This classic Chinese stir-fry combines tender slices of beef with fresh, crisp asparagus in a savory sauce made from fermented black beans. The dish offers a perfect balance of textures, with the meat remaining silky and the vegetables retaining their bite. It is an excellent choice for a speedy weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-quality without the fuss. The umami-rich black bean sauce ties everything together, creating a flavorful meal that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice. Simple to prepare, this recipe highlights the natural flavors of high-quality beef and seasonal vegetables.
Chinese: Asparagus With Black Bean Beef
Description
This classic Chinese stir-fry combines tender slices of beef with fresh, crisp asparagus in a savory sauce made from fermented black beans. The dish offers a perfect balance of textures, with the meat remaining silky and the vegetables retaining their bite. It is an excellent choice for a speedy weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-quality without the fuss. The umami-rich black bean sauce ties everything together, creating a flavorful meal that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice. Simple to prepare, this recipe highlights the natural flavors of high-quality beef and seasonal vegetables.Ingredients
Directions
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Slice the beef across the grain into thin strips while partially frozen for easier cutting.
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Dissolve baking soda in water and toss with beef slices to tenderize; let sit for 15 minutes.
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Rinse beef thoroughly to remove baking soda residue, then pat dry.
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Marinate beef with cornstarch, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, salt, and peanut oil for at least 30 minutes.
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Trim woody ends from asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces.
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Mince garlic and rinse fermented black beans; mash beans slightly with a fork.
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Heat peanut oil in a wok over high heat until smoking.
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Stir-fry asparagus with a pinch of salt and a splash of water; cover and steam for 2 minutes until crisp-tender.
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Remove asparagus and set aside on a platter.
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Add more oil to the wok and stir-fry minced garlic and black beans for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry quickly until just cooked through, about 1-2 minutes.
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Pour in rice wine and soy sauce, sizzling briefly to release aroma.
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Return cooked asparagus to the wok.
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Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry and pour into the wok.
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Toss everything together until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly.
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Serve immediately hot over steamed rice.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 166.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8.8g14%
- Saturated Fat 3.4g17%
- Cholesterol 44.3mg15%
- Sodium 43.2mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 4.8g2%
- Dietary Fiber 2.6g11%
- Sugars 2.3g
- Protein 17.3g35%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.