Asparagus Negimaki (Japanese Beef Rolls) Recipe

Directions:

1. Preheat grill pan until hot; bring salted water to a boil over medium high heat in a saucepan.
2. Blanch asparagus spears for 1 minute; drain and plunge in an ice water bath to stop cooking.
3. In a small saucepan combine soy sauce, sugar, mirin (or dry sherry), ginger, and garlic; heat over medium heat until reduced and slightly thickened; set aside to cool.
4. Cut green onions in fourths, lengthwise, so you have long strips.
5. Slice beef in 1/4 inch slices, then pound to tenderize and thin out.
6. Dip beef slice in soy sauce mixture and place on a clean work surface; season with pepper.
7. Place an asparagus spear and a piece of green onion on the beef slice and roll up.
8. Do the same with the remaining asparagus and beef.
9. Grill beef rolls about 2 minutes until slightly charred and medium rare. Turn several times and brush with soy sauce mixture.
10. Remove to a serving platter and drizzle generously with soy sauce mixture.