Spicy Stir-Fried Pork, Asparagus, and Onions With Lemon Grass

tigerduck's Note:

This is a fantastic stir-fry! It serves 3-4 people (or even two big eaters) and I recommend serving it with plain rice. Recipe is adapted from 'The New Best Recipe'. Enjoy!

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 3

• 12 ounces pork tenderloin
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup minced lemongrass, from 2 stalks (trim all but bottom 3-4 inches, remove tough outer sheath, then cut finely)
• 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 1/2 tablespoons peanut oil or 3 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 lb asparagus, cut on the diagonal into 2-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 large onion, cut into 1/4-to 3/8-inch wedges
• 2 -3 tablespoons chopped fresh Thai basil

Directions:

1. Freeze the tenderloin until firm, 20 to 30 minutes. Cut the tenderloin crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick medallions. Slice each medaillon into 1/3-inch-wide strips.
2. Combine the pork, 1 tsp fish sauce, and the soy sauce in a small bowl.
3. Whisk the remaining 2 tbsp fish sauce, the chicken broth, lime juice, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a measuring cup.
4. Combine garlic, lemon grass, red pepper flakes and 1 tbsp of the oil.
5. Heat 1 1/2 tsps oil in a nonstick 12-inch skillet or in a wok over high heat until smoking; add half of the pork to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up the clumps, until well browned, about 2 minutes. Transfer pork to a bowl. Repeat with an additional 1 1/2 tsps oil and the remaining pork.
6. Add 1 tbsp oil to the now-empty skillet or wok; add the asparagus and cook, stirring every 30 seconds, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add the water, cover the pan, and lower the heat to medium. Steam the asparagus until tender-crisp, about 2 minutes; transfer the asparagus to the bowl with the pork.
7. Add the remaining 1 1/2 tsps oil to the skillet or wok; add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown and soften, about two minutes.
8. Clear the center of the skillet; add the garlic and lemon grass mixture to the clearing and cook, mashing the mixture with a spoon, until fragrant, about 1 minute, then stir the mixture into the onion. Return the pork and asparagus to the skillet and toss to combine. Whisk the sauce to recombine, then add to the skillet/wok; cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is thickened and evenly distributed, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with the thai basil. Serve immediately.

Reviews

[Papa D 1946-2012]

Yes this is a fantastic stir-fry! Wonderful flavor and easy to prepare. Served with white rice. Adding this recipe to my Asian cookbook. *Made for Fall 2008 My 3 Chefs* Thanks!