Asparagus & Mushroom Stir Fry: A Farm-Fresh Showcase of Nova Scotia’s Local Goodness
There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a dish that lets each ingredient shine — and when those ingredients come from Nova Scotia farms and fields, you can taste the difference. This Asparagus & Mushroom Stir Fry is bold, vibrant, and rooted in the idea that the freshest food comes from close to home. It’s a quick and flavorful dish that captures the spirit of the NS Loyal movement — supporting local producers while creating something truly crave-worthy.
The foundation of this recipe is a colorful medley of locally grown vegetables: crisp asparagus, earthy mushrooms, sweet red bell pepper, and aromatic onions. Every ingredient is treated with care — cut to showcase texture, sautéed just long enough to release flavor without losing bite, and brought together with a fragrant blend of garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. The result is a stir fry that’s light, satisfying, and layered with depth.
What sets this dish apart is the way it balances sweet, heat, and umami. A splash of vegetable oil forms the base for building flavor, while white and brown sugar create a delicate caramelization that coats each bite. The garlic and ginger bring their signature sharpness, and a whisper of chili gives it just enough kick to keep things interesting. Right at the end, blanched local asparagus is added for a pop of green and a satisfying crunch — locking in that fresh, just-harvested taste.
A sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds adds the perfect final touch, offering a subtle nuttiness and a bit of texture to contrast the tender vegetables. Served hot in a bowl or plated alongside your favorite grain, this stir fry is a smart way to highlight the versatility of local ingredients in a globally inspired format.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, developing a plant-forward menu, or simply showcasing the beauty of Nova Scotia-grown produce at your next event, this recipe delivers flavor, color, and a whole lot of local pride. Being NS Loyal means more than just buying local — it’s about creating connections, celebrating what grows here, and putting community at the center of every dish.
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Asparagus & Mushroom Stir Fry
- Yield: Serves 2
Ingredients
1 lb fresh asparagus blanched and cut on the bias
8 oz button mushroom sliced
1/2 cup diced reb pepper
1/4 cup small diced onions
2 cloves garlic, finely diced
1 tbsp ginger
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tbsp white sugar
1 tbsp raw or brown sugar
1 tsp chili peppers
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
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Using a medium-sized pan over high heat, bring the oil to a shimmer.
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Once hot, add the onions, red peppers, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers.
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Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3 minutes.
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Add the mushrooms and continue to sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes.
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Stir in the blanched asparagus, both sugars, and a pinch of salt.
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Toss everything together to combine and heat through.
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Serve in a bowl topped with toasted sesame seeds.
- Category: sides, vegetables, ns loyal, recipes
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