Asparagus & Bean Beef

Asparagus and bean beef is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines tender slices of beef, crisp asparagus, and the umami goodness of Chinese fermented black beans. This recipe serves 4 people and is perfect for a satisfying and balanced meal. The beef is marinated to enhance its tenderness and flavor, while the asparagus adds a fresh and vibrant element to the dish. The combination of groundnut oil, rice wine, and soy sauce creates a savory and aromatic stir-fry that will tantalize your taste buds. The minced black beans and garlic provide a rich and unique depth of flavor that perfectly complements the beef and asparagus. Follow the simple steps below to create a delicious and wholesome asparagus and bean beef stir-fry that will impress your guests and make mealtime a delightful experience.

INGREDIENTS:

• 225g/8oz beef, cut across the grain into thin slices
• 1⁄4 teaspoon baking powder, dissolved in 2 teaspoons water
• 1 tablespoon groundnut oil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 450g/1lb asparagus
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon Chinese fermented black beans, minced with 4 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon rice wine
• 2 teaspoons light soy sauce

FOR THE MARINADE:

• 1 teaspoon cornflour
• 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
• 1⁄2 teaspoon rice wine
• 1⁄2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt

PREPARATIONS:

1. Put the beef in a bowl or glass dish. Stir the baking powder solution into the beef to help tenderize it.
2. In a separate bowl, stir together the marinade ingredients. Add the marinade to the beef and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
3. In a heavy pan, heat the groundnut oil over high heat. Add the salt, asparagus, and 50ml/2fl oz water. Cover the pan and cook for 2 minutes until the asparagus is tender. Transfer the asparagus to a platter.
4. Place the pan back on high heat and add the vegetable oil. Stir-fry the minced black bean and garlic mixture for a few seconds.
5. Add the marinated beef to the pan and stir-fry quickly until it is barely cooked.
6. Pour in the rice wine and soy sauce, and heat until sizzling.
7. Stir in the cooked asparagus and toss quickly to heat through.
8. Serve the asparagus and bean beef stir-fry immediately.

YIELD: Serves 4

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• Adjust the salt and soy sauce according to your taste preferences.
• Customize the stir-fry by adding additional vegetables or herbs of your choice.

TIPS:

• Serve the asparagus and bean beef with steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an added touch of freshness and flavor.

In conclusion, asparagus and bean beef stir-fry is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings together the tender goodness of beef, the crispness of asparagus, and the rich umami flavor of Chinese fermented black beans. The combination of these ingredients, along with the marinade of rice wine and soy sauce, creates a harmonious stir-fry that is both satisfying and delicious.

The marinade helps to tenderize the beef while infusing it with flavor, resulting in succulent and flavorful slices. The quick stir-frying technique ensures that the beef is cooked just enough to retain its tenderness. The addition of crisp asparagus adds a refreshing and vibrant element to the dish, while the minced black beans and garlic provide a unique depth of flavor.

This asparagus and bean beef stir-fry is a versatile dish that can be customized according to your preferences. Feel free to add other vegetables or herbs to enhance the dish and make it your own.

Serve this delicious stir-fry with steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. The combination of textures and flavors will leave you wanting more.

So, gather your ingredients, marinate the beef, and prepare to indulge in a flavorful and nutritious asparagus and bean beef stir-fry. It’s a dish that will surely impress your family and friends.