Last Updated on September 14, 2020 by Simon Fan
Asparagus is synonymous with spring and tastes best during their prime season, which starts in April.
There is nothing better than seeing those bright green spears at the farmers’ markets. Their tenderness and sweetness remind us why eating food grown locally and in season provides one of the greatest pleasures in life.
Although asparagus is not strictly a Chinese ingredient, it has been incorporated into contemporary Chinese cooking, especially in stir-fries and soups. For example, you can make a simple stir-fry with asparagus alone, or pair it with shrimp, chicken, or other vegetables.
While most asparagus dishes tend to be delicate and subtle to highlight its natural flavor and texture, you can also excite your taste buds with bold flavors, such as using Chinese fermented black soybeans.
Called douchi (豆豉) in Mandarin, fermented black beans add layers of flavors to the dish and contrast nicely with the grassy and sweet asparagus. You can find them in Chinese grocery stores or online. Those labeled as Yongchuan douchi (永川豆豉), from Sichuan Province and made with a 300-year-old tradition, are among the best.
Stir-fried asparagus with fermented black beans
Serves 2
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) medium asparagus
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons fermented black beans, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
⅛ teaspoon sugar
Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground white pepper
Directions
- Trim the tough ends of the asparagus, and cut diagonally into 2-inch (5 cm) lengths.
- Place a wok or skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then swirl in the oil. When the oil starts to shimmer, add the fermented black beans, garlic, and scallions, and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the asparagus, turn up the heat, and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the wine, sugar, and chili flakes, and stir and mix until the asparagus is crisp-tender and still bright green, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, and serve right away.
