Stir-fried Asparagus with Lily Bulbs

Main Ingredients

• Green asparagus 200g
• Fresh lily bulbs 5 bulbs
• Garlic (minced) 3 cloves
• Ginger (julienned, optional) 3 slices
• Cooking oil 15ml
• Salt 5g
• White sugar 5g
• Oyster sauce 1 tbsp
• Ground white pepper a pinch
• Mushroom powder (or chicken powder) a pinch

Steps

1. Asparagus: Wash the asparagus and cut off the tough ends. If the stalks are thick or tough, peel them. Then, cut them into diagonal sections. Lily Bulbs: Separate the lily bulb into individual petals and trim off any discolored parts. Rinse thoroughly and drain.

   

2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a few drops of oil and a pinch of salt (to preserve the green color). Blanch the asparagus for 30-60 seconds until it turns a brighter green and is just cooked. Immediately transfer the blanched asparagus to cold or ice water to stop the cooking process and maintain its crisp texture and vibrant color. Drain and set aside.

   

3. Heat the cooking oil in a wok or skillet. Add the minced garlic (and ginger, if using) and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the lily bulbs first and stir-fry quickly over high heat for about 20-30 seconds. Immediately add the blanched asparagus and continue to stir-fry over high heat for about 30 seconds. Season with salt, sugar (and oyster sauce, white pepper, etc., if using), stir-fry quickly to combine, and serve immediately.

   

TCM Notes

Asparagus and lily bulbs are both medicinal and edible ingredients, and their combination enhances their nutritional and health benefits. Asparagus: Cool in nature, rich in amino acids, protein, and trace elements. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E, and folic acid. It is known to stimulate appetite, aid digestion, and relieve fatigue. Compounds like rutin and selenium give it anti-cancer properties. It offers therapeutic benefits for hypertension, arteriosclerosis, heart disease, diabetes, cystitis, and acute/chronic hepatitis. It also helps clear heat, promote fluid production, and relieve strangury, and can enhance blood vessel elasticity and eliminate toxins. Lily Bulbs: Slightly cold in nature and sweet in taste, it acts on the Lung and Stomach meridians. It is known to nourish Yin, moisten the lungs, calm the mind, and ease the spirit. It is effective for lung-heat coughs, lung dryness, sore throats, and insomnia due to irritability. It is rich in various alkaloids and amino acids that boost the immune system. Together, they achieve the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, supplementing Qi, harmonizing the stomach, and calming the mind. This dish is very low in calories and rich in dietary fiber, making it an ideal detoxifying, beautifying, and weight-loss meal.

Suitable for：Those with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, arteriosclerosis, or heart disease Those with diabetes Those suffering from insomnia, irritability, or mental stress Those with lung-heat coughs or sore throats Individuals with a sub-healthy lifestyle, such as those who stay up late or are under high pressure Those looking to control weight, detoxify, or improve their complexion Suitable for all ages

Not suitable for：Those with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold: Symptoms include frequent abdominal pain, cold sensitivity, and loose stools. Both asparagus and lily bulbs are cool in nature and may worsen these conditions. Those with wind-cold coughs: Caused by cold exposure, with symptoms like chills and clear nasal discharge. Those prone to excessive internal heat. Those with gout or hyperuricemia: Asparagus has a high purine content and should be consumed sparingly. If consumed, it must be blanched first, and intake strictly controlled. Those allergic to asparagus or lily bulbs.