Asparagus brushed with sesame oil is grilled and then tossed with a sweet-spicy sauce and topped with toasted sesame seeds for a delicious summer side dish.
This post is sponsored in conjunction with #BBQWeek. I received product samples from sponsors to use in creating #BBQWeek recipes. However, all opinions are mine alone.
Welcome to #BBQWeek! This was one fun event – hosted by Ellen at Family Around the Table and Christie of A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures – that I missed out on last year but am so excited to participate in this time around. I didn’t get a chance to make as many recipes as I wanted to, but for the recipes I did make – YUM! This week you’ll enjoy more than 70 recipes from more than 20 bloggers. There is also the opportunity to win one of three great prizes from our sponsors (details below). Thank you to Michigan Asparagus for providing bloggers with freshly harvested asparagus, to Adams Extract & Spice for wonderful rubs and spices for grilling and Not Ketchup for bloggers choice of sauce.
So from me, you have two recipes from me to look forward to this week. First, today’s recipe. A side dish that is really quite simple. Asparagus is brushed with oil (sesame oil), grilled, and then tossed with a quick Asian-inspired sauce. The simpleness of the dish makes it great for weeknight dinners when you need an easy side but also for entertaining – no need to be suck in the kitchen while you have guests.
I’ll be sharing my next post on Wednesday – a sweet and spicy main dish that pairs well with this grilled side, but be sure to search #BBQWeek on social media to see food porn from all of the BBQ Week bloggers.
Asian Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus brushed with sesame oil is grilled and then tossed with a sweet-spicy sauce and topped with toasted sesame seeds for a delicious summer side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. asparagus spears
- 2 1/4 tsp. toasted sesame oil divided
- 1 tsp. light brown sugar
- 1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. chili garlic sauce
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
- 2 Tbs. toasted sesame seeds.
Instructions
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Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
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Rinse asparagus and pat dry. Snap off stems. The bottom should snap off naturally.
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Brush asparagus with 2 Tbs. sesame oil. Grill - either directly on the grill or in a grill basket - until tender, about 2 minutes per side.
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While asparagus is grilling, whisk together remaining sesame oil, brown sugar, vinegar, chili garlic sauce, and ginger.
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When asparagus is done, toss with above sauce and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
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Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes:
- This recipe was rewritten but barely adapted from Weight Watchers magazine, Best Ever Recipes (p. 73, 2018).
- Asparagus could be made just as easily indoors – sauteed in a skillet or roasted in an oven.
- If you can find Michigan Asparagus, use it, especially this time of year when it’s in season (early to mid May through June). Michigan Asparagus is one of the only domestic productions regions for asparagus. Plus, the spears are hand harvested – aka “snapped – instead of cut. Between the U.S.-based crop and the harvesting, you’re getting fresher asparagus with less woody ends.
- I used apple cider vinegar in this dish, but the original recipe calls for rice wine vinegar. Feel free to use whichever you have on hand.
- Finally, bump up the heat a bit with more chili garlic sauce (or even red pepper flakes). I would have love to do this, but since I was hoping that my little ones would have some, I decided against it. (And, in case you’re wondering, they did – Miss. Hazelnut actually enjoyed it!)
See what the bloggers served up Monday for #BBQWeek, and then scroll down to enter the #BBQWeek giveaway!
Asiago Garlic and Bacon Grilled Asparagus by Daily Dish Recipes
Asian Grilled Asparagus by Books n’ Cooks (above!)
Blackened Chicken, Asparagus & Avocado Salad by Tip Garden
Chicken and Asparagus Grilled Pizza by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
Chicken Souvlaki Kabobs by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Double Blueberry Bison Burgers by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Grilled Asparagus Summer Caprese Salad by Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
Grilled Blueberry and White Pepper Pork Chops by Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids
Easy Lighter Grilled Buffalo Chicken by Jonesin’ For Taste
Grilled Asparagus with Mustard Dill Sauce by Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Grilled Caesar Asparagus by 4 Sons ‘R’ Us
Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Salsa and Asparagus by Simple and Savory
Grilled Eggplant Caprese Salad by Everyday Eileen
Grilled Fruit & Cake Kabobs by Red Cottage Chronicles
Grilled London Broil by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Grilled London Broil with Chimichurri Sauce by Cookaholic Wife
Grilled Pork Burgers with Hawaiian-Style Buns by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
Grilled Sweet and Spicy Mustard Pork Chops by Soulfully Made
Meat Lover’s Kebabs by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Southwestern 7 Layered Dips by The Freshman Cook
Tangerine Hatch Chile Grilled Chicken Fajitas by Family Around the Table
Tangerine Hatch Chile Honey Chicken Kebabs by Palatable Pastime
#BBQWeek Prizes & Giveaway!
Prize Number 1: $100 Gift Card Courtesy of Michigan Asparagus (Value $100)
Michigan Asparagus is known for its hand snapped fresh asparagus. It is available May – June and grown mostly in Oceana County along the shores of Lake Michigan. Michigan Asparagus has excellent flavor and a long shelf life. It is a nutrient-dense, low-calorie vegetable with no fat, no cholesterol, and very little sodium. Approximately 120 local Michigan farmers produce approximately 20 million pounds of Michigan Asparagus during the state’s 6-7 week harvest. Remember to buy U.S. for the freshest of the fresh.
Prize Number 2: Not Ketchup Sampler 5-Pack (Value $40)
Not Ketchup is a line of fruit gourmet grilling and dipping sauces with no added sugar, no corn syrup and no artificial sweeteners. They are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, paleo, vegan, low-carb and Whole30 friendly.
Flavors in the sampler pack:
Tangerine Hatch Chile Not Ketchup blends sweet-tart California tangerines with a touch of heat from authentic Hatch chiles from New Mexico. Favorite pairings: fish, chicken, turkey
Cherry Chipotle Not Ketchup combines ripe cherries with the subtle, smoky heat of chipotle pepper. Favorite pairings: burgers, steak, salmon, ribs, meatballs
Blueberry White Pepper Not Ketchup takes blueberries to the savory side with a touch of mustard and a little kick of white pepper. Favorite pairings: lamb chops, shrimp, scallops, pork tenderloin, goat cheese
Smoky Date Not Ketchup mixes the natural sweetness of sun-ripened California dates with aromatic smoked paprika. Favorite pairings: pork chops, roast turkey, rotisserie chicken, ham, sausages
Spiced Fig Not Ketchup blends rich California Mission figs with warm spices like cinnamon, anise and black pepper. Favorite pairings: Leg of lamb, steak, roast chicken, cheddar cheese
Prize Number 3: A bottle of vanilla and a selection of rubs from Adams Extract & Flavors (Value $30)
From humble beginnings in Battle Creek, Michigan, to a rooted history in Texas, one thing has stayed the same: a commitment and passion to provide only the highest quality and innovative products and services. For over 125 years it’s really been that simple…make great food taste even better! Today, Adams proudly manufactures and markets under several Adams Brand banners, including Adams Best®, Adams Extract®, Adams® Seasoning & Spice, Adams Reserve®, Flavor King™, Pantry Basics™, Sear-n-Crust®, ClearVan™, Carniceria®, Cocina del Rey®, Naturals™, and Urban Canner™ along with the Adams Frozen Skillet Desserts and Adams Premium Ice Cream lines.
Disclaimer: Thank you to #BBQWeek Sponsors Adam’s Extracts, Michigan Asparagus, and Not Ketchup for providing the prizes free of charge. These sponsors also provided bloggers with samples and product to use for creating #BBQWeek recipes. All opinions are my own.
The #BBQWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up. There will be three winning entries that will be verified. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. The #BBQWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize package. Participating bloggers and their immediate family members cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with social channels mentioned in the #BBQWeek posts or entry.
I love how simple this recipe is…perfect for a hot summer’s day!!!
Oh goodness I love how great this Asparagus sounds! Such a great flavor addition!! <3
I love all of these flavors and was planning to grill asparagus tonight so looks like I’m making this!
This looks amazing, what grreat flavors!
I’m loving these flavors!
I never grill outside, because I don’t have a grill. But I grill on a grill pan at least once a week on my stove.
This looks delicious! I can’t wait to see your next recipe!
Michigan Asparagus is by far the best around and I love this asparagus recipe. Using the Asian flavors is awesome!
Love asparagus any day and this is an awesome recipe. Love the Asian flare on this yummy asparagus.
I love asparagus! The asian flavors sound incredible! Adding this one to my menu! Thanks for the recipe!
Enjoy!
I love simple and delicious side dishes like this to round out all sorts of meals.
I’m a HUGE sucker for sesame oil. I might even like this asparagus. Looks so yummy!
These flavors are so yummy with just about anything. Great idea.
Asparagus is my favorite vegetable! I love the Asian flair!
Love the ingredients in this recipe! So flavorful!
I’m going to have to try your recipe soon! We have tons of asparagus so I’m always looking for new ways to make it. Thanks for linking up to the Celebrate 365 Blog Party!