Asparagus Stir Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup snow peas, ends trimmed
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Asparagus and Vegetables:
- Trim the tough ends from the asparagus spears and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Mince the garlic and ginger. Thinly slice the red and yellow bell peppers. Julienne the carrot. Trim the ends of the snow peas.
2. Stir Fry:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but are still crisp-tender.
- Add the asparagus and snow peas to the skillet. Stir fry for another 2-3 minutes until the asparagus is tender but still bright green.
3. Seasoning:
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil.
- Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly with the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir fry for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Serve:
- Transfer the asparagus stir fry to a serving dish.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
- Serve hot as a delicious and nutritious side dish or over cooked rice or noodles as a satisfying main course.
Tips:
- You can customize this stir fry by adding protein such as sliced chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef. Simply stir fry the protein first before adding the vegetables.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas for added variety and flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference by adding more soy sauce or oyster sauce for saltiness, or a dash of chili flakes for heat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This asparagus stir fry comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick meals.
- Vibrant and Colorful: Packed with colorful vegetables, this dish not only tastes delicious but also looks beautiful on the plate.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Asparagus is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this stir fry a nutritious addition to your diet.
Enjoy the flavors and textures of this vibrant Asparagus Stir Fry!