Quick Asparagus & Mushroom Stir Fry with Garlic & Ginger

Asparagus & Mushroom Stir Fry: A Delightful Quick Side Dish or Main Course

This Asparagus & Mushroom Stir Fry is a culinary gem that brings together the vibrant crunch of asparagus and the earthy richness of mushrooms, all enveloped in a symphony of Asian-inspired flavors. In just 20 minutes, you can create a versatile dish that works wonderfully as a side or can be easily transformed into a satisfying main course with the addition of your choice of protein. Let’s dive deep into this delightful recipe, exploring each aspect from its preparation to nutritional benefits.

Recipe Overview

• Name: Asparagus & Mushroom Stir Fry
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Description: This fast and easy side dish goes well with any meat entrée. Or you can add strips of chicken, beef, or pork to make it a quick, complete meal.
• Recipe Category: Vegetable
• Keywords: Chinese, Asian, Low Cholesterol, < 30 Mins, Stir Fry, Easy
• Aggregated Rating: 4.5
• Review Count: 2
• Calories: 211.1 per serving
• Fat Content: 14.9 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 3.7 g
• Cholesterol Content: 10.1 mg
• Sodium Content: 388.1 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 15.1 g
• Fiber Content: 5.2 g
• Sugar Content: 5.5 g
• Protein Content: 10.1 g
• Servings: Not specified
• Yield: Not specified

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb asparagus
• 2 tbsp canola oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
• 3/4 lb mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Wash asparagus well.

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   • Fresh asparagus should be rinsed thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides. Use cold water and gently rub each stalk.

2. Break off bottoms and cut spears diagonally into 1 1/2 inch pieces.

   • Snap off the tough, woody ends by hand. They will naturally break at the right point. Then, cut the remaining stalks diagonally into bite-sized pieces.

3. In a large frying pan, heat oil and butter over medium heat.

   • Use a large skillet or wok for even cooking. The combination of canola oil and butter provides a balanced base that adds richness without overpowering the vegetables.

4. Add asparagus, garlic, and ginger.

   • Add minced garlic and ground ginger to the hot oil and butter. Stir them briefly until fragrant, then add the asparagus.

5. Stir fry one minute.

   • Stir fry the asparagus just long enough to start turning bright green. This quick cooking helps retain its crisp texture.

6. Add sugar, cover, and cook for 1 minute.

   • Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the asparagus, then cover the pan. The sugar helps to slightly caramelize the asparagus and enhance its natural sweetness.

7. Add mushrooms and stir fry for 2 minutes.

   • Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Stir fry them until they begin to soften and release their juices.

8. Remove from heat and stir in soy sauce and sesame oil.

   • Take the pan off the heat and mix in the soy sauce and sesame oil. This step ensures the flavors are well integrated without overcooking the vegetables.

9. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.

   • Finish the dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and a nutty flavor.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this stir fry offers a balanced nutritional profile that makes it a healthy addition to your meal. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the nutritional content:

• Calories: 211.1
• Fat: 14.9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.7 g
• Cholesterol: 10.1 mg
• Sodium: 388.1 mg
• Carbohydrates: 15.1 g
  • Fiber: 5.2 g
  • Sugars: 5.5 g
• Protein: 10.1 g

Ingredient Insights

Asparagus

Asparagus is not only delicious but also a nutritional powerhouse. It’s packed with vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as fiber and folate. The unique taste of asparagus, slightly grassy with hints of nuttiness, complements the umami flavors in this stir fry.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms bring an earthy depth to the dish, rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They are low in calories and provide a good source of protein and fiber, making them an excellent addition to the stir fry.

Canola Oil and Butter

Using both canola oil and butter gives a blend of flavors and cooking properties. Canola oil, with its high smoke point, is ideal for stir-frying, while butter adds a creamy richness to the dish.

Garlic and Ginger

These two ingredients are staples in Asian cooking, providing aromatic and spicy notes that elevate the overall flavor profile of the stir fry. Garlic and ginger also have numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil

Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami, a savory taste that enhances the dish’s overall flavor. Sesame oil, with its rich, nutty flavor, is used as a finishing oil to add depth and complexity.

Toasted Sesame Seeds

These seeds add a crunchy texture and a slight nuttiness that complements the other flavors in the stir fry. Toasting them enhances their aroma and taste.

Cooking Tips and Variations

• Protein Addition: To make this stir fry a complete meal, add strips of chicken, beef, or pork. Cook the protein first in the pan, remove it, and then follow the original recipe, adding the protein back in before the soy sauce and sesame oil.
• Vegetable Varieties: Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or baby corn. This adds more color and variety to the dish.
• Spice it Up: Add a bit of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha if you like your stir fry with a bit of heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the stir fry over steamed rice or noodles for a more substantial meal.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

1. Asparagus: Start by washing the asparagus under cold water. To remove the tough ends, hold the asparagus stalk in both hands and bend it until it snaps naturally. The bottom part that snaps off is usually tough and should be discarded. Cut the remaining stalk diagonally into 1 1/2 inch pieces, which allows for more surface area to absorb the flavors during cooking.

2. Mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel. Avoid rinsing them under water as they can absorb moisture and become soggy. Slice them uniformly so they cook evenly.

3. Garlic and Ginger: Mince the garlic finely and grate or finely chop the ginger. Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best flavor, but you can use pre-minced versions for convenience.

Cooking

1. Heat the Pan: Use a large frying pan or wok to allow the vegetables room to cook without steaming. Heat the pan over medium heat before adding the canola oil and butter. This ensures the fats are hot enough to start cooking the vegetables immediately.

2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the garlic and ginger to the hot oil and butter. Stir them quickly, ensuring they don’t burn. The goal is to release their flavors into the oil.

3. Cook Asparagus: Add the prepared asparagus to the pan and stir-fry for about one minute. You want to start the cooking process but maintain the crisp texture of the asparagus.

4. Add Sugar: Sprinkle the sugar over the asparagus and cover the pan. This step helps to lightly caramelize the asparagus and enhance its natural sweetness. Cook covered for one minute.

5. Add Mushrooms: Stir in the mushrooms and continue stir-frying for about two minutes. Mushrooms cook quickly and will start to release their juices, adding more flavor to the dish.

6. Finish with Sauce: Remove the pan from heat before adding the soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir these in gently to avoid overcooking the vegetables and to ensure the flavors meld well together.

7. Garnish: Transfer the stir fry to a serving dish and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

• Accompaniments: Serve with steamed jasmine rice or noodles. A side of miso soup or a simple Asian salad with a sesame dressing would complement this stir fry beautifully.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir pairs well with the fresh and savory flavors of the stir fry.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of water or soy sauce to rehydrate the vegetables.

Conclusion

The Asparagus & Mushroom Stir Fry is a quick and versatile dish that captures the essence of Asian cuisine with its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Its ease of preparation and flexibility make it a great option for busy weeknights or as a part of a larger meal. Whether served as a side dish or a main course with added protein, this stir fry is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors that make this dish a standout in any culinary setting!