If you are in a hurry or don’t feel like spending a lot of time cooking, I recommend this dish as an easy meal for two.  Asparagus with ground pork is relatively similar to lots of other Chinese dishes that involve ground pork and some stir-fried vegetable. Brown the meat, cook the vegetables on high heat, add together and voila – you have a meal!  I tried adding some shallots, which are not common in Chinese cooking, and was fairly pleased because the shallots gave the dish a little more aroma.  Also, I tried chicken stock instead of water, which was a big win.  The flavors are much better and I didn’t have to use as much salt.

For any readers who try this recipe, send me your favorite variations!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

1. 1 pound asparagus
2. 3 or 4 dried red chilies, optional
3. 1/3 pound ground pork
4. 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
5. 2 Tbsp shallots, minced
6. ½ cup chicken stock or water
7. 1 tablespoon soy sauce
8. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
9. 2 teaspoons dark sesame oil, optional
10. Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Take off the bottom inch of each asparagus spear.  Then, cut stalks into inch-long pieces.
2. Using a large wok or skillet, heat 1/2 the vegetable oil until hot.  Add the ground pork and chilies.  Make sure to break the pork up with your spatula into small pieces.  Salt and pepper lightly.  Discard chilies and remove the pork when browned.
3. Add remaining oil and asparagus to skillet.
4. Cook, stirring occasionally, until asparagus turns bright green and begins to become tender (3 or 4 minutes).
5. Add garlic and shallots, stir for about 30 seconds, then add chicken stock and soy sauce.
6. Stir in pork, add sesame oil if you like and stir once more.
7. Enjoy!  I often serve over rice.