There are so many ways to cook asparagus, but one of my favorite methods is a simple stir fry. It's quick, easy, and keeps the asparagus tender-crisp with great flavor. While asparagus is delicious on its own, adding a few simple ingredients can really elevate it.

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This Asparagus, Ham, and Onion Stir Fry is a classic, no-fuss vegetable side dish. Savory ham and sweet onions add just enough richness to complement the fresh asparagus, making it a tasty and satisfying addition to any meal - especially when you want something easy but still flavorful.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute side dishes
- Tender-crisp asparagus with savory ham and lightly sweet onions
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients you may already have on hand
- Light yet satisfying without feeling heavy
- Pairs well with rice, noodles, or your favorite main dishes
- A great way to make asparagus more flavorful without overpowering it
How to Stir Fry Asparagus, Ham, and Onion (Step by Step)
First gather your ingredients:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- ¼ cup ham, thinly sliced (deli ham or cooked ham both work)
- ¼ cup sliced onion
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (or fat of choice)
- Sea salt, to taste
First, prep all your ingredients before you start cooking. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and cut the spears into 2-inch pieces. Thinly slice the ham and onions so everything cooks quickly and evenly.

Heat the cooking oil in a medium skillet or wok over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced ham and onions. Stir fry for about 1 minute, just until the onions begin to soften and the ham becomes fragrant.

Add the asparagus to the skillet and continue stir frying. Toss frequently so the asparagus cooks evenly and stays bright green. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp and cooked to your liking.

Season with salt to taste, give everything a final toss, and remove from heat. Serve the asparagus, ham, and onion stir fry immediately while it's hot and fresh.

Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Let the asparagus, ham, and onion stir fry cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Asparagus is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers still hold up well when stored properly.
Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of oil or water to help prevent drying out. Stir gently just until warmed through. You can also microwave in short intervals, but avoid overheating, as asparagus can become soft and lose its bright color.

FAQ
What type of ham works best?
Thinly sliced deli ham works great for convenience, but leftover cooked ham can also be chopped and used.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas would all be great additions and stir fry well with asparagus.
How do I keep the asparagus bright green?
Cook it over high heat and avoid overcooking. Stir frying for just a few minutes helps keep the asparagus crisp and vibrant.

Asparagus, Ham, and Onion Stir Fry
This Asparagus, Ham, and Onion Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful vegetable side dish made with tender-crisp asparagus, savory ham, and lightly sweet onions. Simple, satisfying, and ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- ¼ cup ham, thinly sliced (deli ham or cooked ham both work)
- ¼ cup sliced onion
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (or fat of choice)
- Sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the cooking oil in a medium skillet or wok over high heat.
- Add the sliced ham and onions and stir fry for about 1 minute, until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add the asparagus and continue stir frying for 3–5 minutes, until the asparagus is bright green and tender-crisp.
- Season with salt to taste, toss once more, and remove from heat.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Do not overcook the asparagus - keeping it tender-crisp gives the best texture and color.
- Leftover cooked ham works great in this recipe.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 129Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 308mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 8g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information.
More Delicious Asparagus Recipes!
If you love asparagus as much as I do, you'll definitely want to try these other tasty ideas:
- Stir Fry Asparagus with Garlic - Tender-crisp asparagus stir fried with fragrant garlic.
- Pan Fried Asparagus Recipe - Quick and easy with a perfect sear.
- King Oyster Mushrooms Stir Fry with Asparagus - Umami-packed and veggie-forward.
- Stir Fry Lamb with Asparagus - Tender lamb and crisp asparagus with ginger and garlic.
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Judy Morin says
If 1 cup of asparagus has 4 grams of fiber, how does the recipe Nutrition Information have 0 grams of fiber? Or does the cooking destroy the fiber? Curious minds want to know.
tinatsai says
Hi Judy, nice catch! To be honest, I use Nutritionix calculator which just takes the ingredients and automatically populated the nutrition information, and you're right, there should be fiber, but I do not know what's wrong with Nutritionix calculation there... But I will say that fiber does not get destroyed.
Jess says
Quick, easy, and sounds delicious. I think my kiddo will love this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Daniela says
This is a meal in itself! Looks delicious!!