Asparagus with Sesame Seeds and Soy Sauce
If you are looking for a reliable vegetable recipe, this Asparagus with Sesame Seeds and Soy Sauce is one to keep: 5 ingredients, 7 simple steps, ready in roughly 15 minutes. A hot pan and a little patience give you the kind of colour and texture that makes this dish. Below you will find the full ingredient list, the method, and a few tips we think make the difference.
- Cook 15 min
- Total 15 min
- Serves 4
- Level Easy
Ingredients
- 20 –32 asparagus spears, preferably thin
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame seed oil
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp (30 ml) sesame seed (If available, use Gomasio instead, and omit the salt), 30 ml) sesame seed (If available, use Gomasio instead, and omit the salt
- Kosher Salt
Method
- Prepare steamer and bring water to a boil.
- Trim asparagus spears in half, discarding (or composting) the thicker ends.
- Steam the asparagus for 8–10 minutes, until tender, but still crisp.
- Heat a small skillet or frying pan on medium heat. Add the sesame seeds and shake or stir. They are done when they just begin to darken and give off a pleasant toasted aroma. Be careful not to leave unattended as they can easily burn.
- Remove asparagus from steamer, shake to drain water, and arrange on serving plate.
- Drizzle the soy sauce and the sesame oil over the asparagus.
- Sprinkle with the sesame seeds, and give a very light sprinkle with the Kosher salt.
Tips for the best Asparagus with Sesame Seeds and Soy Sauce
- Rest the finished dish for a few minutes before serving — it lets the flavours settle and the texture firm up.
- Read the whole method before you start and measure out the 5 ingredients first — it keeps the pace relaxed once the heat is on.
- Taste as you go. Seasoning at the end is fine, but adjusting halfway through gives a more balanced result.
- Do not crowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed so everything browns instead of steaming.
Variations
- Vegetable boost: stir in a handful of spinach, peas or diced peppers in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spicier version: add a pinch of chilli flakes or a sliced fresh chilli with the aromatics.
Serving ideas
Serve hot with rice, potatoes or crusty bread, and something green on the side.
Storage
Best eaten fresh. Leftovers keep covered in the fridge for 2 days; reheat in a hot pan or oven rather than the microwave to bring the crispness back.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Asparagus with Sesame Seeds and Soy Sauce take to make?
About 15 minutes in total — roughly under an hour of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking.
How many people does this Asparagus with Sesame Seeds and Soy Sauce recipe serve?
As written it serves 4. The quantities scale up or down in a straight line, so double everything for 4×2.
Is this Asparagus with Sesame Seeds and Soy Sauce recipe medium to make?
It is rated medium: 5 ingredients and 7 steps. Follow the order and the tips above and it is very forgiving.
Can I make Asparagus with Sesame Seeds and Soy Sauce ahead of time?
You can prep all the ingredients a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, then cook just before serving for the best texture.
Adapted from Wikibooks Cookbook, CC BY-SA 4.0 — source
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