Fresh asparagus, steamed tender-crisp, is sautéed in toasted sesame oil, lightly coated with fresh lemon juice and then sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. Steaming the asparagus first helps enhance its flavor and lessens the amount of oil that is required.

Serves 6–8

INGREDIENTS:

2 lb asparagus, ends trimmed, each stalk cut diagonally into thirds
11/2 – 2 TB toasted sesame oil
11/2 TB fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 TB sesame seeds, toasted

DIRECTIONS:

Cook asparagus in large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain. Rinse asparagus under cold water, draining again.

Heat toasted sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and sauté until heated through, about 2 minutes. Add lemon juice and toss until well coated, about 1 minute. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.