Put the ¼ cup of water in a large sauce pan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Add the asparagus and cover. Steam asparagus for about 5-8 minutes until tender. Drain excess water from asparagus and remove asparagus to a dish.
Put the pan back over medium-high heat. Add the oil, ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Saute for 30 sec to 1 minute until fragrant, but be careful to not burn the garlic. Add the miso paste, water, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Mix together and let cook for 1 minute. It will thicken slightly.
Pour sauce over cooked asparagus and thoroughly coat the asparagus with the sauce. Serve hot.
Recipe by Learn by Cooking at https://www.learnbycooking.com/chili-miso-asparagus/