How to Make Asparagus Stir-fried with Shrimp
This dish of asparagus stir-fried with shrimp is not only delicious and visually appealing, but also packed with nutrients, and can be made quickly in just 3 easy steps.
Ingredients
- 500g asparagus
- 300g fresh shrimp
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- 2 shallots
- 1-2 spring onions
- Coarse salt
- 1 red chili (optional, for mild spiciness)
- Seasoning: Oyster sauce, fish sauce, MSG, salt, seasoning powder, ground pepper
Instructions
Prepare the asparagus
Hold the asparagus upside down and rinse it under running water to wash away any sand and dirt from the tips. Then cut off the tough ends and peel about 2cm of the stalks near the base as this part tends to be fibrous and chewy. Next, cut the asparagus into 5-6cm pieces.
Soak the asparagus in a saltwater solution for about 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and drain well.
Prepare the shrimp
Peel the shrimp, remove the heads, and devein them by pulling out the black line along the back. Rinse the shrimp with water and drain well. Keep the tails intact to make the shrimp curl beautifully when stir-fried, giving them a more appealing presentation.
For stir-fried shrimp dishes, you can choose from various types of shrimp such as brown shrimp, white shrimp, or tiger shrimp. It's better to pick larger, evenly sized shrimp so they curl nicely and don't break apart during cooking.
After draining the shrimp, marinate them with 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning powder, 1/2 teaspoon of fish sauce, and 1/3 teaspoon of ground pepper. Mix well and let the shrimp absorb the seasoning for about 15-20 minutes.
Prepare other ingredients
Peel and mince the shallots and garlic.
Wash the spring onions and cut them into small sections.
Rinse the red chili and slice it diagonally.
Blanch the asparagus
Boil a pot of water and, when it reaches a rolling boil, blanch the asparagus for about 20 seconds, then immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water. This step helps the asparagus retain its crunch, reduces its raw taste, and maintains its vibrant green color. Blanching also speeds up the stir-frying process for better results than cooking the asparagus directly.
Once cooled, drain the asparagus well. Since asparagus has a mild flavor, marinate it with 1 teaspoon of seasoning powder or 1/2 teaspoon of salt for 5-7 minutes to enhance its taste.
Stir-fry asparagus with shrimp
Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a pan, then sauté the minced shallots and garlic until fragrant. Add the shrimp and stir-fry over high heat. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and firm, then add the asparagus.
Stir the asparagus well to coat it in the oil, then season with salt, seasoning powder, oyster sauce, and MSG. For this recipe, use 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning powder, 1/2 teaspoon of MSG, 1/3 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon of fish sauce.
Continue stir-frying over high heat for another 30-40 seconds, then turn off the heat. Add the spring onions, chili, and a sprinkle of ground pepper. Stir briefly before transferring to a plate.
Final Product Requirements
Stir-fried at the right temperature and for the correct amount of time, the asparagus remains green and crisp, while the shrimp is sweet, tender, and juicy. This is a must-try dish for anyone looking to enjoy the combined flavors of asparagus and shrimp.
Video
Tips & Notes
Choose asparagus that is straight, with fresh, green, firm tips. The stalks should not be shriveled or wilted, and the color should be a bright green with no yellowing. If the stalk snaps crisply and feels plump with water, it’s a good choice.
The tough ends of the asparagus can be cut off, cleaned, dried, and saved for future use. Boiling them with rock sugar makes a great diuretic and liver detoxifier.
Asparagus is generally more expensive than other vegetables due to its high nutritional value, typically ranging from 110,000 to 130,000 VND per kilogram.
