If you are looking for a quick and easy vegan dish that is full of flavor and nutrition, try this spicy asparagus with black bean sauce. It only takes 15 minutes to make and it will satisfy your taste buds with its savory, spicy, and tangy sauce. You can serve it with rice or noodles, or enjoy it on its own as a light meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons of oil (peanut, coconut, or vegetable)
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons of fermented black beans, rinsed and chopped (or use black bean sauce)
- 1/4 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns, crushed (or use black pepper)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce (or use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (or use maple syrup, coconut sugar, brown sugar, or a sugar substitute)
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar (or use black vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon of Chinese cooking wine (shaoxing) or mirin (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of chili garlic sauce (or use sambal oelek or red pepper flakes for more heat)
- A pinch of Chinese five spice (optional)
- Optional garnishes: roasted peanuts, sliced scallions, sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, cooking wine, chili garlic sauce, and five spice if using. Set aside.
- Heat a wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the asparagus and stir-fry for about 3 minutes, until crisp-tender and bright green.
- Make some room in the center of the wok and add the garlic, ginger, black beans, and peppercorns. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes, until fragrant and slightly browned.
- Add the sauce and toss everything to coat well. Cook for another minute or until the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with your choice of garnishes. Enjoy!
