Fresh Ideas: Asparagus and Pea Shoots

Asparagus is a nutritious, perennial spring vegetable. This simple dish with Asian flavors is ready in 5 minutes, and really lets the flavor of freshly picked asparagus shine. I adore pea shoots raw, but also love them stir-fried. They are perfect with the asparagus here.
Use small, tender homegrown asparagus and pea shoots if you have them; otherwise, store-bought will do. If you can’t find pea shoots, you may substitute mung bean sprouts.


Recipe for Asparagus and Pea Shoot Stir-Fry
Serves 2
Ingredients:
* 2 tablespoons organic coconut oil, peanut oil, or sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon peeled and minced fresh ginger
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 bunch fresh asparagus, rinsed well, trimmed, and sliced into pieces approximately 3 inches long
* 1 tablespoon mirin
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 1/2 tablespoon tamari
* 2 cups fresh pea shoots
* pinch of crushed red pepper
* 1/2-1 teaspoon chili sauce – optional
Directions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add the ginger and garlic and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until they begin to brown.
2. Add the asparagus, mirin, rice vinegar and tamari to the pan and stir-fry another 2 minutes.
3. Add the pea shoots and cook for another minutes before removing from the heat.
4. Mix in the crushed red pepper and the optional chili sauce before serving.

Source: ehow.com