Paleo foods

Sesame Asparagus

1 bunch asparagus spears (about one pound)

1 teaspoon (5 ml) sesame oil, plus 2 teaspoons (10 ml) for coating

½ teaspoon dried marjoram

1 medium red bell pepper, seeded, deribbed and julienned

1 small clove garlic, peeled and minced

½ teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted

1. Cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces on the diagonal, discarding the tough, woody ends.
2. Heat 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of the sesame oil over medium heat in a nonstick skillet and add the marjoram.
3. Sauté the asparagus and peppers until the asparagus is dark green and still crisp, being careful not to overcook it.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat, and stir in the garlic and the remaining 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of sesame oil.
5. Garnish the asparagus and peppers with sesame seeds and serve.

NOTE: A little sesame oil goes a long way. While we are believers in guesstimating on many ingredients, be careful, as too much sesame oil can really overpower a dish.

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This sesame asparagus sautes asparagus pieces and julienned red pepper in sesame oil with a hint of marjoram, then finishes with raw garlic and toasted sesame seeds. The spears stay dark green and crisp - no limp vegetables on this plate. A 10-minute side that goes with everything.

Pro Tips

• Cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces on the diagonal and discard the tough, woody ends. The angled cuts look better and cook evenly.
• A little sesame oil goes a long way. Too much really overpowers the dish, so measure it instead of glugging.
• Stir the garlic and the final 2 teaspoons of sesame oil in after the skillet comes off the heat. Raw garlic and fresh sesame oil keep the flavor bright.
• Cook the asparagus until it is dark green and still crisp. Overcooking is the fastest way to ruin this dish.
• Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden before garnishing. It takes a minute and deepens their nuttiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sesame asparagus paleo?

It is - asparagus, red pepper, sesame oil, garlic, marjoram, and sesame seeds. A quick vegetable side with no grains or dairy.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It is best fresh and crisp. Leftovers keep for 2 days in the fridge and are surprisingly good cold over salads.

Why does my sesame oil taste overpowering?

Sesame oil is intensely flavored and old bottles turn harsh. Use it sparingly and store the bottle in the fridge to keep it fresh.

What should I serve with sesame asparagus?

It is a natural side for any simply cooked protein. The sesame and marjoram go especially well alongside roasted or seared meats.

Recipe Card

Stav Kogan

Sesame Asparagus

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Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1 bunch asparagus spears (about one pound)
• 1 tsp sesame oil, plus 2 teaspoons for coating
• ½ tsp dried marjoram
• 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded, deribbed and julienned
• 1 small clove garlic, peeled and minced
• ½ tsp sesame seeds, toasted

Method

 

1. Cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces on the diagonal, discarding the tough, woody ends.
2. Heat 1 teaspoon of the sesame oil over medium heat in a nonstick skillet and add the marjoram.
3. Sauté the asparagus and peppers until the asparagus is dark green and still crisp, being careful not to overcook it.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat, and stir in the garlic and the remaining 2 teaspoons of sesame oil.
5. Garnish the asparagus and peppers with sesame seeds and serve.

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