Beef And Asparagus Stir-Fry
A quick and flavorful stir-fry combining tender sliced steak and crisp asparagus in a savory ginger-soy sauce, served over al dente pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish offers a harmonious blend of umami, freshness, and a hint of tangy sweetness, appealing to meat lovers and vegetable enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break off the tough ends of the asparagus by bending the stalks and letting them break; discard the ends.
- Cut the asparagus into 2-inch long pieces.
- Prepare the pasta according to package directions, drain, and return to the pot to keep warm.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, ground ginger, vinegar, minced garlic, sherry, cornstarch, and sugar to make the sauce.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced steak and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the asparagus to the skillet and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Pour in the prepared sauce, toss to coat everything evenly, and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the stir-fry over the cooked pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker meal, consider using pre-cut asparagus or frozen asparagus spears. If you don't have sherry, a splash of white wine or rice vinegar can work as a substitute. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the beef with tofu and browse more vegan recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stir-fry over the angel hair pasta, garnished with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added texture and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed broccoli or a light Asian salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with Chinese Almond Cookies for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to help revive the sauce's consistency. Avoid overheating to keep the asparagus tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef And Asparagus Stir-Fry contains roughly 1849 calories, with 10g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 185g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2300mg per serving (100% 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 a different type of meat in this stir-fry?
Absolutely! You can substitute the top round steak with chicken, shrimp, or even pork. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different proteins require different cooking durations to ensure they're fully cooked.
How do I make the sauce spicier?
To add some heat to your sauce, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. You could also use a spicy soy sauce if you prefer a more complex flavor. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time for convenience. However, it's best to cook the stir-fry just before serving to maintain the freshness and texture of the asparagus and beef.
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).