California Asparagus and Lamb Stir Fry

Recipe courtesy of the California Asparagus Commission.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 pound boneless California lamb (from the leg or loin)
1/2 cup low sodium chicken stock or dry Sherry
1 tablespoon (Chinese) chili-garlic sauce
4 green onions, cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons soy sauce - divided use
3 teaspoons cornstarch - divided use
2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon freshly minced ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pound California asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

Cooking Directions:

1. Cut lamb into long 2-inch wide strips along the grain of the meat, then cut crosswise (across the grain), into thin slices. This ensures tender mouthfuls.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the lamb, 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce, and 2 teaspoons of the cornstarch.
3. To Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the stock, the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, the chili-garlic sauce, and sugar; set aside.
4. Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Pour 1 tablespoon of the oil into the hot wok, swirling to coat. Add the lamb and cook, stirring and tossing, until lightly golden, about 2 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove to a plate.
5. Reduce heat to medium-high.  Pour the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil into the hot wok, swirling to coat.
6. Add the green onions, ginger, and garlic. Cook, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
7. Add the asparagus and cook, stirring and tossing, until bright green, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
8. Stir the sauce to blend and add to the pan. Cook, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute; cover and cook until asparagus is tender-crisp, about 1 minute.
9. Return lamb to the pan and just heat through.
10. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately with steamed rice or rice noodles.

Makes 4 servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/4 of recipe): Calories: 434; Calories From Fat: 194; Total Fat: 22g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 116mg; Total Carbs: 15g; Fiber: 4g; Protein: 42g; Sodium: 657mg.

Recipe and photograph courtesy of the California Asparagus Commission.