Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons of white sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of mirin
- 1 tablespoon of sake
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- Salt, to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Mortar and pestle or a spice grinder
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a dry pan, toast the sesame seeds over medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Grind the sesame seeds in a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder until they become a coarse powder.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the ground sesame seeds, sugar, soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sesame oil until well combined.
4. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender but still crisp. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
5. Pat the asparagus dry with a paper towel and arrange them on a serving plate.
6. Drizzle the sesame sauce over the asparagus and serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes
Temperature:
- None
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- White sesame seeds can be substituted with black sesame seeds or a mixture of both.
- Mirin can be substituted with rice vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Sake can be substituted with dry sherry or white wine.
Variations:
- Instead of asparagus, try using green beans, broccoli, or spinach.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to trim the woody ends of the asparagus before cooking.
- Do not overcook the asparagus, as it will become mushy and lose its bright green color.
- Toasting the sesame seeds before grinding them will enhance their nutty flavor.
Storage instructions:
- Asparagus Goma-ae is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Asparagus Goma-ae is best served cold, but if you prefer it warm, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the asparagus in a circular pattern on a large plate and drizzle the sesame sauce in a spiral pattern on top.
- Serve the asparagus on individual plates and garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few drops of sesame oil.
Garnishes:
- Chopped scallions or cilantro
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Red pepper flakes
Pairings:
- Asparagus Goma-ae pairs well with grilled fish or chicken.
- Serve with a side of steamed rice or soba noodles.
Suggested side dishes:
- Miso soup
- Edamame
- Seaweed salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sesame sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
- If the sesame sauce is too thin, add more ground sesame seeds.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to rinse the asparagus thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
Food history:
- Goma-ae is a traditional Japanese dish that features a sesame-based sauce. It is often served as a side dish or appetizer.
Flavor profiles:
- Asparagus Goma-ae has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, with a hint of umami from the soy sauce.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve Asparagus Goma-ae as a side dish or appetizer.
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Region: Japanese