ASPARAGUS SALAD, JAPANESE-STYLE

Asparagus Salad, Japanese-Style image

Here, ribbons of raw asparagus are simply dressed with a nutty vinaigrette of toasted sesame seeds, sesame oil and rice vinegar.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories salads and dressings, appetizer, side dish

Time 20m

Yield 2 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

1 1/2 to 2 pounds asparagus, not too skinny
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons rice vinegar, or to taste
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

Cut off the woodsy bottoms of the asparagus spears; discard. Cut off the flower ends and set aside.
Use a vegetable peeler to remove the dark green outer skin of each spear; you should get three or four ribbons from each one. Set aside. Cut the remaining stalks crosswise into 1/4-inch rounds. Combine ribbons, sliced rounds and tips in a bowl.
Toast the sesame seeds in a small dry skillet over medium-heat, shaking occasionally until they color and begin to pop, but remove from heat before they burn. Combine the seeds with sesame oil, rice vinegar, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust as necessary. Spoon over the asparagus and toss gently.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 65, UnsaturatedFat 2 grams, Carbohydrate 9 grams, Fat 3 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 477 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams