Stir-Fried Pork with Asparagus

1. Snap or cut off tough ends of asparagus. Cut on the diagonal into 2-inch pieces.
2. Whisk together cornstarch and wine in a medium bowl. Cut pork into 1/4-inch thick strips about 2 inches long. Add to cornstarch mixture and mix well.
3. Whisk together soy sauce and hoisin sauce in a small bowl.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or stir-fry pan over high heat until hot but not smoking. Test by dipping a piece of asparagus into the oil; it should sizzle. Add asparagus and stir until they turn a darker green, about 30 seconds. Add 1/4 cup water, cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer asparagus and liquid to a platter.
5. Add remaining oil to pan and heat over high heat. Add garlic and stir until oil is hot and garlic sizzles. Stir pork mixture and add to pan. Cook, stirring constantly, until pork in no longer pink, 2 to 3 minutes. Add soy sauce mixture and stir 20 seconds. Return asparagus to pan and stir 30 seconds, until mixed well.

Reprinted with permission from Helen Chen's Easy Chinese Stir-Fries (Wiley, 2009).