Spicy Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this Spicy Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry, a bold, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare yet incredibly satisfying. Packed with vibrant ingredients, it’s a perfect balance of heat, umami, and freshness.
This recipe takes inspiration from a Bon Appétit favorite but has been modified to deliver an even more dynamic flavor profile. The tender ground pork, crisp asparagus, and savory sauces create a harmony of textures and tastes in every bite.
Whether you’re a stir-fry enthusiast or a curious cook seeking a new twist, this dish is sure to impress. Perfect for busy nights, it brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Spicy Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry Ingredients
- Ground Pork: The heart of this dish, offering rich, savory flavor and a tender texture that absorbs the bold sauces beautifully.
- Asparagus Spears: Crisp and vibrant, these greens add freshness and a satisfying crunch to the stir fry.
- Fresh Ginger & Garlic: A fragrant duo that forms the aromatic base, infusing the dish with warm, zesty depth.
- Sriracha Chili Sauce: Brings the heat and a touch of tang, elevating the dish with its fiery kick.
- Oyster Sauce: A silky, umami-packed addition that ties the flavors together with a savory richness.
- Scallions: Bright and peppery, they add the perfect finishing touch of freshness and color.
Spicy Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry
Recipe Tips
- Master the Stir-Fry Technique
To achieve that perfect balance of crisp-tender asparagus and flavorful pork, ensure your wok or skillet is hot before adding the ingredients. Stir-frying is a fast process, so keep everything prepped and within arm’s reach. Overcrowding the pan can result in steaming rather than stir-frying, so cook in batches if necessary. - Customize the Heat Level
Sriracha provides the spicy kick in this recipe, but you can adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance. For milder heat, reduce the Sriracha and substitute a small splash of sweet chili sauce. If you’re a spice lover, toss in sliced fresh chilies or sprinkle red pepper flakes for an extra punch. - Balance the Flavors
The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey creates a savory-sweet glaze, but balance is key. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust with a dash of rice wine vinegar for tanginess or a drizzle of honey for sweetness to suit your palate.
What to Serve with Spicy Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry
- Steamed Jasmine Rice
The light, aromatic flavor of jasmine rice perfectly complements the bold, spicy notes of the stir fry, soaking up the delicious sauce and providing a satisfying base. - Chilled Cucumber Salad
A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil pairs wonderfully with this dish, offering a cooling contrast to the stir fry’s heat and richness. - Vegetable Spring Rolls
Crispy spring rolls filled with crunchy vegetables make an excellent side or appetizer, adding textural variety and a fun, handheld option to your meal.
FAQ
1. Can I use another protein instead of pork?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or even crumbled tofu can work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure your chosen protein is cooked through.
2. What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
If you’re out of oyster sauce, soy sauce mixed with a small amount of hoisin sauce or fish sauce can provide a similar umami flavor.
3. How do I prevent the asparagus from overcooking?
To maintain its crispness, cook the asparagus on high heat for just a few minutes and remove it from the pan promptly. A quick blanching in ice water before stir-frying can also help lock in the texture.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While stir-fries are best served fresh, you can prep all the ingredients ahead and refrigerate them. Cook the dish just before serving to preserve its vibrant flavors and textures.
Spicy Pork and Asparagus Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons + 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/4 – 1 1/2 pounds ground pork
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil divided
- 1 pound thin asparagus spears trimmed, cut into 1/2- to 3/4-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
- 2 large cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha chile garlic sauce
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 scallions sliced
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and cornstarch until well combined. Add the ground pork to the bowl and gently mix to coat it evenly.
- Heat half of the sesame oil in a large wok or a deep skillet over high heat. Once heated, add the asparagus, Sriracha, ginger, and garlic. Stir-fry the mixture briskly for approximately three minutes, or until the asparagus is crisp-tender. Remove the asparagus and set it aside in a separate bowl.
- Pour the remaining sesame oil into the same wok or skillet. Introduce the pork mixture and stir-fry it, breaking it into small crumbles with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about four minutes.
- Return the asparagus to the wok, then add the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey. Stir-fry all ingredients together for two minutes, ensuring they are evenly coated and heated through.
- Sprinkle the scallions into the wok and toss lightly to incorporate. Serve immediately.
