Asparagus Stir Fry Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a quick and colorful way to bring a burst of flavor to my weeknight dinners, combining the crunch of fresh asparagus with the zing of ginger and garlic. Plus, the addition of soy and oyster sauce gives it that umami kick I can never resist, making it both satisfying and guilt-free!

I love preparing meals that are both mouthwatering and healthful, and my Asparagus Stir Fry is a perfect case in point. It stars crisp, fresh asparagus—nature’s vitamin delivery system.

The rest of the cast is just as remarkable: sweet, bright red bell pepper; fragrant garlic; and aromatic ginger. The flavor of this dish is through the roof, thanks to a touch of sesame oil and soy sauce.

Ingredients

Asparagus:
Abundant in vitamin K; packed with fiber.

Good for digestion.

Garlic:
Comprises antioxidants, might enhance immune function, contributes strong flavor.

Ginger:
Assists with breaking down food; keeps things moving; has inflammation-fighting properties galore; just plain good for you.

And delicious.

Red Bell Pepper:
Rich in vitamin C, gives sweetness and radiant color.

Soy Sauce:
Delivers umami taste, is protein-rich, calorie-light.

Sesame Oil:
Provides a rich nutty flavor and is a source of healthy fats.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb (450g) fresh asparagus
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Clean and trim the asparagus by taking off the lower end that is too tough to eat. Cut the asparagus into sections that are 2 inches long.

2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

3. Stir in the grated ginger and pressed garlic, and sauté. For this step, you might want to use some kind of ‘sauce pan.’ After about 30 seconds, you should have some very fragrant vegetables.

4. Place the sliced red bell pepper into the pan and stir them around for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.

5. Raise the heat to high and throw in the asparagus. Stir-fry for 3-4 more minutes until the color of the asparagus is distinctly green and its texture is tender-crisp.

6. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly.

7. Slowly pour in 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, beating well to blend together all the flavors.

8. Add salt and pepper to taste, and mix everything well.

9. Take the pan from the heat, and then plentifully distribute the toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fried veggies.

10. As a side dish, serve right away, or put it on top of some rice to make a complete meal. Relish your scrumptious Asparagus Stir Fry!

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Chef’s knife
3. Large skillet or wok
4. Saucepan (optional, for sautéing if needed)
5. Grater or microplane (for ginger)
6. Garlic press (optional, for garlic)
7. Measuring spoons
8. Wooden spoon or spatula
9. Serving dish or bowl

FAQ

• What is the best way to prepare asparagus for stir fry?Remove the hard ends of the asparagus and cut the spears into 2-inch sections for even cooking.
• Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?Though fresh asparagus is best for texture and taste, you can substitute frozen. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry so your dish won’t end up watery.
• Is it necessary to toast the sesame seeds?Enhancing the nutty flavor of sesame seeds makes it recommended toasting. But you can skip that step if you like.
• Can I replace oyster sauce with another ingredient?As an alternative to oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a dash of sugar.
• How should leftovers be stored?Keep uneaten food in a secure, sealed, transparent dish in the refrigerator for no longer than 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, warm the food in a frying pan or microwave oven until it’s nice and hot.
• What can I serve with this asparagus stir fry?Present it as a complement to the meal or alongside cooked grains or pasta for a nicely rounded meal. In any case, do not be dainty. Serve generous mounds!

Substitutions and Variations

You can use olive oil or sunflower oil instead of vegetable oil.
Use 1 teaspoon of ground ginger in place of fresh ginger. Substituting fresh ginger with dried ginger can lead to unwanted result.
You can substitute yellow or orange bell pepper for the red bell pepper.
If you need a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, you can use tamari or coconut aminos.
If you lack oyster sauce, you can rely on hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce as a substitute.

Pro Tips

1. Prepare Ingredients in Advance Before you start cooking, ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready. This includes trimming and cutting the asparagus, mincing the garlic and ginger, and slicing the bell pepper. Stir-frying is a quick process, so having everything ready will prevent overcooking.

2. Use High Heat Wisely Stir-fry works best with high heat. Ensure your skillet or wok is well-heated before adding the oil. This helps in achieving a good sear on the vegetables, enhancing their flavor and texture.

3. Maintain the Crunch of Asparagus To retain the vibrant color and crunch of the asparagus, be attentive to cooking times. Stir-fry just until the asparagus turns bright green and is tender-crisp. Overcooking can lead to mushy vegetables.

4. Balance Flavors Taste the dish before serving and adjust seasonings. If the soy sauce and oyster sauce make it too salty, balance with a splash of lime juice or a pinch of sugar for added depth and to enhance the dish’s flavor profile.

5. Toast Sesame Seeds For added flavor, toast the sesame seeds before sprinkling them on the dish. You can do this in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are lightly golden and aromatic. This enhances their nutty flavor and overall appeal.