Skip to main content

Spicy Asparagus and Green Bean Stew

I recommend steaming the green beans separately, and adding them once the asparagus is tender-crisp. The result is a satisfying Asian-flavored stew with the green vegetables all done just right.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    6 servings

Ingredients

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half
1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 to 5 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups water
1 pound slender asparagus, woody ends trimmed, cut into 1 1/2-inch lengths
2 medium red bell peppers, cut into narrow strips approximately 1 1/2 inches in length
2 to 3 teaspoons grated fresh ginger, to taste
1/4 cup dry red wine, optional
One 8-ounce package Thai- or teriyaki-flavored baked tofu, diced
1 teaspoon Thai chili paste, or to taste
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
2 to 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, to taste
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Hot cooked rice or noodles, optional

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large saucepan, steam the green beans in an inch or so of water, covered, until tender-crisp. Stir occasionally. When done, remove from the heat and rinse briefly with cool water.

    Step 2

    In the meantime, heat the oil in a soup pot or large steep-sided wok. Add the onion and garlic and sauté over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onion is lightly golden. Add the water, asparagus, red pepper strips, ginger, and optional wine. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat. Cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes, or until the asparagus and red pepper strips are tender-crisp.

    Step 3

    Add the tofu, chili paste, vinegar, and soy sauce. Once the green beans are done, add them as well. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a simmer.

    Step 4

    Dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of water. Pour slowly into the stew, stirring. Simmer over low heat, uncovered, for 5 minutes longer. Serve at once on its own or over hot cooked rice or noodles.

  2. Nutrition Information

    Step 5

    Per serving:

    Step 6

    Calories: 169

    Step 7

    Total fat: 7g

    Step 8

    Protein: 11g

    Step 9

    Fiber: 5g

    Step 10

    Carbohydrate: 19g

    Step 11

    Cholesterol: 0mg

    Step 12

    Sodium: 355mg

Vegan Soups and Hearty Stews for All Seasons
Read More
Like potato pea chowder and green goddess grain bowls.
Thinly sliced and cooked hot and fast, pork tenderloin is the juicy, cook-quicking weeknight champion of this vegetable-heavy stir-fry.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Chopped kimchi and soy sauce transform mellow tuna salad into your new favorite riff on the classic diner sandwich.
This lasagna soup delivers rich, baked-pasta flavor without an oven. Made with Italian sausage and spinach, it’s a fast, weeknight-friendly take on the classic.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
The most efficient method takes less than an hour, but you might not even need it.