Asparagus Stir-Fry with Button Mushrooms and Bacon

Asparagus is in season now, so why not get the most out of it?

Asparagus stir-fry with button mushrooms and bacon -

Ingredients?

• 0.3 lb or 150 grams bacon
• 1 bundle of skinny asparagus 
• 8 to 10 button mushrooms
• 2 garlic cloves
• Some salt
• Some freshly ground black pepper

How?

Peel and slice the garlic cloves. Use thick-cut bacon if possible and cut into smaller pieces. Trim the asparagus first if needed. The skinny type I used here is pretty tender throughout and no need for extra prep work. Cut the asparagus into about 2-inch long sections. Halve or quarter the button mushrooms.

No need to use extra oil. Just transfer the bacon to a pan then turn to medium high heat. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Give it a quick stir. Take it easy on the salt here especially some bacon can be quite salty. You can always adjust the flavor in the end. 

Sear till the bacon fat starts to render. Add in garlic slices and keep cooking till that wonderful garlicky aroma starts to fill the kitchen. 

There should be enough bacon fat in the pan now. Transfer the button mushrooms over and make sure they are coated with bacon fat. Cook till the mushrooms just about to shrink then toss in the asparagus. Mix a little and cook till the asparagus reaches desired texture. Taste and add more salt if needed. 

Plate the food and sprinkle some more black pepper.

A little cooking tips, always try to use ingredients that are in season. These are the best produce you can find and usually taste better than off-peak months. You're already half way there by starting out with the tastiest ingredients. On top of that, in season produce is usually cheaper too, talking about saving a few bucks on groceries. 


Want more bacon goodness? Here are some recipes using bacon:

• A lighter option - casarecce pasta with bacon chunks and smoked salmon
• Brown rice stir fry with bacon and sacha sauce
• A healthier choice - chunky bacon and veggies spaghetti