Ingredients
1 pound asparagus
2 tablespoons peanut oil
2 tablespoons minced shallots
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 teaspoons soy sauce (low sodium, if desired)
Dash of toasted sesame oil
Freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
Trim tough ends from asparagus spears. Set spears aside.
Heat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet for about 2 minutes over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon peanut oil and half of the asparagus in a single layer.
Cook for 3 to 4 minutes without turning. Shake pan occasionally. Turn, and cook 3 minutes more. Asparagus should be bright green with brown spots.
Add 1 tablespoon shallots and half the sesame seeds, and cook, shaking the pan to toss asparagus, for 1 to 2 minutes or until shallots are transparent. Do not let them burn.
Add half the soy sauce, sesame oil, and pepper, and cook 30 seconds. Transfer to a plate, and keep warm. Repeat with remaining asparagus. Keep warm until ready to serve.
