Asparagus Stir-Fry With Black Bean Sauce

Photo: flickr user naotakem

Ingredients

2 tablespoons mirin

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/4 cup chinese black bean sauce

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 slc ginger, minced

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 cup vegetable broth

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 1/2 pounds asparagus, trim & cut in 2" pc

3 scallions, cut into 2" pieces

1 tablespoon slivered almonds

red pepper flakes, to taste

Preparation

In a small bow, mix mirin or wine with cornstarch until smooth; set aside. In another small bowl, mix black bean sauce with garlic and ginger; set aside.

Heat oil in a large nonstick frypan over medium heat. Add black bean mixture; cook, stirring constantly until well blended, about 1 minute. Add broth and soy sauce; cook, stirring, about 1 minute.

Increase heat to medium-high. Add asparagus and scallions; cook, stirring, until vegetables are crisp-tender, 3-4 minutes. Add additional broth or water if necessary to prevent sticking.

With slotted spoon, transfer vegetables to serving platter. Reduce heat to medium. Add cornstarch mixture to pan; stir until sauce thickens, 1-2 minuites. Pour sauce over asparagus and sprinkle with almonds. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.