Asian Stir Fried Asparagus

Why you'll love this recipe

1. Asian stir fried asparagus tastes great because of the flavorful Asian seasonings used.
2. It's a healthy dish because of the nutritional profile of asparagus.
3. This recipe is easy and quick to make, perfect for a fast and delicious meal on a busy weeknight.
4. Add your preferred protein and vegetables and fully customize the recipe.

Here are a couple of Asian-inspired dishes that go well with this recipe - black pepper stir-fried noodles and Thai crispy tofu.

Ingredients

Asparagus is a popular vegetable used in salads to stir-fries and is often roasted or grilled as a side dish. Its tender spears have a delicate flavor and a crisp texture.

Onion, ginger, and garlic are often referred to as the "holy trinity" of flavor in many cuisines. While onions add sweetness, ginger and garlic are known for their spiciness and pungent aroma, respectively.

Sauces such as soy sauce, ketchup, sriracha, Worcestershire, and vinegar are used to add sweet, tangy, salty, and earthy flavors to the dish.

Green chilies, red pepper flakes, and cayenne are used to make the dish spicy. Adjust their amounts based on your heat tolerance level.

A slurry of cornstarch and water is used to thicken the sauces and help them coat the asparagus lightly.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Variations

Worcestershire sauce can be substituted with hoisin sauce or oyster sauce. Vegans, please read the label for certified vegan sauces.

You can use only two main ingredients to prepare this recipe - asparagus and schezwan sauce (homemade/store-bought). Skip all other sauces, spices, etc.

Variations to the recipe

Garlic and Asparagus, Lemon Asparagus, Asparagus and Tofu, Teriyaki Asparagus, Hoisin Asparagus and Sesame Asparagus are some stir-fry variations to consider. Add finely chopped ginger and garlic where appropriate. Soy sauce, salt, and black pepper are common for all variations.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 - Wash and chop asparagus spears into thirds.

Step 2 - Saute onion, chopped green chili, ginger, and garlic cloves in oil until translucent.

Step 3 - Add the asparagus and saute for 2-3 minutes, followed by all sauces and spices.

Step 4 - Add the cornstarch slurry and continue to saute for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Tips

• Choose fresh asparagus - Look for asparagus that are bright green in color, firm, and whose tips are tightly closed.
• Prep the asparagus correctly for stir-frying - Trim off the woody ends, and cut each spear into smaller bite-sized pieces. For even cooking, it is essential they have the similar thickness, else you can slice or peel the thick portions.
• Don't overcook - Asparagus cooks quickly. We want it to be tender, crisp, and not mushy.
• Preheat the pan/wok - Make sure the pan is well heated before adding asparagus, helping it to cook quickly and evenly.

If you love recipes that use asparagus, then don't miss to check my fried rice recipe using asparagus and peanuts.

Storage and Make Ahead Instructions

Make ahead - This healthy and delicious Asian stir fried asparagus can be prepared ahead of time by following the instructions given in the recipe. Let the dish cool down completely and store them in an airtight container. This remains good at room temperature for 4 to 6 hours or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

The key is to cook the asparagus until just tender while cooking them for the first time. Because when you are ready to serve, you have to reheat the dish in a pan (on the stovetop) or in the microwave until heated through. This reheating should not lead to overcooking the asparagus and making it mushy.

Refrigerate - Stir fried asparagus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze - It is not recommended to freeze these stir fried asparagus, as the texture may become mushy and unappetizing after thawing.