Stir-Fried Asparagus with Peanut Sauce

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Asian chili garlic sauce
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh garlic
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 pound asparagus (ends trimmed, sliced diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces )
• 1 shallot (halved and thinly sliced)
• 1 tablespoon neutral vegetable oil (such as canola or avocado)
• 1/2-1 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper
• 4 lime wedges

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Prepare the sauce ---

2. 2

   Whisk all ingredients for the sauce together in a bowl.

3. 3

   --- Cook the asparagus ---

4. 4

   Place a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and when it starts to shimmer, stir in the asparagus and shallot. Cook 3-4 minutes, until the asparagus is bright green and the shallot is translucent.

5. 5

   Pour in the sauce and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables.

6. 6

   --- To serve ---

7. 7

   Squeeze the lime wedges over the dish and sprinkle with crushed red pepper to taste. Serve the asparagus as a side dish or with rice, noodles or spiralized zucchini as a main dish. It's good warm, at room temperature or cold.