It would seem there is a longing for spring, unlike any other season. Not necessarily everyone’s favorite if asked, but for those weary of winter, every peek of green inspires hope. The first kiss of sun’s warmth on cheeks, new song on bird’s beak, cheerful daffodils—it is absolutely glorious! In our yard, the Iris and tulips break through first, and the grass will slowly wake as we check our phones for the latest weather update. Remember when we just looked outside and went with the flow? Those were the days. Of course, in Colorado, springtime weather is best described as changing.
One day it’s 80°F and sunny, followed by 39°F with a drippy, gray overcast gloom, so having the forecast at my fingertips is handy when menu planning. One day I’m grilling asparagus, the next calls for pizza in a piping hot oven. Fortunately, this recipe works no matter how fickle the weather might be because you can grill it or roast it with equally delicious results. Asparagus is plentiful right now, and even though it is generally available year round, its tender shoots are best in spring.
Originally, this hoisin sauce was for a Mongolian Beef recipe I’m working on for the cookbook, but the sweet-savory sauce can do so much more. While hoisin is widely available in stores, it is easy to mix-up, and you won’t miss the caramel color or modified food starches. I like the way it clings to the asparagus just enough to season every bite and the sesame seeds stay exactly where sprinkled.
If you’ve never grilled or roasted asparagus, wait no more. We put it on the grill right after the rib eyes, so it was ready to serve when the steaks were done resting. The only thing that would have made the meal better is if the deck chairs had been cleaned for dining outside, but it’s a teensy bit early for that. Even still, there will be more warm days than cold days now, and we are ready to peel the grill cover back every chance we get to savor the new season.
Hoisin-Sesame Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 pound asparagus , rinsed and ends trimmed
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- sea salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Lightly coat the asparagus with oil, arrange in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Either roast the asparagus under an oven broiler on HI or over high heat on a grill. Check every few minutes to turn or roll, as needed, when lightly browned. Roast or grill until fork tender and browned in spots, about 10 minutes.
- Brush with hoisin sauce and cook briefly to warm sauce. Remove from oven or grill and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Hoisin Sauce
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (Tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown miso (soy-brown rice for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Mirin
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 5 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 6 tablespoons coconut palm sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1/8 teaspoon granulated garlic
Instructions
- Whisk the water, soy sauce, miso, Mirin, sesame oil, rice vinegar and liquid smoke in a small saucepan until well combined. Mix the sugar, cornstarch, spice, and garlic in a small bowl to combine and add whisk into the sauce.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce heat and simmer 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld and sauce thickens.
- Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Raymund says
Wow this is amazing! you made your own Hoisin sauce, now I have a recipe to look at if I cant find hoisin anywhere, one of my favourite sauces is this
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I love that you made your own hoisin sauce. I always get the bottle out of the fridge. I can’t wait to try this. It’s not asparagus season way down here but I wish it was. I can’t get enough asparagus.
John@Kitchen Riffs says
Roasted and grilled asparagus = bliss! Great way to prepare it. Never considered using hosin sauce with it, though — excellent idea. Love all those sesame seeds! Add both nice flavor and some additional texture to the dish. Plus they look great!
Mandy says
I have never thought to make my own hoisin before, great idea and I love the idea of your asparagus.
I am dreading winter, we have been spoilt with such a wonderful summer this year and it seems to be stretching out into our autumn spoiling us even further.
Have a wonderful day.
🙂 Mandy xo
mjskitchen says
I know what you mean about these crazy fluctuations in temperature! Sunday and Monday we’re out working in the yard and today it’s chilly, windy and raining. Just crazy! Oh, but it’s asparagus season. 🙂 I can’t get enough of it this time of year and am always looking for more recipes. I love the one you’re sharing here. And a recipe for Hoisin! Thank you Judy!!!
Mary Schoenecker says
We had this as a side dish tonight and it was delicious! I added red pepper, red onion, and mushrooms to the asparagus. I staggered the cooking time giving the onion and pepper longer to cook. I purchased the Hoisin Sauce from a local market.