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Sesame Asparagus Salad

Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp honey good quality honey works best.
  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar white vinegar works as a substitute.
  • 3 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce use reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a lighter option.
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 lb thin asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Wash and prepare asparagus by removing about 1-inch off the bottom, to remove the tough part. Cut into 2-inch pieces.
  • Bring a pot of water to a boil.

Make the dressing

  • Heat the honey in a small pan until it turns liquid and a golden brown colour.
  • Remove from the heat and carefully add the vinegar. Stir to combine and return to the heat. Simmer to reduce for about one minute.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together sesame oil, soy sauce, red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt. Add the honey mixture and stir to combine.

Cook the asparagus (blanch)

  • We're going to blanch the asparagus. This is a great technique that quick cooks your vegetables and then halts the process using an ice cold bowl of water. It's a delicious way to prepare asparagus, whether you're eating them plain or with a dressing!
  • Fill a large bowl halfway with water and ice cubes.
  • Add salt to boiling water until it very salty
  • Add the asparagus and cook until bright green, but still crunchy. About 1 minute for thin spears, and 1 1/2 to 2 minutes for thicker ones.
  • Using a spoon, remove the asparagus from boiling water and add them to the ice bath. Move them around to accelerate the cooling process. Leave for a few minutes to fully cool.
  • Taste them to make sure crunchy and cool. Drain from the water. Pat them dry.

Make the salad

  • Toss the asparagus sesame seeds and dressing together. Refrigerate for an hour before serving for best result.