everything was in the pantry.
If you're bored with your regular asparagus recipes or you just want to try something exciting and new you'll want to give this a try!
Sesame Grilled Asparagus
Wooden toothpicks or bamboo skewers
1 pound asparagus
2 tablespoons dark sesame oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Salt and black pepper
In a shallow pan, soak skewers in cold water for 1 hour, then drain and set aside.
Preheat grill to high. Snap off the woody bases of the asparagus and discard. Skewer 4 or 5 asparagus spears together, using the toothpicks or 2 bamboo skewers, forming a raft shape.
In a small bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, and garlic and stir with a fork to mix. Brush this mixture on the asparagus rafts on both sides. Season the asparagus with a little salt and lots of pepper.
When ready to cook, place the asparagus rafts on the hot grate and grill until nicely browned on both sides, 2 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds as they grill. You can serve the asparagus as rafts or unskewered.
Looks simply delicious and beautiful. Will give this version a try. I really should plant this in a corner of the yard because we eat it constantly.
Posted by: Kayte | March 29, 2012 at 07:51 PM
It's a shame that asparagus has such a short growing season!!! I'd like to be able to head out to the garden with my knife and get some fresh from the earth.
Posted by: JDeQ | April 01, 2012 at 07:27 AM