Chilled Asian Asparagus make ahead as a hello.

[Guest guest]

I could give a big hello or we can get down to cooking. Let's get down to

cooking. Dinner tonight was this recipe along with Med stuffed peppers also

made in the steamer bag. I used a steamer bag to cook the Asparagus which made

it fast and easy.

Directions on the bag for times for cooking asparagus.

 

1 pound fresh asparagus spears [approx 24], trim

2 tbsp green onions or equiv amount of onion powder

1 tbsp white wine vinegar

1 tbsp agave [dark but can use light]

2 tsp fresh orange juice or pineapple juice

2 tsp soy sauce or braggs liquid aminos

2 large garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp toasted sesame oil [this is dark and has a distinctive flavor you can find

it in Asian sections of stores]

1 tsp VEGAN Worchestershire sauce such as Wizard

2 tsp sesame seed, divided [1 cooking 1 garnish] I used black sesame seeds.

1/2 to 1 tsp red pepper flakes [this is where the hot kick comes in adjust to

taste]

 

Cook Asparagus. You want tender crisp not soggy. In small bowl whisk all

ingredients except the 1 tsp seeds divided. Pour into lrg shallow casserole

dish [i simply poured into steamer bag]. Turn several times to coat and

refrigerate 4 to 24 hours.

 

The pepper flakes is where the heat comes in adjust to taste. 1 tsp will burn

your mouth off if you don't like very spicy and 1/2 might be too hot for your

mother in law who absolutely hates anything spicy. If using for those who hate

spice, simply omit. It will only change the heat of the dish not the flavor

itself.

 

To serve discard the marinade. Arrange Asparagus on serving platter and

sprinkle on the remaining seeds [Note you do know you can use the marinade for

other things

 

To cook Asparagus without the bag

 

In a skillet large enough to allow you to lay the aspargus flat bring 2 inches

of water to a boil over high heat. Add the asparagus arrange spears in single

layer. Cook for 2 minutes. Use tongs and plunge into a bowl of ice water to

stop cooking, let soak for 2 or 3 minutes, spread towels on a flat surface, dry

well on paper towels.

 

Or you can simply steam in the bag. I'm lazy. I admit that. BUT MAKE SURE IT

IS TENDER CRISP no matter what method you choose.