Scallion and Asparagus Salad with Fried Egg

The Italians do asparagus and egg salad beautifully. The asparagus gets blanched, with boiled eggs and a classic vinaigrette. And that is what dinner was meant to be today, but as I got to the kitchen I realized that I wanted the same combination of the vegetable and protein, with a spin. Which is why it went towards the Asian flavors. And boy, were we happy with the results! 

If I were you, I'd make this a repeat dinner recipe in your home.

Serves 2

Ingredients

Dressing

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp mustard

1 tbsp lemon juice

Pinch of salt

2 tbsp lemon ginger olive oil (or plain olive oil with a little grated ginger)

Salad

1 tbsp + 1 tbsp sesame oil

16 spears of asparagus

8 scallions (spring onions)

1tbsp Shaoxing rice wine (or dry Sherry)

2 cups loosely packed baby spinach

1 tbsp black and white sesame seeds

4 eggs

Method

1. In a small bowl whisk together the dressing ingredients
2. Snap the ends of the asparagus, trim the scallions. 
3. Heat a skillet with 1 tbsp sesame oil and cook until lightly charred on a skillet, for 5 minutes. 
4. Remove from heat and toss with sesame seeds
5. Deglaze the pan with the Shaoxing rice wine, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and fry two eggs.
6. Plate the asparagus and fried egg over a bed of baby spinach and drizzle with the salad dressing.