Asparagus & Pea Stir-Fry with Lemon Zest

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick, bright stir-fry featuring fresh asparagus and peas, finished with a tangy lemon-garlic sauce that highlights spring's freshest garden produce. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 17 minutes pairs asparagus, fresh peas, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 7 min Serves 2 American cuisine 140 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes until smooth and no lumps remain.
  2. Step 2: Trim 8 oz asparagus (cut into 1-inch pieces) and combine with 1 cup fresh peas in a large skillet over medium-high heat; stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until asparagus turns bright green and peas are tender but still crisp.
  3. Step 3: Pour the sauce mixture over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables evenly, then remove from heat immediately to preserve the vibrant colors.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Asparagus & Pea Stir-Fry with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 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 & 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 asparagus from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Asparagus & 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 & Pea Stir-Fry with Lemon Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 & Pea Stir-Fry with Lemon Zest?

American 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.

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