Chinese Fried Asparagus

Photo: flickr user adie reed

Ingredients

1 pound fresh asparagus

Salt and pepper

2 tablespoons oil

1 clove garlic, crushed

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon cornstarch

Preparation

Wash asparagus and break off pulpy bottom sections of stalks. Slice asparagus diagonally in 1 1/2 inch slices. Season with salt and pepper. Heat pan over a high flame; add oil and garlic. Add asparagus and stir for 30 seconds. Mix soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch; add to asparagus and stir in well. Cover pan and cook 1-2 minutes, until asparagus are crisp but tender. Uncover; adjust seasoning to taste and serve.