A Sichuan-inspired stir-fry of blistered yet snappy asparagus and crispy pork in an aromatic sauce from Smitten Kitchen’s Deb Perelman. We jump on asparagus the second we see it at the market this time of year, but green beans, snap peas, or any other crisp green spring vegetable would also be great here. Don’t forget a side of chile crisp.
Ingredients
4 servings
3
2
8
6
5
1
2
2
1
Preparation
Step 1
Heat 1 tsp. peanut oil in a large skillet over high. Once pan is hot (oil will be lightly smoking), add half of asparagus and a couple pinches of salt and cook, tossing only once or twice so the pieces have a chance to blister, until crisp-tender and lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Transfer asparagus to a plate. Add 1 tsp. peanut oil to skillet (no need to wipe it out) and repeat process with remaining asparagus.
Step 2
Reduce heat to medium-high; add remaining 1 tsp. peanut oil to skillet, then add pork, spreading out into an even layer. Season with a couple pinches of salt and cook, undisturbed, until meat begins to brown underneath, about 2 minutes. Break up meat with a wooden spoon and add scallions, garlic, and ginger. Cook, stirring, until pork is crisp and mixture is very fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add wine and soy sauce and return asparagus to skillet. Cook, turning to coat with pork mixture, until heated through, about 1 minute.
Step 3
Transfer stir-fry to a platter or large shallow bowl and drizzle with sesame oil. Serve with rice and chili crisp.
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Reviews (80)
Back to TopSo disappointedwanted to live it. Salivated reading the recipe. Sort of bland and salty. So many better recipes. Nothing special.. oh disappointed. Made exactly as instructed..
Eclas
Connecticut
12/19/2023
Love this recipe! I soaked and pan-fried a bag of frozen cylindrical rice cakes and added them at the end with the asparagus. Doubled the liquid ingredients in the sauce (anticipating that the rice cakes would soak it up) and used ground dark meat turkey. Will definitely make again!
Anonymous
Cincinnati, OH
6/6/2023
@BonAppetit: Hey, would be super helpful if you're going to use something like "chili oil" in a recipe if you listed it in the list of ingredients (along with subs: I used Rooster chili garlic sauce as it's what I had in the house, and it really worked well) About that chili oil . . . the spiciness of whatever sauce you have in the frig really makes the other flavors pop. Also, use a large enough pan so as not to crowd the pork, as it's otherwise impossible to get the "crisp" on it that you're looking for. Despite that, this came out tasting great (and yes, it needs the salt and then some), and I'll make it again and again. Final thought: I added some roasted salted peanuts to today's leftovers for a bit of crunch.
Heidi Reinberg
Brooklyn
4/24/2023
Quite possibly the best BA recipe I’ve ever made, and there have been a lot! What a great way to cook asparagus… I naught just always cook asparagus this way from now on.
Anonymous
Santa Barbara, CA
4/11/2023
This was a huge hit in our house and will happen again soon. I used a whole sweet onion , really fresh local asparagus, a sweet red pepper and more pork. We expected leftovers but ate every bit.
Beth
Tucson , AZ
3/29/2022
Was going to make ground pork and cucumber stir fry tonight but came upon your asparagus idea and changed plans without too much trouble. Glad I did! Reduced the salt, took the hint and used chili oil to finish and we ate every last bit of this dish. Pork and Asparagus has earned a place in my favorite recipes folder.
RedS2K
Spokane, Wa
3/23/2022
I can't handle spice but still wanted a bit of punch, so I added rice wine vinegar and some chopped pickled green beans instead of chili crisp. I wasn't sure the pickled green beans would be a good addition but they really worked! Overall, a decently flavorful stir fry. I'll probably add some extra soy, vinegar and sesame oil when I cook up the leftovers.
Brittney
Dallas, TX
3/15/2022
My whole family loves this recipe. I use broccoli or baby broccoli instead, my kids will eat that sooner than asparagus. We usually do a gojuchang Mayo on the side that adds perfect spice to it. I usually skip the salt and just add a little extra soy sauce to the meat. We double the recipe so we can have leftovers too!! Just do the pork in separate batches. Tonight we did it with spaghetti squash as the base and it added a great texture plus extra veggies! We make this probably once a week, great recipe!
Anonymous
Atlanta, Ga
2/19/2022
This is delicious! It comes together quickly has become part of my weeknight dinner rotation. I use dry sherry instead of the Shaoxing wine. Quite often I forget to purchase scallions and substitute a sliced yellow onion that I blister before the asparagus - I think I like it even better with the onion. I serve with Jasmine rice.
EP
Athens, GA
4/11/2021
Cut the Salt!!! Too much Salt being specified in these recipes. Not needed. Bad for health.
Anonymous
Texas
3/8/2021
An amazing dish, excellent as leftovers. My spin on it involves a little bit of Dijon mustard on top while serving. It's worth a try
Phil A
San Francisco CA
3/3/2021
This is one of my favourite recipes to make on a weeknight - it's fast and soo tasty. I have substituted pork with vegan mince, and even just diced mushrooms and both are delicious alternatives. The key is the fragrant Shaoxing wine - can't be replaced! And finish with chilli oil for added heat and salt. I serve with sticky jasmine rice and it's always a winner.
Nicole
London
1/26/2021
It's a good recipe, easy to make. The flavors as-written are fine but not outstanding. If you have it on hand, adding 1 tsp of ground szechuan pepper makes a huge difference and really takes this dish to the next level. I've made it a handful of times a handful of different ways (green beans, crumbled tofu) and they've all been tasty.
Julia Childless
Washington, DC
1/19/2021
So flavorful and it comes together super quick. The next day it’s still really good too. The star of the show is the chili crisp though. It elevates anything you put it on. So good I make it once a month. I put it on noodles, rice, eggs, literally anything.
Sara G
New York, NY
1/14/2021
I usually like your recipes. This one did nothing for my family. They said it was ok, but they didn't ask for it again. I'll try it again in a few months.
priests wife
Northfield, MN
12/16/2020