Stir-Fried Asparagus With Bacon and Crispy Shallots

Ingredients for Stir-Fried Asparagus With Bacon and Crispy Shallots

• 60ml black vinegar

• 60ml sherry vinegar

• 2 small shallots, thinly sliced into rings

• 110g slab bacon, cut into 1x1/4-inch pieces

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for frying (about 375g )

• 30g plain flour

• 30g fine-grind cornmeal

• Kosher salt

• 450g asparagus, trimmed, thinly sliced on a diagonal

• 1 tablespoon white soy sauce

• A deep-fry thermometer

How to make Stir-Fried Asparagus With Bacon and Crispy Shallots

Combine both vinegars in a medium bowl. Add shallots and let sit, tossing occasionally, 1 hour. Drain and pat dry.

Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until most of fat is rendered and bacon begins to brown, 5–7 minutes. Transfer to paper towels. Pour off fat; reserve for another use (scrambled eggs!). Wipe out skillet; reserve.

Fit a medium pot with thermometer and pour in oil to come 2" up sides of pot. Heat over medium-high until thermometer registers 149°C. Whisk flour and cornmeal in a shallow bowl. Dredge shallots in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Fry, tossing occasionally, until golden and crisp, about 3 minutes. Transfer to paper towels; season with salt.

Heat reserved skillet over medium-high. Swirl remaining 1 tablespoon oil in pan to coat (this keeps food from sticking); pour out excess. The oil should be shimmering—if it’s not hot enough, the asparagus will steam not caramelize. Add asparagus, season with salt, and cook, tossing, until almost cooked through, about 1 minute. Add bacon and 1 tablespoon water; cook, tossing, until asparagus is cooked through, about 30 seconds. Add soy sauce; toss to coat. Serve topped with shallots.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.