Chinese cuisine is well-known for its use of fresh vegetables and unique flavor combinations. Asparagus is a popular vegetable in Chinese cooking due to its crunchy texture and versatility in dishes. In this article, we will explore some of the best Chinese asparagus recipes that you can easily make at home.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipes, let's take a look at the ingredients you will need: - 1 pound fresh asparagus - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sugar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Chinese Asparagus Stir Fry
1. Begin by washing the asparagus and trimming off the tough ends. Cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces. 2. In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. 3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. 4. Add the asparagus to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften. 5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. 6. Pour the sauce over the asparagus and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the asparagus is tender and coated in the sauce. 7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 8. Serve hot as a side dish or over rice as a main course.
Chinese Asparagus Soup
1. Wash and trim the asparagus as in the previous recipe. Cut the asparagus into small pieces. 2. In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. 3. Add the asparagus to the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. 4. Simmer the asparagus for 10-15 minutes until it is very tender. 5. Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. 6. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender to puree until smooth. 7. Return the soup to the pot and reheat over low heat. 8. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water. 9. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the soup while stirring constantly. 10. Continue to stir the soup until it thickens slightly. 11. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 12. Serve hot with a sprinkle of chopped scallions on top.
Chinese Asparagus Salad
1. Wash and trim the asparagus as in the previous recipes. Cut the asparagus into thin slices. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. 3. Add the sliced asparagus to the bowl and toss to coat in the dressing. 4. Add 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds and 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro to the bowl and toss again. 5. Serve the salad chilled as a refreshing side dish.
Nutrition
Asparagus is a low-calorie vegetable that is packed with nutrients. One cup of cooked asparagus contains only 40 calories but provides 4 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and a wide range of vitamins and minerals. The addition of garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds in these recipes adds even more nutritional value and flavor to the dish. In conclusion, these Chinese asparagus recipes are a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. Whether you prefer the crunch of stir-fried asparagus, the warmth of asparagus soup, or the freshness of asparagus salad, there is a recipe for everyone to enjoy. Try them out and impress your family and friends with your Chinese cooking skills!