Asparagus Shandong-Style
(Liang Ban Lu-Sun)

I came across this recipe on Saveur.com because I’m forever googling quick side dishes to prepare with a piece of meat or fish because I’m a fan of no-fuss, 15 minute suppers!

My favorite formula for super fast suppers:

1. Quick Side Dish such as Saveur’s Asparagus Shandong-Style (below)
   
   
2. Quick Cook Protein—sautéed or grilled 3-4 ounce portion of meat, poultry or fish
   
   
3. Quick tossed Salad seasoned with salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.
   
   
4. Peak of Season Fruit or...
   
   
5. Peak of Season Fruit over Vanilla ice cream in an Old Fashioned Sundae Dish with a long spoon but only if the entrée is lean and I haven’t skipped my work out.

I usually serve this asparagus with lightly pounded pork tenderloin or lightly pounded chicken cutlets that I don’t bother to dredge in flour. Why waste the time and calories? My favorite way to season protein is simple and bare bones. I season meats and fish on both sides with freshly cracked black pepper and sea salt. Sea salt makes everything test better!

From Saveur...

A specialty of Shandong province, this dish is traditionally reserved for banquets because asparagus is so expensive in China. But in the United States, when the price comes down in summer, take advantage of this flavorful dish.

Serves 2-4

Ingredients

1 1/2	lbs. asparagus, trimmed and cut crosswise on the diagonal into 2" pieces
1	tbsp. Japanese reduced-sodium soy sauce
1	tsp. Asian sesame oil 2 drops red chile oil
1/2	tsp. toasted sesame seeds

	Bring a medium pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add asparagus to pot and cook until tender- crisp and bright green, 1 1/2–2 minutes. Do not overcook.
	Drain, then immediately plunge into a large bowl of ice water; set aside to cool, 2–3 minutes. Drain again, then transfer to paper towels, pat dry, and set aside.
	Preheat oven to 450. In a medium salad bowl, toss carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning once at the halfway point. Serve immediately.

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