Spicy Szechuan-Style Asparagus Delight
Elevate your vegetable game with this Szechuan-style asparagus dish that packs a serious punch! Inspired by a popular restaurant recipe, this vibrant and flavorful dish features tender asparagus spears sautéed to perfection with aromatic garlic, ginger, and a kick of chili paste. Finished with a savory oyster sauce and sesame oil, it's a delicious fusion of flavors that will impress your family and guests alike. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this Spicy Szechuan-Style Asparagus Delight will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh asparagus spears
1 bunch (each spear cut into thirds)
oyster sauce
3 ounces
white onion
1 (thinly sliced)
gingerroot
1/4 ounce (freshly grated)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
chili paste
1/4 ounce
cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon
sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon
olive oil
1/2 teaspoon
Szechuan pickled vegetables
1/4 ounce
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2
Add the asparagus pieces and sliced onion, and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
3
Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, chili paste, and Szechuan pickled vegetables, and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
Pour in the oyster sauce and sprinkle the cornstarch over the mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute until thickened.
5
Drizzle the sesame oil over the top, tossing gently to coat. Sauté for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, then remove from heat.
6
Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Szechuan-Style Asparagus Delight?
It is a vibrant vegetable side dish featuring tender asparagus spears stir-fried with garlic, ginger, chili paste, and Szechuan pickled vegetables.
How should I prepare the asparagus for this recipe?
Each asparagus spear should be cut into thirds before cooking.
What type of onion works best in this dish?
The recipe calls for one thinly sliced white onion.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
To make it vegan, you should replace the oyster sauce with a vegetarian mushroom-based stir-fry sauce.
How much oyster sauce is required?
The recipe uses 3 ounces of oyster sauce.
What is the heat level of this dish?
This dish is designed to be spicy, packing a serious punch from the chili paste and Szechuan pickled vegetables.
Can I use a regular skillet if I do not have a wok?
Yes, a large skillet can be used as an alternative to a wok for this stir-fry.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is portioned to serve 4 people.
Why is cornstarch used in this recipe?
Cornstarch is sprinkled over the mixture to help thicken the sauce and coat the vegetables.
How much ginger is needed?
You will need 1/4 ounce of freshly grated gingerroot.
What are Szechuan pickled vegetables?
They are a traditional Chinese condiment made from fermented vegetables that add a salty, tangy depth to the dish.
When should I add the sesame oil?
Drizzle the sesame oil over the top at the end of cooking to preserve its aromatic flavor.
What type of oil is used for the initial stir-fry?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil to start the cooking process.
How long should the asparagus cook initially?
The asparagus and onion should be stir-fried for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
Can I substitute the chili paste?
Yes, but it will change the flavor profile; Sriracha or red chili flakes can be used in a pinch.
What should I use for garnishing the dish?
Sesame seeds or sliced green onions are recommended garnishes.
Is fresh ginger mandatory?
Fresh ginger is highly recommended for the best flavor, but you can use ground ginger in a much smaller quantity if necessary.
How much garlic does the recipe call for?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, you can easily add sliced chicken, beef, or shrimp to turn this into a full main course.
What is the total cooking time?
The cooking process takes approximately 5 to 6 minutes once the ingredients are prepped.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It depends on your oyster sauce; ensure you use a certified gluten-free oyster sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What heat setting should I use?
Use medium-high heat to ensure the vegetables stir-fry quickly without becoming soggy.
Can I use frozen asparagus?
Fresh asparagus is preferred for the 'snap' and texture, but frozen can be used if thawed and drained thoroughly.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a vegetable-forward dish that is relatively low in fat.
What if I cannot find Szechuan pickled vegetables?
You can omit them or replace them with a small amount of kimchi or chopped pickles for a similar acidic note.
How much sesame oil is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil.
Should the garlic and ginger be cooked long?
No, they should only be sauteed for about 1 minute until fragrant to prevent burning.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It is best served immediately to enjoy the texture of the asparagus, but it can be reheated briefly in a pan.
What is the consistency of the final sauce?
The sauce should be thick enough to lightly coat the asparagus spears thanks to the cornstarch and oyster sauce.