Spicy Beef And Asparagus
A spicy stir-fry featuring tender beef and crisp asparagus, enhanced with savory soy and ketchup sauce, perfect for quick, flavorful Asian-inspired meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef (top round steak) ⓘ
- 1 egg white ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 tsp dry sherry ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp pepper ⓘ
- several dashes bottled hot sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp catsup ⓘ
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic
- 3/4 lb fresh asparagus ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms ⓘ
Instructions
- Partially freeze the beef, then thinly slice it across the grain into bite-size strips.
- In a bowl, combine the beef with egg white, cornstarch, sherry, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Mix with your hands to evenly coat the meat and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, catsup, vinegar, and sugar. Set aside.
- Heat cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the sliced beef and stir-fry until browned, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the asparagus and mushrooms; cook until vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together until well coated and heated through, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in sliced scallions and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, partially freeze the beef before slicing; it makes cutting easier and results in tender strips. If you prefer a milder dish, adjust the amount of hot sauce to your taste. Feel free to substitute asparagus with other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for variety, akin to what you might find in a 'Whatever Is In The Garden Stir-Fry'.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the flavors. Consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced scallions for extra garnish, enhancing the presentation and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Beef And Asparagus contains roughly 537 calories, with 11g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1908mg per serving (83% 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 cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like flank steak or sirloin, which also work well for stir-frying. Just ensure they are sliced thinly against the grain for tenderness.
What if I don't have dry sherry?
If you don't have dry sherry, you can substitute it with white wine or even apple cider vinegar. This will alter the flavor slightly but will still contribute a nice acidity to the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the beef and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Just stir-fry them together right before serving for optimal freshness.
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).