Asparagus With Gingered Orange Sesame Dressing Recipes

SIMPLE SPICY ASPARAGUS IN A WOK

Steps:

• Snap off and discard bottoms of asparagus, then cut into 2-inch pieces (halve thicker pieces lengthwise first).
• Set wok over high heat and add vegetable oil. Add dried peppers and let sizzle, then add asparagus, tossing well to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for a minute or so, then add chile paste, garlic, ginger, orange zest and jalapeño. Continue cooking over high heat for a minute, maybe less, until asparagus is cooked but still firm and bright green. (It will continue cooking off the heat.)
• Mound asparagus on a serving platter and drizzle with sesame oil. Sprinkle cilantro, green onion and sesame seeds over the top.

COLD ASPARAGUS WITH SESAME GINGER VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Bring lightly salted water to a boil in a medium skillet, add asparagus and cook until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
• Immerse asparagus in ice water to stop the cooking.
• Pat dry and arrange on a platter. Chill.
• Just before serving, mix together the dressing ingredients and pour evenly over the asparagus. Serve on a platter.

SESAME GINGER SAUCE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mustard, sesame oil, ginger root, and water.

ASPARAGUS WITH GINGERED ORANGE-SESAME DRESSING

Steps:

• Cook asparagus in a large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Drain. Transfer to bowl of ice water and cool. Drain and pat dry.
• Stir sesame seeds in a heavy small skillet over low heat until light brown, about 3 minutes; transfer to a small bowl.
• Whisk vinegar, mustard, soy sauce, ginger, orange peel and garlic in another small bowl. Gradually whisk in both oils. Season vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper.
• Arrange asparagus on plates. Spoon vinaigrette over. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.