"Dave Smith" wrote
> Default User wrote:
>
>>>>>> I usually cook asparagus by boiling or steaming for 6-8
>>>>>> minutes. I also
>>>>> use it in Chinese stir fries after blanching for 2-3 minutes and
>>>>> cutting into 2 inch pieces on the diagonal.
>>>> I have stir fried it many times without blanching. I never thought
>>>> that it needed it.
>>> Same here.
>>
>> AOL. I cut off about two inches of the tip, then the rest of the stalk
>> I slice diagonally.
>>
>
> Why do you cut it diagonally. That is a good idea when stir drying hard
> vegetables like celery and carrots. It increases the surface area for
> quicker cooking. But since chopped asparagus is still round it is going to
> be sitting on its side.

Perhaps for a more oriental presentation... eveyting oriental slanty. hehehe