I absolutely love this dish because it’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and full of healthy ingredients. The tender beef combined with the crisp asparagus and aromatic garlic creates a truly satisfying meal. If you’re craving a quick yet delicious stir-fry, this recipe is perfect!
Why you‘ll love this recipe
This Stir-Fried Beef with Asparagus recipe is a winner for anyone who enjoys a savory, flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The beef is tender and perfectly seasoned, while the asparagus remains crisp, providing a satisfying contrast in texture. The simple yet effective marinade for the beef locks in flavor, and the quick stir-fry process keeps everything fresh and vibrant. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a special treat, this dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- 200g beef shank or steak
- 200g asparagus
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 10ml cooking wine
- 10ml light soy sauce
- 20ml oyster sauce
- 3g cornstarch
- 20ml olive oil
- Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Beef Preparation:
Cut the selected beef into even strips, ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking. Place the beef strips in a bowl, add 1 tbsp of cooking wine to remove the beef’s odor. Then, add 1 tbsp of light soy sauce for saltiness, followed by 1 tbsp of oyster sauce to enhance the beef’s umami. Add 1/2 tbsp cornstarch, which will help lock in moisture and keep the beef tender during cooking. Lastly, add 1 tbsp of olive oil, mix well to coat each beef strip with the seasoning, and marinate for 10 minutes.
Asparagus Preparation:
Remove the tough ends of the asparagus and cut it into 5-6 cm long segments. Boil a pot of water, add a pinch of salt and 1 tbsp of olive oil once the water boils, then add the asparagus. Blanch the asparagus for 1-2 minutes, until it becomes a brighter green and tender yet still crisp. Immediately transfer the asparagus into cold water to stop the cooking process, ensuring it remains crisp. Once cooled, drain and set aside.
Pan-Frying the Beef:
Heat a pan with 1 tbsp of olive oil. When the oil is about 60% hot (when it starts to emit light smoke), add the marinated beef strips. Spread them out evenly in the pan and let them cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until the bottom becomes golden and forms a crispy crust. Then flip the beef and cook the other side until both sides are golden and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Stir-Frying the Vegetables and Finalizing the Dish:
Leave a little oil in the pan, heat it again, and add the garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic over low heat until golden and fragrant. Then, add the cooked beef and blanched asparagus. Season with salt and add 1 tbsp of oyster sauce for extra flavor. Increase the heat to high and quickly stir-fry to ensure the beef and asparagus absorb the seasoning. Finally, add black pepper to taste and stir well before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables besides asparagus?
Yes, you can substitute asparagus with vegetables like broccoli or snow peas for a different flavor and texture.
How can I make the beef more tender?
Marinating the beef for 10 minutes in the seasonings, especially with the cornstarch, will help keep it tender. You can also try slicing against the grain for a more tender bite.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
For the best texture and flavor, this dish is best served immediately after cooking. However, you can prepare the beef and asparagus in advance and stir-fry when ready to serve.
Stir-Fried Beef with Asparagus
Ingredients
- 200 g beef shank or steak
- 200 g asparagus
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 10 ml cooking wine
- 10 ml light soy sauce
- 20 ml oyster sauce
- 3 g cornstarch
- 20 ml olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Beef Preparation:
- Cut the selected beef into even strips, ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking. Place the beef strips in a bowl, add 1 tbsp of cooking wine to remove the beef's odor. Then, add 1 tbsp of light soy sauce for saltiness, followed by 1 tbsp of oyster sauce to enhance the beef's umami. Add 1/2 tbsp cornstarch, which will help lock in moisture and keep the beef tender during cooking. Lastly, add 1 tbsp of olive oil, mix well to coat each beef strip with the seasoning, and marinate for 10 minutes.
Asparagus Preparation:
- Remove the tough ends of the asparagus and cut it into 5-6 cm long segments. Boil a pot of water, add a pinch of salt and 1 tbsp of olive oil once the water boils, then add the asparagus. Blanch the asparagus for 1-2 minutes, until it becomes a brighter green and tender yet still crisp. Immediately transfer the asparagus into cold water to stop the cooking process, ensuring it remains crisp. Once cooled, drain and set aside.
Pan-Frying the Beef:
- Heat a pan with 1 tbsp of olive oil. When the oil is about 60% hot (when it starts to emit light smoke), add the marinated beef strips. Spread them out evenly in the pan and let them cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until the bottom becomes golden and forms a crispy crust. Then flip the beef and cook the other side until both sides are golden and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Stir-Frying the Vegetables and Finalizing the Dish:
- Leave a little oil in the pan, heat it again, and add the garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic over low heat until golden and fragrant. Then, add the cooked beef and blanched asparagus. Season with salt and add 1 tbsp of oyster sauce for extra flavor. Increase the heat to high and quickly stir-fry to ensure the beef and asparagus absorb the seasoning. Finally, add black pepper to taste and stir well before serving.
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