Ah, the smell of a sizzling stir-fry wafting through the kitchen—it’s like a warm hug for the senses, isn’t it? Today, I’m excited to share one of my go-to favorites: **Savory Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry**. This dish has been a staple in my meal rotation ever since I first conquered the art of stir-frying (and trust me, there were a few “less-than-stellar” attempts before I nailed it!).
I vividly remember the first time I tried a dish similar to this at a small Chinese restaurant down the street. The flavors exploded in my mouth, and the perfect crunch of the asparagus took me by surprise. It was love at first bite! Since then, I’ve tweaked the recipe to fit my palate, adding ingredients that make this dish not just delicious but also a colorful addition to any dinner table.
Let’s dive into the deliciousness, shall we?
What’s in Savory Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry?
Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients and why I love them:
Pork Loin: Lean and tender, pork loin is the star of this stir-fry. I always opt for the freshest cuts I can find at the butcher.
Asparagus: Bright green and crisp, asparagus brings a delightful crunch. It’s in season during spring, but I find that fresh asparagus is available year-round, so you can enjoy this dish anytime!
Baby Bok Choy or Baby Spinach: I usually use baby bok choy for its mild flavor and delightful texture, but baby spinach is a fantastic alternative when I’m in a pinch.
Vegetable Oil: High heat is essential for stir-frying, and vegetable oil is perfect for that. I prefer a neutral oil that won’t overpower the other flavors.
Garlic and Ginger: These two aromatics work wonders in bringing depth and warmth to the dish. Their fragrant partnership is what makes your kitchen smell divine!
Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, and Hoisin Sauce: These sauces create a perfect medley of salty, sweet, and umami flavors. I stick with low-sodium soy sauce because I like to keep it healthier.
Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle adds a nutty finish that elevates every bite.
Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget the basics! A little seasoning goes a long way to enhance the flavors.
Sesame Seeds: Optional, but a wonderful touch for garnishing, providing a little crunch and visual appeal.
Is Savory Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry Good for You?
Absolutely! This stir-fry is not just packed with flavor; it’s also loaded with nutrients.
Asparagus is high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and fiber. It’s a great vegetable to include if you want to amp up your nutrient intake.
Pork loin is a great source of protein, which is essential for repairing tissues and muscle growth. Plus, it’s lower in fat compared to other cuts of pork.
Baby bok choy is also rich in vitamins and minerals, and adding greens to your meals is always a good decision for overall health.
Just remember, while this dish is healthy, moderation is key. The sauces can be high in sodium, so be mindful if you’re watching your salt intake. Adjust the amount of sauce to suit your dietary needs, and you’re golden!
Ingredients
This recipe serves about 4.
– 1 pound pork loin, thinly sliced
– 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 cups baby bok choy or baby spinach
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 inch fresh ginger, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
How to Make Savory Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry?
Now, onto the best part—cooking!
1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and pour in the vegetable oil. Wait until the oil shimmers; that’s your cue to get cooking!
2. Once hot, add the sliced pork and sprinkle it lightly with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until the pork is browned and cooked through. Remove it from the skillet and set aside.
3. Use that delicious leftover oil in the skillet and toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until your kitchen starts smelling amazing.
4. Next, throw in the asparagus and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and are just tender.
5. Add in the baby bok choy or spinach, continue stir-frying until the greens are wilted and cooked down.
6. Return the cooked pork to the skillet, then pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Stir everything together until well combined.
7. Allow it all to heat through for an additional 1-2 minutes, letting those flavors meld together beautifully.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
9. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy!
And voilà! Your savory pork and asparagus stir fry is ready to steal the show at dinner!
Serving Suggestions to Spice It Up!
Feel free to switch up the vegetables! Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas would make fantastic substitutes if you’re in the mood for something different. Serve this stir-fry over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or with steaming noodles for an extra heartiness.
I promise you, once you give this recipe a try, it’ll be hard to resist making it again and again. It’s quick, flavorful, and just downright comforting. Let me know how it turns out for you—happy cooking!
