Asian Marinated Asparagus

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons agave nectar 
• 2 pounds asparagus fresh trimmed
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon ginger fresh grated
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 6 servings ice cubes 
• 0.3 cup rice vinegar 
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 
• 1 tablespoon sesame seed toasted
• 0.3 cup soya sauce 
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 

Equipment

• bowl
• whisk
• pot
• baking pan

Directions

1. Fill a large bowl with with cold water; add ice.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil; cook asparagus in boiling water until bright green, 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Drain asparagus and plunge into ice water to stop cooking.
4. Drain and transfer asparagus to a baking dish.
5. Whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, vegetable oil, agave nectar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl; pour marinade over asparagus, adding water if necessary to submerge asparagus. Cover baking dish and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
6. Drain marinade and sprinkle sesame seeds over asparagus before serving.