Stir Friend Asparagus with Bacon & Shallots

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 small shallots, thinly sliced into rings
• 4 oz. slab bacon, cut into 1/2" pieces
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil, plus more for frying
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• Salt
• 1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and thinly sliced on a diagonal
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp soy sauce

Directions

1. Combine the vinegar and sliced shallots.  Let sit for one hour, stir occasionally.
2. Cook the bacon in a large skillet, until lightly browned.  Drain the fat.  Transfer the bacon to a separate bowl.
3. In a medium pot, heat oil to 300°F for frying.
4. Combine the flour and cornmeal together.  Drain the shallots from the vinegar, and dredge through the flour.  Fry in the oil, tossing occasionally, until crisp.  About 3 minutes.  Transfer to a paper towel.
5. Heat the bacon skillet over medium-high.  Add the 1 tbsp oil, swish around, and then drain the excess.
6. Add the asparagus, season with the salt, and cook, tossing frequently, until almost cooked through.  About 3-4 minutes.
7. Add the bacon and 1 tbsp water.  Continue cooking until the asparagus is cooked through, about 30 seconds.
8. Remove from the heat.  Add soy sauce and toss to coat.
9. Serve the asparagus & bacon with the fried shallots on top.

Adapted from Bon Appetit.