STIR-FRIED ASPARAGUS WITH BACON AND CRISPY SHALLOTS

Stir-Fried Asparagus With Bacon and Crispy Shallots image

Provided by Jonathan Wu

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/4 cup black vinegar
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
2 small shallots, thinly sliced into rings
4 ounces slab bacon, cut into 1x1/4-inch pieces
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for frying (about 3 cups)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup fine-grind cornmeal
Kosher salt
1 pound asparagus, trimmed, thinly sliced on a diagonal
1 tablespoon white soy sauce
Special Equipment
A deep-fry thermometer

Steps:

Combine both vinegars in a medium bowl. Add shallots and let sit, tossing occasionally, 1 hour. Drain and pat dry.
Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until most of fat is rendered and bacon begins to brown, 5-7 minutes. Transfer to paper towels. Pour off fat; reserve for another use (scrambled eggs!). Wipe out skillet; reserve.
Fit a medium pot with thermometer and pour in oil to come 2" up sides of pot. Heat over medium-high until thermometer registers 300°F. Whisk flour and cornmeal in a shallow bowl. Dredge shallots in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Fry, tossing occasionally, until golden and crisp, about 3 minutes. Transfer to paper towels; season with salt.
Heat reserved skillet over medium-high. Swirl remaining 1 Tbsp. oil in pan to coat (this keeps food from sticking); pour out excess. The oil should be shimmering-if it's not hot enough, the asparagus will steam not caramelize. Add asparagus, season with salt, and cook, tossing, until almost cooked through, about 1 minute. Add bacon and 1 Tbsp. water; cook, tossing, until asparagus is cooked through, about 30 seconds. Add soy sauce; toss to coat. Serve topped with shallots.