Spicy Pork and Asparagus Stir-Fry

Step 1

Grab your asparagus and get chopping! Start by trimming the tough ends off. I keep the thick rubber bands on the asparagus, spy where the ends morph from green to whitish (the tough part), and slice through the whole bundle at that point. (The method where you snap each piece of asparagus to find the “breaking point” is both tedious and unnecessary.)

Step 2

Next, discard the tough ends in the compost bin and slice the asparagus crosswise into ½-inch thick coins, down to the tips.

Step 3

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. When the pan is hot, swirl in the cooking fat so you have a thin layer of fat coating the bottom.

Step 4

As soon as the fat is shimmering, toss in the shallots and a sprinkle of salt.

Step 5

Cook, stirring, for a couple minutes or until the shallots are softened.

Step 6

Toss in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 7

Add the ground pork and break it up with spatula.

Step 8

Sprinkle on some salt and increase the heat to medium-high.

Step 9

Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes or until no longer pink.

Step 10

Toss in the asparagus coins and minced chilies, and cook until the asparagus are tender-crisp, about 2 minutes.

Step 11

Stir in the coconut aminos, rice vinegar, fish sauce, and sesame oil. (Got a jar of All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce in the fridge? Use ¼ cup of it in place of the coconut aminos, rice vinegar, fish sauce, and toasted sesame oil!)

Step 12

Turn off the heat and taste a bite. If necessary, adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Step 13

Toss in the scallions and holler at your family to get to the table!