Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a burst of vibrant flavors and textures? Look no further than this delectable Asparagus and Cashew Stir Fry! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a dish that’s not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients and crunch. Imagine tender asparagus, crunchy roasted cashews, and a medley of aromatic spices all coming together in a sizzling stir fry that will have your taste buds dancing. This Asian-inspired recipe is perfect for busy evenings or impressing guests at your next dinner party. Ready to discover the secrets to this mouthwatering masterpiece? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup cashews, roasted
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing the asparagus and trimming off the tough woody ends. Cut asparagus into 2-inch diagonal pieces for even cooking.
- Slice the bell pepper into thin strips, mince the garlic cloves finely, and grate the fresh ginger using a microplane or fine grater.
- Heat a large wok or wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil and allow it to become hot and shimmering.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil, stirring quickly to prevent burning. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Immediately add sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften slightly.
- Add trimmed asparagus to the wok, tossing and stirring continuously for 4-5 minutes until asparagus is bright green and crisp-tender.
- Pour soy sauce over the vegetables and add roasted cashews. Stir to combine and coat everything evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, continuing to stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Serve immediately while hot and crisp.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare all your ingredients in advance. Wash and trim the asparagus, slice the bell pepper, and mince the garlic and ginger before you start cooking.
- High Heat is Key: Make sure your wok or skillet is hot enough before adding the sesame oil. This will help achieve that perfect stir-fry texture, keeping the veggies crisp and vibrant.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you're making a larger batch, consider cooking in batches to avoid steaming the vegetables. This ensures they stay bright and crunchy.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Add a Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the stir fry for an extra flavor boost.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove. Serve it hot over a bed of rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg