Asparagus With Water Chestnuts

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

A vibrant and crunchy vegetable dish featuring tender asparagus and water chestnuts, infused with garlic and lightly sautéed in salad oil, perfect as a side or light entrée.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup salad oil
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 1 (5 oz.) can water chestnuts, sliced

Instructions

  1. Heat salad oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped asparagus and crushed garlic to the skillet.
  3. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Add the sliced water chestnuts to the skillet 2 to 3 minutes before removing from heat to heat through.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance flavors, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a drizzle of Takahashi'S Teriyaki Sauce for a savory twist. If you're out of water chestnuts, you can use sliced jicama or even bamboo shoots as alternatives. For added crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired tenderness for the asparagus.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish warm as a vibrant side alongside grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Teriyaki Sauce Mix for a complete Asian-inspired meal. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it over rice or quinoa, making it a great addition to vegan recipes. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for extra flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Asparagus With Water Chestnuts contains roughly 1432 calories, with 0g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 159g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

1432 kcal 72% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.3g 1% DV
Total Fat 159.2g 100% DV
Carbs 8g 3% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 60.3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.5mcg
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Calcium 16.4mg 1% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly

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 use frozen asparagus, but keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly. Thaw and drain the asparagus before adding it to the skillet. Cook for a shorter time to avoid mushiness, about 3 to 5 minutes, until heated through.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. Just store the cooked asparagus and water chestnuts separately from any proteins to maintain texture. When ready to eat, reheat and pair with your choice of protein for a quick meal.

What other vegetables can I add?

You can incorporate a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn for added color and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so all veggies are cooked to your liking.

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).

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