Healthy Beef and Asparagus Stir-Fry in Just 20 Minutes

Beef and Asparagus Stir-Fry is a staple dish in many Asian cuisines, known for its quick preparation and flavorful results. It combines tender slices of beef with crisp asparagus in a savory sauce that makes it both delicious and nutritious.

I’m excited to share this recipe because it’s one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something healthy yet satisfying. The unique benefit of using a wok pan is its ability to cook food quickly at high temperatures, preserving the nutrients and flavors while using less oil. This easily makes Beef and Asparagus a healthier option for dinner.

Also see the Aldi Stir Fry Vegetables Recipe.

Ingredients Needed for Beef and Asparagus Stir-Fry

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

• 1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch fresh ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Substitutions and Variations:

• Replace beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp if you prefer.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for extra variety.
• Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

Preparation Steps

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Slice the beef: Thinly slice the beef against the grain to ensure tenderness.
2. Marinate the beef: In a medium bowl, mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, a pinch of black pepper, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Add the beef slices and coat them well. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
3. Prep the asparagus: Wash and trim the asparagus before cutting them into 2-inch pieces.
4. Mince garlic and ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger are essential for a punch of flavor.

Prepping the Wok

1. Heat the wok: Ensure the wok is clean and dry. Heat it over medium-high heat until it begins to smoke slightly.
2. Add oil: Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and let it heat until shimmering.

Beef and Asparagus Cooking Instructions

1. Step 1: Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef slices in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they are browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the asparagus pieces. Stir continuously for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
5. Step 5: Return the beef to the wok.
6. Step 6: Pour in the beef broth, remaining soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Mix well.
7. Step 7: Stir-fry everything together for about 2-3 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the sauce has slightly thickened.
8. Step 8: Drizzle sesame oil and sprinkle red pepper flakes before removing from heat.

Essential Note: Ensure that the wok remains hot throughout the cooking process. This ensures even cooking and enhances flavor.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Beef and Asparagus Stir-Fry

To get the best results every time, follow these guidelines:

• Keep Ingredients Ready: Pre-measure and prep all your ingredients before starting. Stir-frying is fast, and you don’t want to be scrambling to add ingredients.
• High Heat: Maintain high heat to cook the ingredients quickly while keeping them crisp.
• Thinly Slice Meat: Thin slices cook faster and remain tender.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming ingredients rather than stir-frying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking beef: This can make it tough and chewy.
• Not preheating the wok: This can cause uneven cooking and sogginess.
• Using too much oil: A small amount is sufficient due to the high heat.

Beef and Asparagus Serving Suggestions

Accompaniment Ideas

• Steamed Rice: This makes a perfect base to soak up the savory sauce.
• Noodles: Stir-fried or plain noodles pair well with this dish.
• Spring Rolls: Serve on the side for an appetizer.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm up in a wok or a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth if needed to moisten the dish.

The Bottom Line

Making Beef and Asparagus Stir-Fry is both straightforward and fulfilling. The combination of tender beef and crisp asparagus in a flavorful sauce is hard to beat.

I would like you to try this recipe at home and see for yourself how easy it is to prepare a delicious and healthy meal using a wok. Feel free to share your experience and any modifications you make to the recipe.

For more delicious wok pan recipes, stay connected with Kit Yum.

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