Simple Sautéed Asparagus Recipe
Healthy & Fiber-Rich Diet Side Dish: Sautéed Asparagus!
Discover the deliciousness of asparagus, packed with fiber and known for its cholesterol-lowering benefits, with this simple sautéed recipe. Fresh asparagus is not only a perfect companion to steak but also an excellent choice for those on a diet. Today, we’ll be using some fresh asparagus gifted by a friend to create a restaurant-quality sautéed asparagus dish right in your own kitchen. Let’s get started on this crisp, nutritious, and flavorful asparagus stir-fry!
Main Ingredients
- 10 stalks fresh asparagus
- 1/2 bell pepper (e.g., red, yellow), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 strips bacon or sausage, cut into pieces (optional)
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground recommended)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Using a vegetable peeler, lightly peel most of the asparagus stalks, avoiding the very tip. This step ensures a more tender texture when cooked.
Step 2
Trim off the tough, woody ends of the asparagus, about 2-3 cm from the bottom. If any part feels hard or fibrous, cut it off.
Step 3
Cut the prepared asparagus into approximately 5 cm lengths. Slice the bell pepper into similar-sized pieces as the asparagus. If using bacon or sausage, cut them into comparable bite-sized pieces as well. Cutting all ingredients to a similar size ensures even cooking.
Step 4
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the cut bacon or sausage and sauté until lightly browned and rendered. Using bacon or sausage will add a savory depth of flavor to the dish.
Step 5
Once the bacon or sausage is cooked to your liking, add the asparagus and bell pepper to the pan. Continue to stir-fry over medium heat, ensuring the ingredients don’t clump together. Be careful not to overcook the asparagus; aim for a tender-crisp texture.
Step 6
When the vegetables are almost tender, add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce for added umami. Toss everything together quickly to ensure the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 7
And there you have it – a delicious and healthy sautéed asparagus dish! It’s perfect for a diet meal thanks to its high fiber content, and asparagus is also known for its benefits in hangover relief and boosting vitality. Enjoy this flavorful dish immediately while it’s warm to best appreciate its crisp texture.
