Craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful weeknight meal? Look no further than this stir-fried beef with asparagus recipe! This dish boasts a delightful combination of tender, savory beef and crisp-tender asparagus, all tossed in a vibrant and aromatic sauce. It's a perfect balance of textures and tastes, offering a satisfying culinary experience without spending hours in the kitchen. The recipe is adaptable to your spice preferences and readily available ingredients, making it a versatile option for any home cook.
Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe is designed for simplicity and speed. The delicious results will belie the ease of preparation, leaving you with more time to enjoy your delicious meal. Ready to create this culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- knife
- cutting board
- bowl
- frying pan
- stove
- ice water
Ingredients
- Asparagus: 500g
- Beef (thigh meat): 200g
- Garlic
- Ground pepper
- MSG: 1 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Soy sauce: 2 teaspoons
- Wheat oil (or cooking oil): 1 teaspoon
- Seasoning powder: 1/3 teaspoon
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Remove the bottom 4-5cm of each asparagus stalk. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Soak in salt water for 10 minutes to remove sap. Rinse thoroughly.
- Cut the beef against the grain into thin slices. Marinate with ground pepper, ½ teaspoon MSG, ½ teaspoon sugar, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon wheat oil (or cooking oil), ⅓ teaspoon seasoning powder, and 2 teaspoons minced garlic for 15-20 minutes.
- Mix ½ teaspoon MSG, ½ teaspoon sugar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, and a little ground pepper with a tablespoon of water.
Step 2. Cook Asparagus
- Boil water with ½ teaspoon salt. Add asparagus and blanch for 30 seconds. Immediately transfer to ice water for 2 minutes to maintain its color and crispness.
- Add the remaining minced garlic to the pan and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the asparagus and stir-fry until tender-crisp. Add the stir-fry sauce and stir-fry until evenly coated.
Step 3. Stir-fry Beef
- Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a wok or frying pan over high heat. Add half of the minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the beef and stir-fry until slightly rare, then remove from pan.
Step 4. Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked beef to the asparagus and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined. Serve immediately.
Read more: Crispy Tofu with Onions: A Delicious Vietnamese Beer Snack
Tips
- Choose small asparagus stalks for better taste.
- Cutting the beef against the grain prevents it from becoming tough.
- Don't overcook the asparagus; it should remain crisp and green.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other vegetables instead of asparagus?
Absolutely! Broccoli, green beans, snow peas, or bell peppers would all be delicious substitutes, or you can even add a mix of vegetables.
2. How can I make the beef more tender?
Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes in soy sauce, cornstarch, and a little oil before stir-frying. This helps to tenderize it and also gives it a richer flavor.
This crispy asparagus and tender beef stir-fry is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The vibrant flavors and satisfying textures will leave you wanting more, and the quick preparation time makes it an ideal choice for busy schedules. Enjoy this delicious and healthy meal!