Asparagus With Toasted Sesame Aioli Recipes

ASPARAGUS WITH TOASTED SESAME AIOLI

Steps:

• Steam the asparagus in a covered steamer over boiling water until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes.
• Or, put the asparagus in a microwave-proof dish; add about 2 tablespoons water.
• Cover tightly and microwave on high for about 3 minutes, or until crisp-tender.
• Drain well.
• Rinse with cold water and drain again.
• Meanwhile, make the aioli:.
• Stir together all the aioli ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
• To serve, arrange the asparagus spears in a tall, clear glass container. Spoon the sauce into a radicchio leaf or small dish, garnish with sesame seeds, and place nearby for dipping.

ROASTED SESAME ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
• Rinse asparagus and pat dry.
• Place on jelly roll pan or a pan with sides.
• Drizzle sesame oil onto asparagus, tossing to coat, then sprinkle with kosher salt.
• Roast for 10 - 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the asparagus. I like the ends to be a little crispy.

TENDER CRISP BALSAMIC SESAME ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Heat the olive and sesame oils together in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Meanwhile, cut tough ends off the asparagus and wash. Let dry for a few seconds on a paper towel.
• Place asparagus spears in hot oil all spread out so they are not on top of each other. Roll spears around to coat with oil, then add balsamic vinegar and roll again.
• Sprinkle salt and pepper over spears and cook over medium heat about 5 minutes, rolling spears around in pan once or twice for even cooking.
• Add water and turn down heat to medium low. Cover and let steam until tender crisp. Do not overcook. Spears should be a bright green color. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if you desire. Serve immediately.

ASPARAGUS WITH ROASTED-GARLIC AïOLI

Steps:

• Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 400°F.
• Cut off and discard tops of garlic heads to expose cloves, then brush each head with 1/2 tablespoon oil. Wrap heads together in foil and bake until tender, about 45 minutes. Cool to warm.
• Squeeze garlic from skins into a food processor and purée with mayonnaise, vinegar, pepper, and salt. Transfer aioli to a bowl and stir in chives.
• Peel lower two thirds of each asparagus stalk with a vegetable peeler. Cook asparagus in a wide 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water, uncovered, until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well in a colander and rinse under cold water until asparagus is cool. Drain and pat dry with paper towels. Serve asparagus with roasted-garlic aioli.

ASPARAGUS WITH SESAME SEEDS

Steps:

• Place the asparagus in a steamer basket; place in a saucepan over 1 in. of water. Bring to a boil; cover and steam for 4-5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Transfer to a serving dish. Combine the water, soy sauce, oil, salt and pepper; drizzle over asparagus. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

SAUTEED ASPARAGUS WITH SESAME SEEDS

Steps:

• Trim any tough ends from the asparagus stalks. Cut into 1 inch pieces on the diagonal.
• Heat butter in a skillet and cook the asparagus about 1 minutes, tossing and shaking to cook evenly. Sprinkle with sugar and cook, while tossing, about 30 seconds more. Sprinkle with soy sauce and continue cooking another 30 seconds being careful not to overcook.
• Meanwhile heat the sesame seeds in a dry skillet also shaking and stirring. Remove from heat when they begin to turn golden.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds over asparagus and serve.

CHILLED ASPARAGUS WITH SESAME VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Cook asparagus in a large skillet of boiling, salted water until just crisp-tender, about 4 minutes.
• Drain; rinse with cold water and drain well.
• Pat dry with paper towels.
• Arrange on a platter.
• Mix sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar in a small bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• (Asparagus and sauce can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover separately and refrigerate.) To serve, spoon dressing over asparagus, sprinkle with toasted sesame seed and serve.

GRILLED ASPARAGUS WITH SAFFRON AIOLI

Steps:

• For Aioli: Whisk vinegar, honey, and saffron threads in heavy small saucepan over medium-high heat.
• Bring to a boil and remove from heat.
• Cool completely.
• Mix mayonnaise and garlic in medium bowl to blend.
• Mix in cooled vinegar mixture.
• Season aioli to taste with salt and pepper.
• (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.).
• For Asparagus: Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat.) Toss asparagus with oil on rimmed baking sheet.
• Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Grill asparagus until crisp-tender, turning occasionally, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer to platter.
• Drizzle aioli over asparagus.
• Sprinkle with bell pepper.