Monday, October 08, 2007

Asparagus Sesame Delight

When I started my kids at preschool for a few hours a week this fall, I thought that would free up some time from my crazy schedule. But that was wishful thinking. Have been spending the first week at Starbucks mobbing, the second week home attending to a sick family including myself. Now the third week's here and I still haven't gotten to my halloween projects. Maybe I should take up a time mangement course. If I ever find the time!

So this week I have been preparing simple dinners like bbq-ing meat dishes since the weather have been cold and dry. Have been preparing the side dishes over the stove, and one of the more favorable vegetable dishes that was also family-approved was this easy asparagus side dish. I made it twice so far, and added chicken in the second time I stir-fried it for a complete meal, and it was delightful both ways. Adapted this recipe from Jamie Elizabeth Flick of Staten Island, NY and was published in Bon Appetite.

3 tablespoons light soy sauce
3 teaspoons sugar
3 tablespoons oriental sesame oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 pounds asparagus, ends trimmed, cut on diagonal into 2-inch-long pieces
4 teaspoons sesame seeds

Stir soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil in small bowl until sugar dissolves. Heat oil in heavy large skillet. Add garlic and stir 15-20 seconds. Add asparagus and stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 4-5 minutes. Add soy mixture and toss until asparagus is coated, about 1 minute longer. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl; sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.Note: A simple, healthy and tasty side dish that can be whipped up in no time. If only more dishes can be done that way. This recipe will be good for french cut green beans too!

15 comments:

Big Boys Oven said...

the best way to dish the out....do delicious and simple!

KellytheCulinarian said...

Looks great. It's a veggie I didn't enjoy as a kid, but I do now.

daphne said...

hmm.. asparagus and sesame! have to try this one since asparagus is coming into season...was wondering what to do with it. thanks for sharing!

Peony said...

glad to know that you r recovering and coming out creative (like chk bun) n yummy dishes. :)

Padma said...

Wow I love asparagus in any form and your seasoning sounds delightful!

Beau Lotus 涟 said...

I love asparagus and used to cook it often too but damn painful having to peel them.

Retno Prihadana said...

Sounds easy and healthy. I´ll try this someday.

Aimée said...

He he, I know what you mean about finding time. It's impossible! Yummy looking asparagus, unfortunately, it's getting pretty hard to find here as the cold weather approaches...

East Meets West Kitchen said...

Hi Big Boys Oven,
Yes, it was! :)

Hi Kelly,
I didn't enjoy asparagus as a kid either, but my kids eat them like candy! :)

Hi Daphne,
Yum! You are going to enjoy all those spring veggies soon! YAY!

Hi Peony,
Thank you! I'm can't stay away from the kitchen for long. hehe!

Hi Padma,
Thanks! You should try this if you love asparagus. :)

Hi Beau Lotus,
I know the feeling, but my kids enjoy them, so it makes me feel better about peeling them. ;)

Hi Retno Prihadana,
Yay! Try it! Try it! ;)

Hi Aimee,
Yes, I don't know how seasoned moms do all that they do. I must have forgotten the supermom cape when I left the hospital with my babies! I go the the grocer guy and ask them if they have it, and sometimes they have a few in the back. I think this will good with green beans too!

tigerfish said...

Simple dishes are the best, dear.

Cynthia said...

That's what always happens, as soon as you think you've freed up some time, something invariably turns up to take away that time.

Little Corner of Mine said...

Glad to hear you all are on the road to recover. I love esparagus too! Remember to take pictures this Sat. ya! ;)

Cris said...

Our kitchens are in sync! Made aspargus with fish this week! These look so good!

Anonymous said...

Looks absolutely delicious.

Are asparagus pretty cheap there?

East Meets West Kitchen said...

Hi Tigerfish,
Yes, you're right, dear. ;)

Hi Cynthia,
So true. At this rate, I'll always be busy! :)

Hey C,
Guess what? They have runny noses today again! Hope it's just allergies.
Yes, Will take pictures of me busy cleaning fish tanks. haha!

Hi Cris,
We do cook in sync, and that's great!

Hi Judy,
Asparagus are resonable in the spring and summer. They are usually imported this time of year, and a little more spendy.