Name: Stir Fried Asparagus With Bell Peppers and Cashew Nuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons low sodium vegetable broth; 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons gluten free hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon low sodium gluten free tamari/soy sauce; 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 2 cups chopped fresh asparagus (~ 1 inch pieces); 2 bell peppers, stems removed and deseeded, chopped into ~ 1 inch pieces; 1 cup cashew nuts, lightly chopped; 1 tablespoon high oleic sunflower oil or other neutral vegetable oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Stir Fried Asparagus With Bell Peppers and Cashew Nuts

EA Stewart, MBA, RDN

Updated on September 20, 2019

(31 ratings)

Total Time: 20 min

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 10 min

Servings: 4 (1 1/4 cups each)

Nutrition Highlights (per serving)

302 calories

20g fat

25g carbs

9g protein

Show Nutrition Label

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 (1 1/4 cups each)
Amount per serving
Calories	302
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 20g	26%
Saturated Fat 3g	15%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 318mg	14%
Total Carbohydrate 25g	9%
Dietary Fiber 4g	14%
Total Sugars 12g
Includes 4g Added Sugars	8%
Protein 9g
Vitamin D 0mcg	0%
Calcium 44mg	3%
Iron 4mg	22%
Potassium 528mg	11%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Without a doubt, asparagus tops the list of favorite spring vegetables. In addition to being a potent detoxifier and potential cancer fighter, asparagus is rich in other key nutrients, including vitamins K, C, and E, folate, copper, selenium, thiamin, and riboflavin, along with fiber and phytonutrients to help promote brain health and squelch free radicals that contribute to aging.

While roasted asparagus is the go-to, it's fun to try it in stir fry along with crunchy red and yellow bell peppers, heart healthy cashew nuts, and a sweet and tangy sauce, inspired by one of my favorite Asian dishes: Kung Pao Chicken. Luckily, a wide variety of gluten-free Asian sauces are available these days, so you should have no trouble finding the ingredients to make this dish.

Rich in glutathione, which is full of antioxidants and thought to stimulate the immune system, this easy gluten-free vegetable stir-fry is a nourishing and delicious way to enjoy one of spring’s beloved vegetables.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons low sodium vegetable broth
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons gluten free hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon low sodium gluten free tamari/soy sauce
2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 cups chopped fresh asparagus (~ 1 inch pieces)
2 bell peppers, stems removed and deseeded, chopped into ~ 1 inch pieces
1 cup cashew nuts, lightly chopped
1 tablespoon high oleic sunflower oil or other neutral vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Preparation

Make the sauce: Combine broth, vinegars, hoisin sauce, tamari, chili garlic sauce, sugar, and cornstarch in a medium mixing bowl. Stir with a fork or whisk until ingredients are well combined. Set aside until ready to cook vegetables.
Prep asparagus and bell peppers. Chop into about 1-inch pieces and set aside. Mince garlic and set aside.
Chop cashew nuts. Heat wok or large cast iron skillet on medium heat. Add cashew nuts to wok/skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly toasted. Remove from wok/skillet, and set aside in a bowl until ready to use.
Add sunflower/vegetable oil to hot skillet along with asparagus and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add bell peppers, and cook an additional 2 minutes, then pour sauce over veggies, and continue cooking for 2 to 3 more minutes or until sauce thickens.
Stir in sesame oil and cashew nuts and divide into 4 servings. Enjoy while warm.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

Cashew nuts can be substituted with almonds, peanuts, or your favorite nuts if desired. Coconut aminos or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, both of which are gluten-free, can be substituted for the gluten-free tamari.

Cooking and Serving Tips

Choose thin stalk of asparagus which will cook quickly.

Enjoy this recipe on it’s own for a light lunch, as a veggie side dish, or on top of regular rice or cauliflower rice for a nourishing and delicious meatless meal.

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