Wasabi Roasted Asparagus Butter and Spicy Asparagus

This tender and savory fresh asparagus
makes an excellent side dish or appetizer.
Just the right balance of sweet and spicy.

Ingredients:
1 bunch (12-16 ounces) asparagus
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon water
1/2 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar or to taste
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
wasabi powder or paste (to taste)
coarse kosher salt (optional)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Wash asparagus, snap off tough bottoms of spears,
and arrange it on a baking sheet.
Mix water, butter, sugar, soy sauce,
and sesame oil in a small bowl.
Add wasabi, starting with 1/4 teaspoon and
increasing until the mixture is as spicy as you want it.
Brush the wasabi mixture over all sides of the asparagus.
Roast until asparagus is tender but still crisp,
about 10-15 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Serve sprinkled with kosher salt, if desired.