Asparagus and Beef Negimaki

By pattie_d

n this version of the Japanese classic, blanched asparagus tips and scallions are rolled in slices of beef tenderloin, which have been pounded thin between sheets of plastic wrap. Brush the negimaki rolls with sweetened soy sauce and grill or broil them for just a few minutes, until slightly charred.

Ingredients

• Salt, for water
• 24 thin stalks asparagus, or 12 thick stalks sliced in half lengthwise
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 bunch scallions, greens only
• 1 1/2 pounds beef tenderloin
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Ice water, for bath

Preparation

Step 1

Directions

Preheat a grill or grill pan until hot, or prepare oven broiler. Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Cut off asparagus ends to within 3 1/2 inches from tips; reserve bottoms for another use. Place tips in boiling water; cook until bright green but still crunchy, about 1 minute. Prepare an ice-water bath. Drain asparagus; transfer to an ice-water bath to stop cooking. Drain asparagus again in a colander, and set aside.

Whisk together soy sauce and sugar until dissolved; set aside. Cut scallions into 3 1/2-inch lengths, julienned lengthwise; set aside.

Slice tenderloin into 1/4-inch-thick pieces. Place one slice between two pieces of plastic; pound lightly to an even thickness. Remove plastic; trim into 2-by-5-inch rectangle. Repeat with remaining beef.

Dip a piece of beef in soy-sauce mixture, and place on a clean surface. Season with pepper. Place 1 piece of scallion and 2 asparagus tips across 1 end of beef, so vegetables extend over edges; roll. Set aside. Repeat with remaining beef and vegetables.

Grill or broil negamaki, brushing with sauce and turning, until slightly charred and medium rare, about 2 minutes. Serve.