Sesame Asparagus

I think the only thing worse than having to go out on a rainy day is having to go out on a horribly windy day.

It’s sooooo windy here today, and being from Oklahoma, I know what a really windy day looks like.  Not fun.

I am happy that’s it’s warm though! I love the days when it suddenly gets warm in the spring (as opposed to the days when it suddenly gets cold. not a fan.). It would be a great day if it weren’t for the wind, but such is life.

I really hope the weather this Saturday is good! It’s going to be our one-year anniversary, and although we haven’t decided for sure what we’re going to do yet, it’ll be a drag if it rains. We’ll probably go to Tokyo and do something there.

Quick side dish for you today!

If you’re wondering what’s a good side dish for an Asian-themed dinner (or something like yesterday’s teriyaki salmon), this sesame asparagus is a great pick. It’s super easy to make, and if you like sesame, you’ll love this dish!

You can also make this with vegetables besides asparagus. I’ve also used green beans for this recipe, but I think it would also work for steamed broccoli, steamed spinach, sugar snap peas, etc. Be creative!

First, put a bot of water on to boil. Wash your asparagus, and cut it into 1 1/2 – 2 inch pieces.

Boil the asparagus just until tender, about 3 – 4 minutes. Drain, and place asparagus in individual serving dishes.

In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp soy sauce.

Add 2 – 3 Tbsp ground white sesame seeds, and mix. If you can’t find ground sesame, toast regular sesame seeds, and then grind them in a food processor or with a mortar and pestle. You can use whole sesame seeds, but grinding them brings out the sesame flavor more.

When the sauce is mixed, spoon it over the asparagus and serve.

A nice way to include more veggies in your diet with fresh spring veggies!

Sesame Asparagus

• 1 bunch of asparagus
• 2 – 3 Tbsp ground white sesame seeds
• 1 Tbsp. sesame oil
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 Tbsp. soy sauce

1. Put a pot of water on to boil. Wash asparagus and cut into 1 1/2 – 2 inch pieces. Boil asparagus pieces just until tender, 3 – 4 minutes. Drain and place asparagus into separate serving dishes.
2. In a small bowl, combing sesame oil, sugar, soy sauce, and ground sesame seeds.
3. Spoon sesame mixture over asparagus and serve.