Stir-Fried Sesame Asparagus

With the flavors of chili oil and garlic; this stir-fried asparagus is quick, delicious and makes a great side or appetizer for any meal!

This is a sponsored post on behalf of de Buyer. All opinions are mine alone. 

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no extra cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. 

Spring is here and we are loving all the Spring produce! Asparagus, strawberries, artichokes, peas, kale, potatoes and so many other fruits are all over the market.

Plus, as the days get warmer it is great to enjoy quick and light meals with kids or family. 

Asparagus is something that is always in my produce shopping through the warm days. 

Slender stalks of asparagus can be prepared in SO many ways and they all taste delicious. Plus, they generally cook really quickly making them perfect for busy weeknights. 

The added advantage now is that my toddler loves it! And we are having far more asparagus these days than we did before.  

What is Asparagus Stir-Fry?

Spears of asparagus are sautéed on high heat to make the stir-fry. They get a slight char on them because of the hot pan. 

The stalks remain tender inside and are super flavorful from the garlic and chili used. 

The recipe comes together in under 15 minutes and is great with some steamed jasmine rice or noodles on the side. 

What you need to make this Stir-Fried Sesame Asparagus?

Asparagus: I used a whole bunch of asparagus in the recipe. For two people I would recommend about 15-20 stalks. 

To prep them, cut the bottom part till the stalk is no more stringy and cuts easily. Once it does, chop the remainder of the stalk in 3-4 inch pieces. 

Slender and thick stalks will work here; with the only change being in cook time. 

Garlic and Red Chili: For the recipe you need about 4-5 cloves of garlic. It gives everything a perfect flavor and taste. 

If you are not a fan of garlic, using 1 inch ginger piece works too. Or some diced pink onions. 

Dried red chili is added to the recipe for spice. Use a couple if you like it spicy or use just half. 

Garlic Chili Oil: A super flavorful mix of dried red chili and garlic in sesame oil, this condiment adds a lot of flavor to the dish. 

Available at most grocery stores, this can be substituted by Chili oil or skipped completely. 

Sesame Seeds: I use a LOT of toasted white sesame seeds in the recipe. They add crunch and flavor to the asparagus and I would strongly recommend adding them.

Sesame Oil: Like most Asian recipes I make this recipe in toasted sesame oil. It gives the pungent flavor that cannot be achieved by any other oil. 

Other than these, salt and pepper are added for taste. Green onion is added as a topping. Some soy sauce or vinegar can be added too but not required. 

Using a Carbon Steel Pan

For the longest time I have used cast iron pans for such recipes. Recently I was introduced to de Buyer's Mineral B Carbon Steel Pan. 

Their pans that are really sturdy yet light and last for generations. Made from carbon steel these pans conduct heat quickly. This makes the pans great to use for so many recipes. 

For 200 years de Buyer has been making innovative pans, cutlery and other things for the kitchen. Made in France, these are elegant and are easy to season with oil. 

These pans come with a beeswax coating to prevent oxidation. Once you scrub the coating and completely dry it on high heat, it is time to season it. 

To do so, add some oil and 'cook' on an open flame till the oil smokes. Made from 99% cast iron and 1% carbon; these pans work like non-stick once seasoned well. 

No artificial coating that peels or chips with usage, these pans are made to last for years. Read more about their care here. 

Check out their wonderful product offerings on their website. 

Frequently asked questions

Can you add other vegetables to the recipe?

Yes of course! Adding Brussels sprouts, carrots, mushrooms and peppers will be great in the stir-fry. 

You can also add them all and broccoli and onions to make an Asian style stir-fry recipe. 

Is this a good recipe for meal prep?

If you would like to prep the recipe in advance, I would recommend trimming and chopping the asparagus and garlic before hand. 

When it is time for dinner, the recipe will come together in under 10 minutes! It is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or air fryer. 

How to get it right each time

• The recipe comes together quickly and if left unattended the asparagus can burn and turn weird. Do not multitask while preparing it.

• Use a flat bottom cast iron or carbon steel pan for the recipe. A non-stick pan will not give the same result.

Steps

1- In a pan add oil. Heat on high flame. 

2- Add minced garlic and dried chili. Mix and let the garlic cook for a minute.

3- Add the Garlic Chili Oil and sauté for a few seconds.

4- Add the trimmed and cut asparagus and mix well. Let the stalks cook for a minute or two. 

5- Season with salt and pepper. Mix and cook for 2 minutes till the asparagus starts to char on the sides. 

6- Sprinkle half the toasted sesame seeds and mix well.

7- Top with green onion and remaining sesame seeds before serving. 

Yield: 2

Author: Smruti

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Stir-Fried Sesame Asparagus

With the flavors of chili oil and garlic; this stir-fried asparagus is quick, delicious and makes a great side or appetizer for any meal!

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 7 MinTotal time: 12 Min

Ingredients

• Asparagus 1 bunch (18-20 stalks)
• Garlic 2-3 cloves, minced
• Garlic Chili Oil ½ tsp
• Sesame oil 2 tbsp
• Toasted Sesame Seeds 2 tbsp
• Salt ¾ tsp
• Ground Pepper ¾ tsp

Instructions

1. In a pan heat oil on high flame.
2. Add minced garlic and dried chili. Mix and let the garlic cook for a minute.
3. Add the Garlic Chili Oil and sauté for a few seconds.
4. Add the trimmed and cut asparagus and mix well. Let the stalks cook for a minute or two.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Mix and cook for 2 minutes till the asparagus starts to char on the sides.
6. Sprinkle half the toasted sesame seeds and mix well.
7. Top with green onion and remaining sesame seeds before serving.

Notes:

• The recipe comes together quickly and if left unattended the asparagus can burn and turn weird. Do not multitask while preparing it.
• Use a flat bottom cast iron or carbon steel pan for the recipe. A non-stick pan will not give the same result.

Created using The Recipes Generator

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