I'm always looking for fresh, new ways to prepare warm weather veggies other than my go-to grilling and summer salads. Asparagus, is one of my favorites for this season, and I thought I'd share one my favorite way to prepare them...Asian style.
1. Trim the ends of a pound or two of asparagus. {doesn't everyone keep a cap-gun on their kitchen island?}
asparagus[/caption]
2. Make your sauce. You'll need soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and fresh garlic. {you all don't have stuffed bunnies either?}
3. Combine 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, drizzle of sesame oil, and 1 clove of garlic, minced.
4. Boil a big pot of water, and cook asparagus for 5 minutes, or just until fork easily pierces the ends.
5. Meanwhile, make an ice bath for your asparagus, and dunk them in immediately after cooking.
6. Drain asparagus, and place in a sealed container or ziploc bag with all the sauce. Chill.
7. Serve when chilled for at least 1 hour.
What to serve it with? Well, there's teryiaki chicken, grilled salmon, and my fave: seared ahi tuna with soba noodles.
This is how we do DIY sushi minus the rolling. We did it with sobas, but of course you can make some sushi rice.
...and, some of the men-folk around here are creative about how to put it all together, a la tuna hand roll.
Just the right combination of flavors and textures for a laid-back evening under the arbor. Don't be impressed. It's way easier than you think. Try it...you'll see! Have a fresh and flavorful Monday.