Chinese Asparagus Salad

Chinese Asparagus Salad Recipe - Delicious and Healthy

Region / culture: China, USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 minute | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chinese Asparagus Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. This salad is made with fresh asparagus, a simple soy sauce dressing, and garlic for added flavor. It is a great side dish or appetizer for any occasion.

History

Asparagus has been a popular vegetable in Chinese cuisine for centuries. This recipe for Chinese Asparagus Salad is a modern twist on traditional Chinese cooking, incorporating simple ingredients and flavors to create a delicious and nutritious dish.

Ingredients

4 cups of water
1 lb (454 g) of asparagus, cut diagonally
2 tbsp of light soy sauce
2 tbsp of sesame seed oil
0.25 tsp of sugar
1 clove of garlic, finely chopped

How to prepare

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
Add the asparagus to the boiling water.
Boil for 1 minute.
Drain the asparagus.
Rinse the asparagus with cold water.
In a bowl, mix together the next four ingredients.
Pour the mixture over the asparagus.
Note: The dressing can be stored in a covered jar in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Variations

Add sliced red bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.
Top the salad with toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for a crunchy texture.
Drizzle with a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to blanch the asparagus in boiling water for just 1 minute to maintain its crisp texture.

- Rinse the asparagus with cold water immediately after boiling to stop the cooking process and preserve its vibrant green color.

- The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making this salad a great option for meal prep.

Serving Suggestions

Chinese Asparagus Salad can be served as a side dish or appetizer alongside other Chinese dishes such as stir-fried vegetables, rice, or noodles. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing meal.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching: Boiling the asparagus briefly before rinsing with cold water helps to retain its crisp texture and vibrant color.

Ingredient Substitutions

Tamari or coconut aminos can be used as a substitute for soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Sesame oil or avocado oil can be used in place of regular oil for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The dressing for Chinese Asparagus Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply toss with the blanched asparagus just before serving for a quick and easy dish.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chinese Asparagus Salad in a shallow dish or platter garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro or green onions for a beautiful presentation. The vibrant green color of the asparagus will pop against the white serving dish.

Pairing Recommendations

Chinese Asparagus Salad pairs well with a variety of Chinese dishes such as Kung Pao Chicken, Beef and Broccoli, or Vegetable Fried Rice. It also complements grilled meats such as chicken, pork, or shrimp.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Chinese Asparagus Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or enjoy cold as a refreshing salad.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

100

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 6g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 7g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 4g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20% DV

- Vitamin C: 15% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

Chinese Asparagus Salad is a low-calorie, low-fat dish that is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy and delicious option for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet.

Summary

Chinese Asparagus Salad is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With its crisp asparagus, flavorful soy sauce dressing, and garlic, this salad is a great option for a quick and easy side dish or appetizer. Enjoy the fresh flavors of this Chinese-inspired dish today!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Chinese Asparagus Salad. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly as I walked through the bustling streets of Chinatown. The air was filled with the delicious smells of various foods being cooked in the many restaurants that lined the streets.

As I wandered through the colorful marketplace, I came across a small, nondescript stall where an elderly Chinese woman was selling fresh vegetables. Intrigued, I stopped to take a closer look at the vibrant asparagus she had on display. The woman smiled warmly at me and began to tell me about the traditional Chinese dishes she would make using this versatile vegetable.

She spoke with such passion and enthusiasm that I couldn't help but be inspired. I asked her if she would be willing to share one of her recipes with me, and to my delight, she agreed. She handed me a handwritten recipe for Chinese Asparagus Salad, explaining each step in detail and emphasizing the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients.

I thanked the kind woman profusely and made my way back home, eager to try out this new recipe. As I gathered the ingredients and began to prepare the dish, I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to the generations of women who had passed down their culinary knowledge to me.

The salad was a triumph, a delightful mix of flavors and textures that danced on my taste buds. The crisp asparagus was perfectly complemented by the tangy dressing and crunchy peanuts, creating a dish that was both refreshing and satisfying.

I shared the salad with my family, who were equally impressed by the unique flavors and presentation. They asked me where I had learned to make such a delicious dish, and I proudly told them the story of the kind Chinese woman in Chinatown who had shared her recipe with me.

From that day on, Chinese Asparagus Salad became a staple in our household, a dish that we would often make for special occasions or simply as a refreshing side dish on a hot summer day. I would always think back to that chance encounter in Chinatown and feel grateful for the knowledge and inspiration that had been passed down to me.

Over the years, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own personal touches and variations to create new and exciting flavors. I would often think back to the kind woman who had sparked my love for Chinese cuisine and feel a sense of gratitude for the culinary journey that had led me to that moment.

As I look back on that fateful day in Chinatown, I can't help but marvel at the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. The recipe for Chinese Asparagus Salad will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the kindness and generosity of a stranger who had shared her culinary wisdom with me. And as I pass down this recipe to future generations, I hope to inspire others to explore the rich and diverse world of Chinese cuisine and create their own delicious memories along the way.