Savory Asparagus and Bacon Stir-Fry
A quick and flavorful Japanese-inspired side dish featuring tender asparagus and crispy bacon tossed with bean sprouts in a savory soy-based sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes.
Story
This classic Japanese home-style stir-fry combines the smoky richness of bacon with the fresh crunch of asparagus and bean sprouts. The key is to cook each ingredient in sequence, letting the bacon render its fat first before adding vegetables. A touch of dashi brings umami depth while soy sauce ties everything together.
Ingredients
green asparagus, tough ends trimmed
1 bunch (about 200g)
thick-cut bacon
100g, cut into 2cm pieces
bean sprouts, rinsed and drained
150g
Japanese dashi powder or granules
1 teaspoon
soy sauce
1 tablespoon
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (optional, if bacon is lean)
toasted sesame seeds
1 teaspoon, for garnish
Instructions
1
Prep the ingredients
Hold an asparagus spear near the base and bend until it snaps—discard the woody bottom. Cut the remaining spears diagonally into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4cm long. Slice the bacon into 2cm-wide strips.
2
Render the bacon
Place bacon pieces in a cold wok or large frying pan, then set over medium-high heat. Let the bacon cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the edges start to crisp and the fat begins to render. If using lean bacon with little fat, add a splash of oil. Stir occasionally until bacon is golden and slightly crispy.
3
Stir-fry the asparagus
Add the cut asparagus to the pan with the bacon and rendered fat. Toss everything together and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the asparagus turns bright green and starts to become tender-crisp. The edges should be slightly charred but not soft.
4
Add bean sprouts and season
Toss in the bean sprouts and sprinkle the dashi powder over everything. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the bean sprouts are just wilted but still retain some crunch. The dashi will stick to the vegetables and bacon, creating flavorful bites.
5
Finish with soy sauce
Drizzle the soy sauce around the edge of the pan, then quickly toss everything together for about 30 seconds. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds. Serve hot as a side dish or over steamed rice.
