Lemon Asparagus Stir-Fry

Note from Ana

Hello, fellow food enthusiasts!

Growing up in Croatia, one of my fondest memories was going asparagus picking with my Auntie M. In Croatia, especially in the areas I grew up in, asparagus picking is a common and much-loved activity. The wild asparagus we'd find were thinner and had a stronger, more robust flavor compared to the store-bought variety. The best places to find these wild asparagus are usually along the edges of forests, in meadows, or near riverbanks.

I'm thrilled to share with you a recipe for Lemon Asparagus Stir-Fry. It's not a dish I grew up with, but it's so refreshing and delicious that it's definitely worth making.

Here's why you'll absolutely love this Lemon Asparagus Stir-Fry:

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of lemon, garlic, and soy sauce creates a burst of flavors that perfectly complement the asparagus.
Versatile: This stir-fry can be served as a side dish or even a main course if you add some protein like chicken or tofu.
Nutrient-Packed: Asparagus is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious.

So, grab some asparagus and let's get cooking! I can't wait for you to try this recipe. Don't hesitate to share this dish with friends and family. After all, good food is meant to be shared!

Best,

Ana

How to prepare Lemon Asparagus Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

500 g asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

Preparation: Wash and trim the asparagus, then cut them into 2-inch pieces. Zest half of the lemon and set the zest aside. Juice half of the lemon into a separate bowl.
Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Cook Asparagus: Add the asparagus to the skillet and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until they start to become tender but still have a crunch.
Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir-fry for another minute, or until fragrant.
Season: Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, lemon juice, and the lemon zest to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the stir-fry and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the sesame seeds, if using, over the top for garnish.
Serve: Serve the Lemon Asparagus Stir-Fry hot as a side dish or over rice for a light meal.
Dobar tek!

How to Serve and Pair:

Serving Suggestions: Lemon Asparagus Stir-Fry is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. It's excellent alongside grilled or baked chicken, fish, or tofu. For a more substantial meal, serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, quinoa, or noodles.

Pairing: The light and zesty flavors of this stir-fry go well with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic pairing, a cold glass of sparkling water with a twist of lemon complements the dish's bright flavors.

Dietary Information:

Vegan and Vegetarian: This stir-fry is naturally vegan and vegetarian, making it a great option for those following plant-based diets.
Gluten-Free Options: To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Allergens: Contains soy (soy sauce) and sesame. If you have soy or sesame allergies, you can omit these ingredients or find suitable substitutes.

Make-Ahead Tips:

Asparagus Prep: The asparagus can be washed, trimmed, and cut ahead of time. Store the prepped asparagus in the refrigerator in an airtight container or a sealed bag with a damp paper towel to keep it fresh.
Lemon Zest and Juice: Prepare the lemon zest and juice in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator.
Quick Stir-Fry: Since stir-frying is a quick cooking process, having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go makes the process smoother and faster.
Reheating: While this dish is best served fresh, any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently in a pan. However, note that reheating may soften the asparagus further.

Frequently Asked Questions for Lemon Asparagus Stir-Fry

What type of asparagus should I use?

You can use either store-bought or wild asparagus. Wild asparagus will give a stronger flavor.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

What can I substitute for soy sauce?

If you're avoiding soy, you can use coconut aminos or tamari as a substitute.

Can I add protein to this stir-fry?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the asparagus ahead of time, but it's best to stir-fry just before serving.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Can I use other vegetables in this stir-fry?

Yes, this recipe is versatile. You can add other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for variety.

What’s the best way to pick wild asparagus?

Look for them along the edges of forests, in meadows, or near riverbanks during the spring season.

Is this dish spicy?

The recipe as is isn't spicy, but you can add some red pepper flakes if you like heat.

Lemon Asparagus Stir-Fry is a quick and easy side dish that brings the essence of spring to your table. This stir-fry combines tender asparagus spears with the zesty tang of fresh lemon juice and zest. A hint of garlic and a splash of soy sauce add depth to this light yet flavorful dish.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Asian

Servings

Ingredients

500 g asparagus trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1/2 lemon zest and juice
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
salt to taste
black pepper to taste

For garnish, optional:

1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

Preparation: Wash and trim the asparagus, then cut them into 2-inch pieces. Zest half of the lemon and set the zest aside. Juice half of the lemon into a separate bowl.
Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Cook Asparagus: Add the asparagus to the skillet and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until they start to become tender but still have a crunch.
Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir-fry for another minute, or until fragrant.
Season: Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, lemon juice, and the lemon zest to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the stir-fry and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the sesame seeds, if using, over the top for garnish.
Serve: Serve the Lemon Asparagus Stir-Fry hot as a side dish or over rice for a light meal.
Dobar tek!

Keyword asparagus, easy, spring

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