Sesame grilled asparagus rafts

Griddling or barbecuing asparagus individually can be fiddly, but it’s much easier cooking them like this – plus it looks impressive

  • Prep:10 mins
    Cook:10 mins
  • Serves 4
  • Easy

Nutrition per serving

  • kcal 99
  • fat 9g
  • saturates 1g
  • carbs 2g
  • sugars 1g
  • fibre 1g
  • protein 3g
  • salt 0.68g

Ingredients

  • 16-20 asparagus spears, about 500g/1lb 2oz
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds

Method

  1. With one hand, hold an asparagus stalk at its base. Bend the stalk over with your other hand – the asparagus will break where the woody part ends and the tender part begins. Discard the base. Place 4 or 5 asparagus stalks next to one another. Skewer them crosswise in two places – just below the tips and 3cm from the bottom – with slender bamboo skewers. You will end up with something that looks like a raft.

  2. In a small bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic and sesame seeds and stir with a fork to mix. Brush this mixture on the asparagus rafts on both sides. Season the asparagus with a little salt and lots of pepper.

  3. Grill the asparagus on a barbecue or in a griddle pan for 4-5 mins per side, turning with tongs. Sprinkle with sesame mix as they grill.

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