Pencil Thin Asparagus And Scallions Recipes

PERFECT ROASTED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus (if you sharply bend the asparagus near the base, it will snap in the right place). Discard the ends.
• Place the asparagus on the sheet and drizzle with 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil, just enough to lightly coat the asparagus. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the asparagus, and toss until the spears are lightly coated in oil. Arrange the spears in a single layer on the pan.
• Bake just until the base of the asparagus is easily pierced through by a fork. Very thin asparagus, like the kind shown here, will take as little as 9 to 12 minutes, whereas thicker asparagus will need 15 to 20 minutes.
• Transfer the roasted asparagus to a serving platter and season however you'd like. You could keep it simple with a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of Parmesan, or add a pat of butter or drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
• Roasted asparagus is best served when it's fresh out of the oven, but it will keep at room temperature for up to 1 hour or up to 4 days in the refrigerator (gently reheat before serving).

THE BEST GRILLED ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Prepare a grill for medium heat. Chop the tough, woody ends off the asparagus (about 1 inch) and peel another inch of the stalks.
• Whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper together in a large bowl. Add the asparagus and toss until well coated.
• Put the asparagus on the grill at an angle so the stalks don't fall through the grates. Grill, flipping halfway through cooking, until the asparagus begin to char, the pointy ends start to crisp and the stalks are just tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove to a platter and sprinkle with the feta and mint.

PENCIL-THIN ASPARAGUS AND SCALLIONS

Steps:

• In a kettle of boiling salted water cook asparagus until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Remove asparagus with tongs and immediately plunge into a bowl of ice and cold water. In water in kettle cook whole scallions until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Remove scallions with tongs and immediately plunge into bowl of ice and cold water. Drain asparagus and scallions on paper towels. Asparagus and scallions may be prepared up to this point 1 day in advance and kept covered and chilled.
• In a large non-stick skillet sauté minced scallion in butter over moderately high heat until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in asparagus, whole scallions, and salt and pepper to taste and sauté, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 5 minutes.

STIR-FRIED PORK WITH ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Have all the ingredients ready, including cooked white rice if you're planning to serve it. Preheat a large skillet over high heat for about 2 minutes. Immediately add half the peanut oil, the chiles if you're using them, and the pork, spreading it in one even layer. Cook, stirring only occasionally, until the pork browns, about 3 minutes. Transfer the pork to a bowl (discard the chiles) and lower the heat slightly.
• Add the remaining oil and the asparagus to the skillet. Again, cook, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus turns bright green and begins to become tender, 3 or 4 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, and scallion and cook, stirring once or twice, for 30 seconds.
• Add the stock and soy sauce, stir, and cook for 15 seconds. Add the sesame oil if you like and serve.

BLACK PEPPER STIR-FRIED TOFU AND ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon black pepper and 2 tablespoons of water. In a large nonstick skillet, combine tofu and half of the black pepper sauce, and season with salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce has thickened and nicely coats the tofu, about 5 minutes. Slide glazed tofu and any sauce out onto a rimmed plate.
• Wipe or rinse out the skillet and heat oil over medium. Add shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 2 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, and stir until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add asparagus and snap peas, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Add scallions, the remaining black pepper sauce and the tofu, and cook, stirring, until vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce. Stir in cilantro, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Divide tofu and vegetables among plates and spoon over any remaining pan sauce. Serve with rice.

ROASTED ASPARAGUS AND SCALLION SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a small pot of heavily salted water to a boil, stir in freekeh or farro, cover, and simmer until al dente, 20 to 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together 2 teaspoons soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and pinch salt and pepper. Drizzle in 3 tablespoons oil, whisking constantly.
• Drain freekeh and stir immediately into dressing while still warm.
• Heat oven to 425 degrees. Spread asparagus and scallions over a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle liberally with oil, 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to combine, then arrange in a single layer. Roast until they start to char in spots, about 20 minutes. Let cool slightly: The asparagus are best while still a little warm but not hot enough to wilt the greens.
• Toss salad greens in the bowl with freekeh and dressing until leaves are coated, and transfer to serving platter. Top with roasted asparagus and scallions, shave cheese over salad if you like, and serve.