Beef with Asparagus Chinese Recipe: A Nutrient-Rich Culinary Delight

If you're looking for a dish that's both savoury and nutritious, beef with asparagus is a perfect option. This Chinese recipe is easy to make and can be cooked in a variety of ways, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, beef with asparagus is a great recipe to have in your arsenal.

The key to making a great beef with an asparagus dish is to choose the right ingredients. You'll need fresh asparagus, beef, and a variety of seasonings and sauces to give the dish its unique flavour. You can also add seafood to the recipe if you're feeling adventurous. Prawns or scallops work particularly well with this dish, adding an extra layer of flavour and texture.

To prepare the dish, you'll need to start by washing and trimming the asparagus. Then, you'll need to marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and other seasonings. Once the beef is ready, you can start stir-frying the asparagus and beef together in a wok or large frying pan. The dish should be served hot, with rice or noodles on the side.

Key Takeaways

• Beef with asparagus is a nutritious and easy-to-make Chinese recipe that can be enjoyed by everyone.
• Choosing the right ingredients, such as fresh asparagus and high-quality beef, is key to making a great dish.
• Adding seafood, such as prawns or scallops, can give the dish an extra layer of flavour and texture.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When it comes to making a delicious beef with asparagus Chinese recipe, selecting the right ingredients is crucial. Here are some tips to help you choose the best ingredients for your dish.

Selecting Quality Beef

For this recipe, you will want to use a tender cut of beef, such as sirloin or flank steak. Look for beef that is bright red, with minimal marbling. When purchasing beef, be sure to check the sell-by date and choose the freshest meat possible.

Fresh Asparagus Selection

Asparagus is the star of this dish, so it's important to choose fresh, high-quality asparagus. Look for asparagus with bright green stalks and tightly closed tips. The stalks should be firm and straight, with no signs of wilting or bending. If possible, choose asparagus that is locally grown and in season for the best flavour.

Additional Vegetables and Aromatics

While asparagus and beef are the main ingredients in this recipe, you can also add other vegetables and aromatics to enhance the flavour. Some great options include garlic, ginger, onion, broccoli, mushrooms, green beans, and green onions. When selecting these ingredients, choose fresh, high-quality produce that is in season for the best flavour.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could also add seafood to your beef and asparagus stir-fry. Shrimp or scallops would be a great addition to this dish. When selecting seafood, be sure to choose fresh, high-quality seafood that is sustainably sourced.

Preparing the Ingredients

Before you can start cooking your delicious beef with asparagus Chinese recipe, you need to prepare the ingredients properly. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind:

Marinating the Beef

To make sure your beef is flavourful and tender, marinating it is a must. You can use a mixture of light soy sauce, oil, and cornstarch to marinate the beef. You can also add some fresh ginger to the marinade to give it a zingy flavour. Once you have mixed the marinade, add the beef and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Slicing Techniques

To make sure your beef is cooked evenly and quickly, you need to slice it into thin strips. You can use a sharp knife to slice the beef against the grain. This will help to break down the muscle fibres and make the beef more tender.

Vegetable Prep

Fresh asparagus is a crucial ingredient in this recipe. You need to wash the asparagus and trim the bottom ends. Depending on how tender the asparagus is, you can cut off about an inch from the bottom. You can also use a vegetable peeler to peel the bottom of each stalk.

If you want to add some seafood to your recipe, you can use shrimp or scallops. You can marinate the seafood in the same marinade as the beef for about 15 minutes. Once the seafood is marinated, you can stir-fry it with the asparagus and beef.

Mixing the Sauce

Sauce Ingredients

To create the perfect beef and asparagus stir-fry sauce, you will need to gather the following ingredients:

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Cornstarch slurry
• Sesame oil
• Shaoxing wine
• Rice vinegar
• Sugar
• Brown sugar
• Fish sauce (optional)

These ingredients are essential to achieve the savoury and slightly sweet flavour that is characteristic of Chinese stir-fries. You can find most of these ingredients in Asian grocery stores or online.

If you want to add seafood to your stir-fry, you can use shrimp or scallops. Make sure to clean and devein the shrimp or remove the muscle from the scallops before cooking.

Creating the Perfect Consistency

Once you have gathered all the ingredients, it's time to mix the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch slurry, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, sugar, and brown sugar until completely combined. If you want to add a hint of umami flavour, you can also add a dash of fish sauce.

The cornstarch slurry is crucial to achieving the right consistency of the sauce. It helps thicken the sauce and coat the beef and asparagus evenly. To make the slurry, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water until smooth.

When you are ready to cook the stir-fry, make sure to mix the sauce again before adding it to the wok or skillet. This will ensure that all the ingredients are well combined and the flavour is evenly distributed.

By following these steps, you can create a delicious beef and asparagus stir-fry that is bursting with flavour and texture.

Cooking Technique

Stir-Frying in a Wok

Stir-frying is a traditional Chinese cooking technique that involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat in a wok. A wok is a versatile cooking pan that is perfect for stir-frying due to its shape, which allows for even heat distribution and quick cooking.

To stir-fry in a wok, you should heat the wok over high heat until it is hot. Once the wok is hot, add oil and swirl it around to coat the surface. You can then add your ingredients and stir-fry them quickly, tossing them around the wok with a spatula or chopsticks.

Searing the Beef

Searing the beef is an essential step in this recipe as it helps to lock in the flavour and juices of the meat. To sear the beef, you should heat a pan or skillet over high heat until it is hot. Once the pan is hot, add oil and swirl it around to coat the surface. You can then add the beef in batches and cook it until it is browned on all sides.

Combining Ingredients

Once you have stir-fried the asparagus and seared the beef, you can then combine the ingredients in the wok or frying pan. You can then add the sauce and continue to stir-fry the ingredients until they are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

If you want to add seafood to this recipe, you can use prawns or scallops. Simply stir-fry the seafood in the wok or frying pan before adding the asparagus and beef. Make sure to cook the seafood until it is opaque and cooked through.

Serving and Nutrition

Plating the Dish

When it comes to plating your beef and asparagus stir-fry, you can get creative with how you want to serve it. You can either serve it on a bed of rice or noodles, or you can serve it as a standalone dish. Sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for added flavor and presentation.

If you want to add seafood to the dish, shrimp or scallops would be a great addition. Simply sauté them in a separate pan and add them to the stir-fry towards the end of the cooking process.

Nutritional Information

This beef and asparagus stir-fry is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. One serving of this dish (about 250g) contains approximately 400 calories, 30g of protein, 20g of fat, 5g of fiber, and 10g of saturated fat.

It is also a good source of potassium, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. However, it is important to note that this dish is high in sodium and cholesterol. If you are concerned about your sodium or cholesterol intake, you may want to limit your portion size or substitute with a lower-sodium soy sauce.

To sum up, this dish is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal. With the addition of seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, you can boost the protein and nutrient content even further.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are needed for a beef and asparagus stir-fry?

To make a delicious beef and asparagus stir-fry, you will need the following ingredients:

• Beef (flank steak or sirloin)
• Asparagus
• Soy sauce
• Rice wine
• Cornstarch
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Oyster sauce (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt
• Cooking oil

How do you prepare a beef with asparagus dish in a Chinese style?

To prepare a beef with asparagus dish in a Chinese style, start by marinating the beef in soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch for at least 30 minutes. Then, heat some oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside. In the same wok, add the asparagus and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Return the beef to the wok, add oyster sauce (optional), and stir-fry for another minute until everything is well combined. Serve hot with rice.

Can you suggest a good beef and asparagus recipe with oyster sauce?

Sure! Here's a simple and tasty beef and asparagus recipe with oyster sauce:

• 1 pound beef (flank steak or sirloin), sliced thinly
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice wine
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. Add the sliced beef and toss to coat. Let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes. Heat some oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside. In the same wok, add the asparagus and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Return the beef to the wok, stir in the sauce, and stir-fry for another minute until everything is well combined. Serve hot with rice.

What's the best way to cook beef and asparagus stir-fry noodles?

To cook beef and asparagus stir-fry noodles, start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Then, follow the steps for preparing the beef and asparagus stir-fry as described above. When the beef and asparagus are almost done, add the cooked noodles to the wok and stir-fry for another minute until everything is well combined. Serve hot.

How can I make a spicy beef and asparagus stir-fry at home?

To make a spicy beef and asparagus stir-fry at home, add some red pepper flakes or chili peppers to the stir-fry sauce or sprinkle them over the finished dish. You can also use Sichuan pepper or black pepper for extra heat. Adjust the amount of spice to your liking.

Is there a simple recipe for beef asparagus rolls?

Yes, here's a simple recipe for beef asparagus rolls:

• 1 pound beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil
• Toothpicks

Season the beef with salt and pepper. Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of beef and secure it with a toothpick. Heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and asparagus rolls and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Serve hot.

Proposed addition: You can also add some prawns or scallops to the beef and asparagus stir-fry for extra flavour and texture. Simply add them to the wok along with the asparagus and stir-fry until cooked through.