Pork and Asparagus with Hoisin Sauce Recipe

Here’s a delicious and easy recipe for Pork and Asparagus with Hoisin Sauce, a savory stir-fry that’s quick to make and packed with flavor. The hoisin sauce adds a sweet and tangy depth, complementing the tender pork and crisp asparagus perfectly.

Pork and Asparagus with Hoisin Sauce

Ingredients:

• For the Stir-Fry:
  • 1 lb (450g) pork tenderloin or boneless pork chops, thinly sliced into strips
  • 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any cooking oil)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium is preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Sliced green onions (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork:
   • If you’re using pork tenderloin, trim off any excess fat and slice it into thin strips (about ¼-inch thick). If using boneless pork chops, you can also slice them thinly. Season the pork lightly with black pepper.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Trim the tough ends off the asparagus and cut them into 2-inch pieces.
   • Slice the onion and bell pepper, if using, into thin strips.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce mixture.
4. Stir-Fry the Pork:
   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork in a single layer. Let it sear without stirring for about 2-3 minutes until it’s browned on one side. Then, flip the pieces and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the pork is cooked through. Remove the pork from the pan and set it aside.
5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
   • In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
   • Add the asparagus (and onion and bell pepper, if using) to the pan and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the asparagus is just tender but still crisp. If the vegetables are getting too dry, you can splash in a little water or chicken broth to help with cooking.
6. Combine and Sauce:
   • Return the cooked pork to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the hoisin sauce mixture over the pork and asparagus, stirring to coat everything evenly. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the pork and asparagus with hoisin sauce over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a nice finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions:

• Rice: Serve this dish over jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Noodles: You can also pair it with soba noodles, udon, or rice noodles for a more substantial meal.
• Vegetables: If you want to add more vegetables, mushrooms, snap peas, or bok choy would work well in this stir-fry.

Tips:

• Pork: If you prefer a different cut of pork, boneless pork shoulder or even pork belly can be used, though they may require a longer cooking time.
• Make it Spicy: Add a sliced chili pepper or a dash of chili flakes to give the dish a little heat if desired.
• Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce just before combining the pork and vegetables.

This Pork and Asparagus with Hoisin Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. The balance of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors makes it irresistible!