Asparagus and Pea Stir-Fry with Lemon Zest
A light, spring-inspired stir-fry with crisp asparagus and sweet peas, brightened by zesty lemon and garlic. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 20 minutes pairs trimmed snow peas, minced garlic, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces asparagus
- 1 cup, trimmed snow peas
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 12 oz asparagus (cut into 2-inch pieces) and 1 cup snow peas; stir-fry for 4 minutes until asparagus is crisp-tender and peas are bright green, stirring constantly.
- Step 2: Add 2 cloves garlic (minced) and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 tsp salt; toss for 1 minute until vegetables are evenly coated and sauce begins to glaze.
- Step 4: Remove from heat immediately; serve hot as a side or over rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Asparagus and Pea Stir-Fry with Lemon Zest take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Asparagus and Pea Stir-Fry with Lemon Zest?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep trimmed snow peas from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Asparagus and Pea Stir-Fry with Lemon Zest?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Asparagus and Pea Stir-Fry with Lemon Zest for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Asparagus and Pea Stir-Fry with Lemon Zest?
Asian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
