Chinese-Style Asparagus 🥢
Overview:
This delightful Chinese-Style Asparagus recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packs a punch of flavor in every bite! With just a few simple ingredients and a short cooking time of 15 minutes, you can whip up a dish that’s not only healthy but also bursting with savory goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious on the table in a flash. Let’s dive into the recipe!
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 24.7 per serving
- Dietary Information: Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy
- Keywords: < 15 Mins, Stove Top, Easy
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs fresh asparagus
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
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Preparation: Begin by washing the fresh asparagus thoroughly under cold running water. Trim off the tough ends and discard them. Then, cut the remaining asparagus spears into 1 1/2-inch lengths, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
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Boil Sauce: In a large sauté pan or skillet, combine the soy sauce, sugar, and water over high heat. Stir the mixture well until the sugar has completely dissolved and the liquid starts to simmer. This flavorful sauce will infuse the asparagus with a delicious blend of sweet and savory notes.
Time Action 0:00 Combine soy sauce, sugar, and water in the pan. 0:02 Stir until sugar is dissolved. 0:04 Bring the mixture to a simmer. -
Add Asparagus: Once the sauce is simmering, carefully add the prepared asparagus pieces into the pan. Gently stir to coat the asparagus with the sauce, ensuring each piece is well covered. This step allows the asparagus to soak up all the wonderful flavors of the sauce.
Time Action 0:05 Add the asparagus to the pan. 0:07 Stir to coat the asparagus with the sauce. -
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the asparagus cook in the sauce for about 5 minutes or until they are tender-crisp. Keep an eye on them and stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Cooking the asparagus at a lower heat allows them to retain their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
Time Action 0:08 Reduce heat to low. 0:10 Let the asparagus simmer in the sauce. 0:13 Stir occasionally. -
Serve: Once the asparagus is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve up this delightful dish! Transfer the Chinese-style asparagus to a serving platter or individual plates, making sure to spoon some of the delicious sauce over the top. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Time Action 0:15 Transfer the cooked asparagus to a serving dish. 0:15 Spoon some sauce over the top.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 24.7
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 58.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 4.8g
- Fiber: 2.4g
- Sugar: 2.5g
- Protein: 2.6g
Tips:
- For added depth of flavor, you can enhance this dish by incorporating minced garlic, grated ginger, or a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Feel free to customize the sweetness level of the sauce to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the amount of sugar used.
- To make this dish even heartier, you can add protein such as sliced chicken, shrimp, or tofu along with the asparagus.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
Conclusion:
This Chinese-Style Asparagus recipe is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every mouthful. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and deliciousness. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the vibrant flavors of this delightful asparagus dish!
