Asian Grilled Asparagus

This is a nice way to utilize asparagus.  Here’s the recipe:

Asian Grilled Asparagus, from How to Grillby Steve Raichlen

1 lb fairly thick asparagus

2 T dark sesame oil

1 T soy sauce

1 clove garlic, minced

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 T sesame seeds (optional)

Preheat a grill.  Snap or cut off the woody bases of the asparagus.  Skewer 4 to 5 stalks together using 2 wooden bamboo skewers. 

In a small bowl, mix together sesame oil, soy sauce, and garlic together.  Brush this mixture on both sides of the asparagus and season liberally with salt and pepper.  Sprinkle with the sesame seeds, if using. 

Cook, on the grill, until nicely browned on both sides, about 2 to 4 minutes per side.  Serve immediately.

The asparagus comes out with such a nice, salty flavor and cooked just tender.  It’s a wonderful accompainment to Chinese Pork Chops.  Here’s what they looked like:

The only thing I didn’t like about this recipe was the fact that it wasn’t really that easy to skewer the asparagus.  The raw stalks didn’t take to kindly to having holes punched through them.  I might consider blanching them first next time, just so they can be more easily skewered.  The skewering really works well to control the asparagus on the grill and ensuring that they are evenly cooked.