Large, firm, meaty asparagus spears are best for grilling.
Tofu-Tamari Dressing Ingredients ½ pound water-packed soft tofu, cubed
5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Juice of 2 lemons
Zest of one lemon
2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
½ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon black or plain sesame seeds, toasted
Kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 pound fresh asparagus
Olive oil
Kosher salt, about 1 teaspoon
Instructions Combine all ingredients except oil and sesame seeds in a blender or food processor. Process until smooth, scraping sides. Slowly add oil until dressing is emulsified and creamy. Taste for salt and pepper and adjust seasonings. If the consistency is too thick to pour add a little water.
Pour into a non-reactive bowl and add half of the sesame seeds.
Rinse asparagus and snap or cut off bottom. Place asparagus in a re-sealable plastic bag and drizzle just enough oil in the bag to coat all the spears. Seal bag and turn spears to coat evenly in the bag. Sprinkle with salt; reseal bag and turn again to evenly distribute the salt.
Place asparagus on the cooking grate over direct heat for 3-5 minutes or until marked and caramelized. Turn spears to grill each side, asparagus should begin to brown in spots but should not char. Serve immediately with the Tofu-Tamari Dressing and a sprinkling of sesame seeds.
Notes Serves 4