Growing up I don’t think I ever ate asparagus in my Mexican home. I can’t think of one authentic Mexican dish using asparagus. Can any of you? Come to think of it I think the first time I ate asparagus was after my boyfriend, now husband, introduced me to them. What I do remember is that ever since that first bite I fell in love. (That would be bite of asparagus…then again there might have been a few bites of the boyfriend. Just kidding.)
Asparagus is the vegetable I most look forward to every spring. Unfortunately the season is quite short but at least jarred asparagus is available year round. To fully enjoy the asparagus taste I like to keep it simple. My favorite ways of eating asparagus are steamed or lightly sauteed in a little olive oil. This season I also experimented by stir frying it as you see here. I think this just might be our new favorite way of eating asparagus. The first time I cooked this recipe I pushed aside the main dish and stuffed myself on the asparagus. The season is ending soon and supplies are starting to dwindle so we are trying to take full advantage while it lasts.
As you can see from all the photos I was really inspired by the beautiful fresh asparagus. I’m only showing 9 photos but I shot about 50. Crazy I know, but just look at how beautiful they are.
Before we get to the recipe let’s talk asparagus facts. Asparagus officinalis is native to Europe, northern Africa and western Asia, though it is now cultivated around the world. The top asparagus producers are China, followed by Peru and America. In Germany there is an annual festival called Spargelfest celebrating white asparagus. North-eastern Germany is well known as a producer and large exporter of white asparagus. There are three types of asparagus, green, white and a sweeter purple variety. If I had to pick my favorite between green or white asparagus the green variety would be my first choice.
Asparagus is low in calories, a good source of vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium and zinc, dietary fiber, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, rutin, niacin, folic acid, iron, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese and selenium. So not only great tasting but great for your health too.
(If you would like to publish my recipe on your website please quote Spicie Foodie as the recipe creator, and place a link back to the recipe.)
Stir Fried Asparagus In Oyster Sauce and Red Pepper Flakes
1 bunch fresh green asparagus (500 gm or 1 lb)
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes *please note I added them after I shot the photos
1/2 tsp granulated garlic or 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbs water or unsalted vegetable broth
olive oil or oil of your choice
lemon, if desired
1. Thoroughly clean the asparagus as there may be extra dirt hidden in the stalks. I like to cut off about 1/2 inch or 1.25 cm off the bottom. Cut off as much or little as you choose. A good tip is to cut just above where the stalk starts becoming softer than the woody harder bottom ends. Cut asparagus diagonally into small pieces. In a small bowl combine soy sauce, oyster sauce and water, set aside. Heat the oil, cook the garlic and pepper flakes for 1 minute. Next add the asparagus, cook for about 3 minutes. Next pour the sauce mix and gently stir until asparagus is well coated. Continue cooking over low to medium low heat until you achieve desired asparagus texture. In total I cooked my for about 8 minutes. Right before serving squeeze lemon juice over asparagus if desired. Drizzle sauce from pan over asparagus.
Serve asparagus as desired. It can be a side dish or serve with steamed Jasmine or Basmati rice for a light lunch.
Father’s Day is on Sunday and I thought I’d share some Spicie Foodie recipes the fathers in your life will love.
– Meatball Subs
– Grilled Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Sandwich
– Broiled Horsey Chops with Savory Apples
– Spicie Roasted Potatoes
– Lemon Garlic Stuffed Brook Trout
– Untraditional Croque Madame or French Ham, Cheese and Egg Sandwich
– 25 Man Approved Valentine’s Day Meals, this post has many Man approved recipes
Have a great Wednesday everyone!
A perfect combination! I am addicted to yster sauce.
Goregous clicks. I particularly like the first and third ones.
Cheers,
Rosa
Hi Rosa,
Thank you:)
The only asparagus I ever ate as a child is that really soft asparagus that comes out of the can. I remember when I tried REAL asparagus cooked lightly at a nice restaurant. It was a completely different in taste and texture. I love asparagus now but have never tried the “white” asparagus. I would love to try that.
Hi Sarah,
I much prefer fresh asparagus but when it’s not in season the jared one will do. Hopefully you can try the white asparagus soon. Thanks!
I always ate stir-fried asparagus as a kid. My mother made it with spicy red pepper and a scrambled egg. Mmmmm, I want that again right now :)
Hi Julie,
Oh that sounds really good. I’ll have to try it next time.
I usually shoot way too many photos of asparagus too — so much fun!
This looks absolutely delicious!
Hi Ali,
It’s so photogenic and kinda hard not to right?:) Thanks
Beautiful dramatic photos Nancy! I’ve never photographed asparagus, now you’ve inspired me;-). We love asparagus and in California we grow it so there is plenty in the markets during the season. I like to blanch and grill asparagus with a little olive oil and sea salt. I like your simple recipe too, best to keep it simple and let the asparagus flavor shine through! Happy Wednesday!
Hi Patty,
I also like it like that, so good. Thanks and Happy Wednesday to you too:)
This sounds delicious and so simple :)
Hi Maika,
Yes, really simple and delish :) Thanks
Asparagus is my favorite vegetable. Grilled or oven-roasted are the most popular ways I prepare them now but I can’t tell you how often my mom cooked them in oyster sauce. Your post just brought back some lovely memories of my childhood eats.
Nancy, I could sit here and stare at these gorgeous pictures all day, especially the first one. It is one of my favorite set ups for a photo but of course I can’t ever make mine look this good. So lovely!
Hi Jean,
I’ve never tried it oven roasted, sounds great.
Your photos are fantastic so I don’t know what you’re talking about. Thank you so much Jean:)
To me asparagus has never looked so beautiful. Loved the colour co-ordination. It’s nothing but virtual eye candy :)
Thank you Nandita:)!
Not a huge fan of asparagus, but this might change my mind!
Too bad DB, maybe you should give it another try:)
These photos are sensational–they would inspire me to eat asparagus if I didn’t already love it!
Thank you:)
More lovely photos, Nancy. You make the simplest food look so luscious. Love the easy recipe as well.
Thank you Victoria.
Your photos could certainly turn a person on to asparagus, not that it is necessary with me. It’s great just with butter, salt and lemon juice to bring out the subtle flavours. I will have to try to remember your combination of flavours for when the season comes back around here.
That is also a great way to enjoy asparagus. Thank you Suzanne!
As always the best photo’s ever love coming here great menu!
Thank you Claudia!
It’s been a while since we’ve had asparagus. Thank you for the reminder :-). Next time will try with oyster sauce :-)
Thanks and I hope you have it soon.
I’m with you on green over white asparagus, especially the canned white asparagus. Love the idea of sauteeing them with soy and oyster sauce.
Thanks Val!
I’m a huge asparagus fan, and this stir fry would be delicious. Now how to get hubby to like them:)
If he doesn’t then it’s more for you Tania, hehe:)
Oo-aa! My very favourite vegetable too: spring has sprung when artichokes and asparagus appear in the markets. But have never had the common sense to apply the Asian touch: mostly steam and use an intersting dipping sauce. So, thank you!!! And yes, these photos are absolutely superb: so elegant for a stylish vegetable :) ! Funny world: in Australia we celebrate Father’s Day in spring, in September . . .
So you have to wait a while to get your asparagus and celebrate Father’s Day. Thanks Eha!
I love asparagus too. You should try stir frying it in black pepper sauce with scallops. :)
Oh that sounds so delicious! Thanks for the tipe Michelle:)
Beautiful pictures Nancy. Thanks for the lovely recipe
Thank you Tania!
I am so in love with your food styling! Has any place or restaurant boughten your work? I know I would!
Hi Natalie,
Thank you so much:)
Asparagus has become one of my favorite vegetables. I love your pictures and your meal suggestions.
Hi Ben,
Thank you!
Asparagus is one of my favorites too!! This would be a hit with my family. :) Gorgeous pictures as always. :)
Hi Ramona,
I remember the curry recipe you had, I want to try it soon. Thanks sweetie:)
Fantastic photos as usual and I just love thie one with the asparagus and lemon, looks so tasty.
Thank you Suzi!
First and third photos from the top are my favorites!!! Very good-))
Thanks so much Yelena:)
Absolutely gorgeous pictures of asparagus!!!! I can’t decide which one I like the most because they are all beautiful. I love the recipe – tasty and easy!
Hi MJ,
Thank you so much!
mmm i fell in love with asparagus at first bite too! for me it was in college. it’s hard to improve on its taste, so i just do it simple, steamed with lemon juice and a little salt. oyster sauce and pepper flakes sound amazing too!
Hi Anna,
Yes, it’s hard to improve on something that already tastes phenomenal. Thank you!
That’s interesting that you didn’t eat asparagus growing up. I think Asparagus is not a typical Japanese vegetables but I think I had some growing up. But wait… did I??? LOL. It became such a common veggie in MY household and I cook often, so I might be confused. I actually don’t remember my mom used for cooking much! LOL. The oyster sauce and asparagus is great match. I would love this!
Hi Nami,
Lol:) I’m glad you eat it often in your house now. Thanks!
Finally made your asparagus …it so delicious. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe… I posted it on my blog: http://joaff.blogspot.com/2012/06/chinese-pepper-steak-and-stir-fried.html
Hi Maika,
Great and thanks for letting me know:)
Asparagus are just a stunning beauty, yes! These look amazing and I just love the photos! And the recipe has such wonderful flavors to complement…beautiful!
Thank you Alisha:)