Asparagus With Toasted Sesame Aioli
"Here's a great appetizer for springtime entertaining. The bold, toasty sesame oil adds depth to the classic garlic-lemon sauce. Arrange the crisp-tender asparagus spears, tips up, in a tall, clear glass, with the sesame sauce nearby, served in a radicchio leaf cup to add color. The asparagus can be cooked up to 1 day in advance. The sauce will keep for up to 1 week in a covered container in the refrigerator. Bring both to room temperature for serving."
photo by kiwidutch
- Ready In:
- 20mins
- Ingredients:
- 10
- Serves:
-
4
ingredients
- 16 medium-thick asparagus spears (about 12 ounces, trimmed to even lengths)
-
Toasted Sesame Aioli
- 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon dark sesame oil (Asian)
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1⁄2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 leaf radicchio (optional)
- toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
directions
- 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.
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Reviews
-
I served this with fish and a bean dish done asian style and it fitted in wonderfully. Dh was less enthusiastic becuase the aioli was not sweet enough for him, he said it was a little too sour. I would agree with him .. to a point, this was never meant to be a sweet dish after all. I served this wilh baby asparagus tips and it was a nice accompyment to our meal. Made for Zaar World Tour 2008. Thanks! -
ZWT4: Excellent! I served this alongside of a Thai chicken dish - yum!! I loved this asparagus!! I can't wait to make it again!
RECIPE SUBMITTED BY
CookingONTheSide
Carnegie, Pennsylvania
I want to thank all of you who review the recipes I post - good or bad. It's always good to get feedback and helpful tips and I really appreciate them all! I try to send a note when someone reviews one of my recipes, but I don't always get the chance. Please know that I really enjoy reading the reviews. I also love all the photos everyone posts, too! Thanks so much. Happy Cooking!
