Asparagus Everyday!
Summer is just beginning in Seattle and you will find many uses for my lemongrass vinaigrette recipe all this summer. I adore asparagus, and every chance I can I cook local asparagus. When I use a grill to cook meat or seafood for a main dish, I like to use grilled asparagus with lemongrass vinaigrette as a side dish.
One tip is to prepare the lemongrass infused vinegar a day before making the Lemongrass Vinaigrette. The vinaigrette itself is then simple to make. Brush the asparagus with the vinaigrette before grilling and add some more of the dressing after the grilling. Garnish with any fresh herbs and edible flowers from your garden.
I learned how to make lemongrass vinaigrette from The View Point Cooking School, Inle Lake Myanmar. Thank you to Mae Mae, my sweet and talented teacher.
Lemongrass Vinegar Recipe
Nam Som Takrai
Yield: 1/2 cup
1 lemongrass, trimmed and minced ¼ cup vinegar 1 tablespoon sugarPlace minced lemongrass, vinegar, and sugar in a bowl and stir. Let it sit for at least 4 hours or refrigerate for a few days.
Pour vinegar over minced lemongrass
Add some sugar
Grilled Asparagus with Lemongrass Viniagrette
Nor Mai Farang Pao
Serves: 4
3 tablespoons minced shallot or red onion 1/4 cup fried garlic oil or shallot oil 1/4 cup lemongrass vinegar, see recipe above 3 teaspoons sesame oil 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 1 pound asparagus, trim the end then keep whole 2 tablespoons chopped chives and dill or cilantroPre-heat the grill.
To make vinaigrette, place shallot, garlic oil, lemongrass vinegar, sesame oil, salt and sugar in a small jar. Close the lid tight and shake well. Keep in refrigerator until needed. It will keep in the refrigerator for a week.
Place asparagus in a good sized bowl that will fit the whole asparagus and soak in ¼ cup of the vinaigrette. Pre-heat a vegetable grill pan on top of a hot grill then add the asparagus. Grill over medium high heat, turning the asparagus to grill all sides. Grill until cooked to a nice green and still crisp. Remove from the grill and place on a plate. Sizzle more vinaigrette as needed and garnish with chives and dill.
Asparagus dressed with lemongrass vinaigrette ready to grill
Pranee's Thai Kitchen 