Grilled Asparagus Negimaki: Beef-Wrapped Delights
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Grilled Asparagus Negimaki, where tender beef rolls embrace vibrant asparagus spears in a savory teriyaki glaze. This elegant dish is perfect for entertaining, effortlessly transitioning from a stunning appetizer to a satisfying main course when served atop fluffy white rice. The combination of fresh ginger, garlic, and the umami depth of soy sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the asparagus, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these beef-wrapped asparagus rolls are sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
280
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt
to taste (for blanching asparagus)
Asparagus spears
24 (trimmed)
Soy sauce
1/2 cup (for glaze and seasoning)
Sugar
1/4 cup (to sweeten the glaze)
Mirin or dry sherry
1/4 cup (for glaze)
Fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (grated)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Green onion
1 bunch (greens only, cut into strips)
Beef tenderloin
1 1/2 lbs (sliced and pounded)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by preheating your grill pan until it's hot. Meanwhile, bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
2
2. Prepare the asparagus by blanching the spears in the boiling water for just 1 minute. Once done, drain the asparagus and immediately plunge them into an ice water bath to halt the cooking process and maintain their bright green color.
3
3. For the teriyaki glaze, combine the soy sauce, sugar, mirin (or dry sherry), grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces and thickens slightly. Once ready, set aside to cool.
4
4. Take the green onions and cut them into long strips by slicing them lengthwise into fourths.
5
5. Slice the beef tenderloin into 1/4-inch thick slices, then use a meat mallet to gently pound each slice to tenderize and further thin them out.
6
6. Dip each beef slice into the prepared soy sauce mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated, and place it on a clean work surface. Season with fresh ground black pepper to taste.
7
7. On each beef slice, lay down an asparagus spear and a strip of green onion before rolling them up tightly.
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8. Repeat the rolling process until all asparagus and beef slices are used.
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9. Grill the beef rolls on the preheated grill pan for about 2 minutes, turning them several times. Brush with the soy sauce mixture while grilling to enhance flavor and achieve a beautiful char.
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10. Once grilled to your liking, transfer the rolls to a serving platter and drizzle generously with the remaining soy sauce mixture before serving.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
9g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Asparagus Negimaki?
Grilled Asparagus Negimaki is an elegant Japanese-inspired dish consisting of tender beef slices wrapped around asparagus spears and green onions, finished with a savory teriyaki glaze.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
Beef tenderloin is recommended for this recipe because it is lean and becomes very tender when sliced thin and pounded with a meat mallet.
How do I prepare the asparagus for the rolls?
The asparagus spears should be trimmed and then blanched in boiling salted water for 1 minute before being plunged into an ice water bath to stop the cooking.
Why is an ice water bath used for the asparagus?
An ice water bath is used to immediately halt the cooking process, which helps the asparagus maintain its bright green color and crisp-tender texture.
What ingredients are in the teriyaki glaze?
The glaze is made from a combination of soy sauce, sugar, mirin or dry sherry, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic.
Can I substitute mirin in the glaze?
Yes, you can use dry sherry as a substitute for mirin if you do not have it available.
How should the green onions be prepared?
Use only the green parts of the bunch and cut them into long strips by slicing them lengthwise into fourths.
How thin should I slice the beef?
The beef tenderloin should be sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices before being pounded thinner.
What is the purpose of pounding the beef slices?
Pounding the beef with a meat mallet tenderizes the meat and ensures the slices are thin enough to roll easily around the vegetables.
How do I season the beef before rolling?
Each beef slice should be dipped in the soy sauce mixture and seasoned with fresh ground black pepper to taste.
How is the Negimaki assembled?
Lay a slice of beef flat, place one asparagus spear and one strip of green onion on top, and then roll the beef tightly around them.
How long does it take to grill the beef rolls?
The beef rolls should be grilled for approximately 2 minutes on a hot grill pan, turning them several times for even cooking.
Should I brush the rolls with sauce while grilling?
Yes, brushing the rolls with the soy sauce mixture during grilling enhances the flavor and helps achieve a beautiful char.
What is the recommended serving suggestion for a main course?
To serve as a satisfying main course, place the grilled beef-wrapped asparagus rolls over a bed of fluffy white rice.
How many calories are in this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 280 calories.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, this dish is high in protein, providing 30g per serving.
How much fat is in the Grilled Asparagus Negimaki?
There is approximately 11g of fat per serving in this recipe.
What are the total carbohydrates in this recipe?
This recipe contains 9g of carbohydrates per serving.
What are the primary flavor notes of this dish?
The dish features umami from soy sauce, natural sweetness from asparagus and sugar, and aromatic heat from ginger and garlic.
Is this considered a quick recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe, making it suitable for both entertaining and busy weeknights.
What kitchen equipment is needed for this recipe?
You will need a grill pan, a medium saucepan for blanching, a small saucepan for the glaze, and a meat mallet.
Can this be served as an appetizer?
Absolutely, these beef rolls are elegant and perfectly sized to be served as a stunning appetizer.
How do I know when the glaze is ready?
The glaze is ready when the mixture has reduced and thickened slightly after being heated over medium heat.
How many asparagus spears are used?
This recipe calls for 24 trimmed asparagus spears.
Is fresh ginger necessary?
Yes, using one tablespoon of grated fresh ginger provides the best flavor depth for the teriyaki glaze.
What should I do with the remaining sauce?
The remaining soy sauce mixture should be generously drizzled over the rolls once they are transferred to a serving platter.
What kind of salt is used?
Salt is used to taste, specifically for seasoning the water used to blanch the asparagus.
Does the recipe use garlic?
Yes, the recipe includes one minced garlic clove in the glaze for added savory flavor.
Is this a Japanese-style dish?
Yes, Negimaki is a traditional Japanese cooking style involving meat wrapped around vegetables.
What is the weight of the beef required?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 lbs of beef tenderloin.