Asparagus Beef Stir-Fry
A quick and flavorful stir-fry combining tender beef and crisp asparagus, accented with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce—perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut asparagus into thin slices diagonally and set aside.
- Slice flank steak very thin and set aside.
- Mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup water, soy sauce, sugar, salt, minced garlic, and minced ginger to make a marinade.
- Heat salad oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced beef and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add asparagus and cook for another 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Pour in the cornstarch mixture and beef stock, stirring until sauce thickens.
- Add a few drops of sesame seed oil and season with pepper to taste.
- Garnish with sliced green onion and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more tender beef, consider marinating the flank steak for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you don't have flank steak, sirloin or ribeye can also work well. You can adjust the amount of garlic and ginger to suit your taste, or even add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for variety. This dish is also a great way to use up leftover veggies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the asparagus beef stir-fry over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of Chinese peas for extra color and nutrition. You can also serve it with a light salad or some steamed dumplings for a delightful spread. A drizzle of sesame oil right before serving adds a lovely finishing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause the asparagus to become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus Beef Stir-Fry contains roughly 311 calories, with 10g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2527mg per serving (110% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
While fresh asparagus is recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen asparagus if fresh is unavailable. Just be sure to thaw and drain the frozen asparagus before adding it to the stir-fry to avoid excess water in the dish.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you're looking for a soy sauce alternative, tamari is a great gluten-free option. Alternatively, you can use coconut aminos for a lower-sodium choice. Keep in mind that these substitutes may alter the flavor slightly, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your asparagus beef stir-fry, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers during cooking. You can also serve it with a side of chili sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick. Experiment with the spice level to find your perfect balance!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).