How to Make Stir-fried Asparagus with Garlic
When making stir-fried asparagus with garlic, it's important to control the heat so the asparagus remains crispy, doesn't burn, and retains its bright green color.
Ingredients
- 500g green asparagus
- 2 large garlic bulbs (~10-12 cloves)
- Coarse salt
- Seasonings: oyster sauce, seasoning powder, MSG, fish sauce, ground pepper
Ingredient Notes
Choose straight asparagus stalks with firm tips that are not wilted. Fresh asparagus should have a bright green color without any yellowing or withering. Pay attention to the tips; a dark green or slightly purple hue indicates the freshest asparagus.
Don't focus too much on the size of the asparagus, but rather on its crispness and freshness. Smaller asparagus is often used in grilling, salads, or as a garnish, while larger spears are suitable for main dishes like stir-fries or boiling.
As asparagus is highly nutritious, it tends to be pricey, ranging from 70,000 VND to 130,000 VND per kilogram.
Instructions
Preparing the Asparagus
As the tips of asparagus often trap small particles of dirt, first hold the stalks upside down and rinse them under running water to remove any grit. Next, trim off the tough, fibrous ends of the asparagus stalks.
The lower part of the asparagus stem has a tougher outer layer, so you can peel off about 2-3 cm of the skin to avoid it being too chewy when eaten. Do not peel the tender stems or tips, as they are nutritious. Then cut the asparagus into 5-6 cm sections.
You can repurpose the tough ends of the asparagus by cleaning them, drying them out, and boiling them with rock sugar for a liver detox and diuretic drink.
After preparing, soak the asparagus in lightly salted water for 2-3 minutes, then rinse and drain well.
Peel and coarsely chop the garlic. Avoid mincing it too finely as it can burn easily when stir-frying over high heat.
Blanching the Asparagus
To ensure the asparagus remains crispy and retains its vibrant green color when stir-fried, blanch it first. Boil a pot of water, and when it reaches a rolling boil, drop in the asparagus and blanch for about 15 seconds. Then immediately transfer the asparagus to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
This technique helps maintain the crispness and color of the asparagus and shortens the stir-frying time, preventing it from overcooking, burning, or losing its nutritional value.
Once the asparagus has cooled, drain it well.
Since asparagus has a mild flavor, it's best to marinate it before stir-frying. Here, Cookbeo marinates it with 1 teaspoon of seasoning powder. Alternatively, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of salt or 1/3 teaspoon of coarse salt.
Stir-frying the Asparagus with Garlic
Heat 3-4 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, add two-thirds of the garlic and stir-fry until fragrant and golden. Then, add the asparagus and stir-fry quickly over high heat to retain its crispness and enhance its flavor.
Once the asparagus is evenly coated with oil, season with 1/2 teaspoon of MSG, 2 teaspoons of oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon of fish sauce. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Stir-fry to evenly coat the asparagus with the seasoning, then add the remaining garlic and a pinch of ground pepper. Stir for another 5 seconds before turning off the heat and transferring the stir-fry to a serving plate.
Final Product Requirements
Video
Additional Information
Stir-fried asparagus with garlic is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. Asparagus is often referred to as the 'king of vegetables' due to its high nutritional content, including fiber and essential vitamins such as A, B, C, and E. When combined with garlic, it boosts the immune system, promotes heart and eye health, supports digestion, enhances skin beauty, helps with weight control, and reduces stress.
Additionally, asparagus is especially beneficial for pregnant women, as it provides folic acid, which supports fetal neural development, boosts immunity, relieves constipation, and helps prevent breast cancer.
