The asparagus stalks are sliced and stir fried in an aromatic oil infused with ginger and garlic, then finished with lemon juice. It’s a Chinese-inspired side dish that is quick to make and adds color to your dinner table. {Vegan, Gluten-Free}
Asparagus may not be the first vegetable that comes to mind when you think of Chinese cuisine, but its crisp texture and clean flavor make it an excellent choice for a quick stir fry. This Chinese-style asparagus stir fry is light, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it a fantastic side dish to complement any meal.
Ingredients
This recipe only requires a few ingredients:
- Asparagus
- Olive oil
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon juice
The ginger and garlic infuse the oil and make it extra fragrant. The dish uses a very simple seasoning to create a light and clean flavor. It is finished up with lemon juice for a very bright taste.
How to cut asparagus for stir fry
This recipe features asparagus spears cut on the bias into long thin pieces. This technique is very helpful especially if you use thicker asparagus stalks. By exposing more surface area on the inside of the asparagus stalk, it cooks more quickly and absorbs more flavor.
How to make asparagus stir fry
Making thish dish is super quick and easy.
First, cook the ginger and garlic in hot oil until very fragrant and the edges turn golden.
Then stir fry the asparagus until just turning tender, and season it with salt and pepper. Once the asparagus has reached the desired doneness, turn off the heat and squeeze the lemon juice onto it.
That’s it! Now you can serve it as a side dish to accompany your main.
Serving suggestions
This dish pairs well with many types of main dishes, Chinese food or not. But here are some of my favorites pairings for a quick dinner:
- Peanut Noodles
- Chicken with Garlic Sauce
- Easy Egg Fried Rice (蛋炒饭)
- Honey Glazed Salmon
- Crispy Sesame Tofu
Chinese-style asparagus stir fry is an easy yet elegant way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a perfect addition to your home-cooked Chinese meals. Give it a try and enjoy a dish that’s both simple and packed with flavor!
Asparagus Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 ” (1 cm) ginger , julienned
- 2 cloves garlic , sliced
- 1 lb (454 g) asparagus , tough ends removed, slice on a bias into 1/2” thick pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 to 2 lemon wedges
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add the ginger and garlic. Stir and cook to release fragrance, 30 seconds.
- Add the asparagus. Cook and stir until starting to turn tender, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Sprinkle with salt and add ground black pepper, stir to mix well. Turn to medium-low heat and taste the asparagus. Adjust seasoning if needed. Turn off the heat. Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir again to mix well. Transfer everything to a plate. Serve hot as a side dish.
