Asparagus with Soy Dressing

Here's an easy recipe from Real Simple's Meals Made Easy.

1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large bunch asparagus, trimmed*
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2-1/2 tablespoons rice wine, sherry or white wine
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 clove garlic, thinly sliced

Pour about 2 inches of water into a large saucepan. Add the salt and bring to a boil. Add the asparagus, cover, and cook until tender, 3-7 minutes. (The time will vary depending on the size of the stalks.) Drain and transfer to a platter. Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, over medium heat, bring the remaining ingredients plus 2 tablespoons water to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Cook for 3-5 minutes. Spoon the dressing over the asparagus; cover and refrigerate any leftover dressing to use on another night. **

* If the asparagus spears are on the thick side, halve them lengthwise. This reduces the cooking time considerably and ensures that the end result will be perfectly tender.

** Drizzle the leftover dressing over any green vegetables you stumble across at the farmers' market or in the produce aisle (such as broccoli, green beans, or broccolini).