Asian Stir-Fried Sesame Asparagus

Looking for a quick, easy way to prepare the asparagus that’s plentiful in your produce section this spring?

This recipe has an Asian taste that marries sweet and sour flavors and makes a perfect side dish to broiled chicken or fish. Select firm, straight stalks with closely closed tips, whether you like pencil-thin or thick stalks. Choose stalks of uniform size for even cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 shallot, sliced into thin rings
• 1 lb asparagus, tough ends removed, sliced diagonally into 1-inch pieces
• ½ lb shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded, thinly sliced
• ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons finely minced pickled ginger
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toaster

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet or wok.

2. Add the shallot and stir-fry over medium-high heat for 1 minute.

3. Add the asparagus and mushrooms and continue to cook, tossing the vegetables constantly, until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes.

4. Lower the heat to medium. Add the red pepper flakes, cilantro and hoisin sauce. Stir to mix well.

5. Place in a serving bowl. Top with ginger and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Analysis

• Calories: 60 (29% calories from fat)
• Total Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Dietary fiber 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Potassium: 395mg

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