Stir-Fried Asparagus with Ginger and Soy Sauce

Asparagus is one of the first vegetables to appear in the spring, and it's a welcome sight after a long winter. This simple stir-fry is a great way to enjoy asparagus at its peak. The asparagus is cooked quickly over high heat, so it retains its bright green color and crisp texture. The ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil add a savory and flavorful touch.

Asparagus has been cultivated for over 2,000 years, and it was once considered a delicacy. In the Middle Ages, asparagus was believed to have medicinal properties, and it was often used to treat digestive problems and urinary tract infections. Today, asparagus is enjoyed all over the world, and it is a popular ingredient in many dishes, from salads to stir-fries to pasta dishes.

Prep time: 5 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the asparagus and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper and cook, stirring constantly, until the asparagus is evenly coated, about 1 minute more.
4. Serve immediately.

Why It Works

• The high heat of the stir-fry cooks the asparagus quickly, so it retains its bright green color and crisp texture.
• The ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil add a savory and flavorful touch to the asparagus.
• This dish is simple to make and can be on the table in under 10 minutes.