Stir-Fried Sesame Asparagus
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp sugar
2 tbsp oriental sesame oil
1 1/2-2 tbsp minced garlic
1 1/2-2 lb asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch diagonal pieces
4 tsp sesame seeds
Stir soy sauce and sugar in small bowl until sugar dissolves. Heat oil in large sauté pan or skillet. Add garlic and stir for 15 seconds. Add asparagus and stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Add soy mixture and toss until asparagus is coated, about 1 minute longer. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Serves 4.
Adapted from Bon Appetit, August 2000.