Asparagus Peking Style
A quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender asparagus coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce with soy and sherry, perfect for a light, healthy meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a pan, heat oil, chicken stock, water, sherry, soy sauce, and cornstarch.
- Stir constantly until it boils.
- Add asparagus; heat thoroughly.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or ginger to the oil before cooking the sauce. If you don't have sherry, dry white wine or rice vinegar can work as substitutes. To thicken the sauce without cornstarch, you can use arrowroot or tapioca starch. Make sure to stir the mixture constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot as a side alongside grilled chicken or fish to complement the flavors. It pairs beautifully with Egg Drop Soup (Aka Bird Drop Soup) for a delightful Asian-inspired meal. Consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for added texture and a nutty flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or heat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. Avoid overheating to keep the asparagus crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus Peking Style contains roughly 90 calories, with 1g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1038mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen asparagus; however, be aware that it may release more moisture during cooking. Make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the sauce to ensure the dish doesn't become watery.
What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition. Just ensure that any added vegetables are cut into similar sizes for even cooking with the asparagus.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Additionally, ensure that the chicken stock used is also gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).