Wasabi Roasted Asparagus

Wasabi Roasted Asparagus

It's difficult to imagine a better way to revive palates starved of local produce for months than the first appearance of asparagus in the markets, and as long as this noble and elegant vegetable is available locally, I'm never without a bunch or two on hand.

Sweet, tender and delicious all on its own with just a little sprinkle of sea salt, one of the many charms of asparagus is its demand to be treated in the simplest fashion with a minimum of fuss, bother or cooking, and paired only with a small handful of other classic flavors like eggs, cheese, butter, lemon, fresh herbs or black pepper.

This simple dish is ready from refrigerator to plate in just 15 minutes, with tamari, wasabi and sesame serving as a basic Asian-style flavor companion for the asparagus as well as performing a delightful spicy contrast with the natural sweetness of the vegetable. The tamari and wasabi collect to an especially strong effect at the tips of the asparagus, which you'll want to save for last when you're eating them.

If you don't have some already, I urge you to buy a traditionally brewed tamari sauce made from slow-fermented soy beans instead of anything marketed as just soy sauce, which are usually made with 40-60% wheat as well as quick hydrolyzed soy protein and caramel coloring. Good tamari sauces are wheat-free, contain more digestible proteins, and taste so much better than ordinary soy sauces that you'll never go back. Fortunately, they're also widely available these days from reputable suppliers like San-J or Eden Foods.

Wasabi Roasted AsparagusWasabi Roasted Asparagus
Recipe by
Published on May 29, 2009

Spears of asparagus roasted with spicy wasabi and sesame — an easy and delicious spring side dish

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Ingredients:
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus
  • 1/2 tablespoon water
  • 1/2 tablespoon (soy) tamari sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 3/4 to 1 teaspoon wasabi powder, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions:
  • Preheat an oven to 425°. Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus and arrange the spears on a baking sheet.

  • Mix the water, tamari sauce and toasted sesame oil in a small bowl. Stir in the wasabi, a 1/4 teaspoon at a time to create the desired spiciness. Brush the sauce over the asparagus, making sure to coat all the sides.

  • Roast the asparagus for 10 minutes, turning the spears over once and sprinkling over the sesame seeds after 5 minutes. Remove from heat and serve.

Makes 2 to 4 servings

If you liked this recipe you may also enjoy these asparagus suggestions:
Asparagus and Oriental Tamari Dressing with Pine Nuts
Wild Rice and Asparagus Salad
Fried Halloumi Saganaki and Asparagus
Asparagus and Feta Cheese Frittata

12 comments:

Pooja said...

Simple but delicious one Lisa :) And well said..asparagus is even tasty to have even with dash of salt. I love it so much. Sure this must have tasted divine! And thanks for the tip reg: tamari sauce. Never knew that fact!

Ivy said...

I love asparagus but I am not sure if I would try wasabi again. I ate it once and it was a very bad experience.

vanillasugarblog said...

I must try this one. Wonderful combo of flavors in here.

Parita said...

This looks interesting..never tried asparagus like this before..

Ricki said...

This does sound delicious--so simple, so perfect! And asparagus looks beautiful in the grocers these days.

nath said...

I have never tried combine of asparagus and wasabi before, but it's sound great^^

Preeti Singh said...

This looks easy and fast to cook...and I m seeing asparagus a lot these days...

Unknown said...

Love Asparagus and with wasabi, what a beautiful combo. Very innovative as usual. Very healthy & yummy recipe.

Soma said...

I love everything here. asparagus, wasabi & sesame. I can imagine how this is going to taste:-)

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eatme_delicious said...

Mmmm I love asparagus.

zlamushka said...

Hi Lisa,
Lovely asparagus - I made the same :-) I also noticed that you changed your header - looks great!