The Asian flavors of this dish really make the asparagus come alive.

Asian Spring Asparagus

1 pound fresh asparagus
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/3 cup natural California pistachios, coarsely chopped

1. Trim woody ends of asparagus spears. Slice asparagus (with a sharply diagonal slant) into 3-inch lengths.
2. Heat oil in large skillet until a piece of asparagus sizzles. Add asparagus, ginger and pepper; stir-fry over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add soy sauce and stir-fry 2 minutes longer. Add pistachios and stir-fry briefly just to heat through.

Makes 4 servings.

Note: For milder flavor, reduce pepper to 1/8 teaspoon.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of California Pistachio Commission.