Asparagus and Snow Peas

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 tbs. peanut oil
• 1.5 tsp. Japanese sesame oil
• 1.25 lbs. slender asparagus, trimmed, cut into 2-inch lengths
• 2 c. snow peas, trimmed
• 1.5 tbs. sesame seeds
• 3 tbs. mirin
• 1.5 tbs. lemon juice
• 1 tbs. soy sauce
• 3 tbs. chicken stock
• 1/2 tsp. sugar
• salt to taste

Steps:

1. Heat peanut and sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and stir-fry, until stalks turn bright green, about 2 minutes. Add snow peas and sesame seeds and stir-fry until bright green and "crisp-tender," 2-3 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon to bowl, and keep warm.
2. Raise heat to high. Add mirin and reduce by half, about 1 minute. Add lemon juice, soy sauce, stock, and sugar and cook until the sauce is slightly thickened and reduced, about 5 minutes. Return vegetables and toss to coat with sauce. Season to taste.

Notes:

• I went to five stores searching for mirin -- never found it. I substituted a nice fino sherry.
• I don't use sesame seeds, but they should be good here.

Keywords: Pacific, Vegetables, Asparagus.