SIMPLE SPICY ASPARAGUS IN A WOK

Simple Spicy Asparagus in a Wok image

Asparagus doesn't have to be treated as a delicate, fragile thing, napped only with butter or creamy sauces, or served plain with olive oil and salt. That's fine for the first week or two of the season, but then it's time to dial up the interest factor and add some spice. Asparagus actually stands up quite well to aggressive flavors. A quick toss in a hot wok with garlic, ginger and chiles doesn't overwhelm it at all, at least if you don't overcook the spears. Instead, the vegetable's sweetness becomes accentuated by contrast.

Provided by David Tanis

Time 20m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds asparagus, medium- or pencil-size
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 small dried red peppers
Salt and pepper
1/2 teaspoon Chinese chile paste
1 teaspoon grated garlic
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 jalapeño or serrano chile, finely chopped
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1/2 cup roughly chopped cilantro
3 green onions, slivered
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Steps:

Snap off and discard bottoms of asparagus, then cut into 2-inch pieces (halve thicker pieces lengthwise first).
Set wok over high heat and add vegetable oil. Add dried peppers and let sizzle, then add asparagus, tossing well to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for a minute or so, then add chile paste, garlic, ginger, orange zest and jalapeño. Continue cooking over high heat for a minute, maybe less, until asparagus is cooked but still firm and bright green. (It will continue cooking off the heat.)
Mound asparagus on a serving platter and drizzle with sesame oil. Sprinkle cilantro, green onion and sesame seeds over the top.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 115, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 481 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams