Enhanced Asparagus and Mushroom Stir Fry

Ingredients

• Cooking oil (2 tablespoons)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
• Water (1/4 cup)
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon)
• Honey (1 tablespoon)
• Sesame oil (1 tablespoon)
• Soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced)
• Asparagus (1 bunch, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, cornstarch, water, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This will be your savory stir fry sauce. Set aside.
2. Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
4. Introduce the sliced mushrooms to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their earthy juices.
5. Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and continue to stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, cooking until the asparagus is tender-crisp and bright green.
6. Pour the prepared sauce over the vegetables, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the mushrooms and asparagus.
7. Remove from heat and serve hot, either as a delightful side dish or over a bed of steamed rice for a complete meal.