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Quick Savory Beef & Asparagus Stir-Fry

beef asparagus stir-fry - featured image

A fast, flavorful, and satisfying stir-fry featuring tender beef strips and crisp asparagus in a savory umami sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) beef strips (flank steak or sirloin)
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 12 oz / 340 g), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) beef broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)
  • Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

  1. Slice 8 oz (225 g) of flank steak or sirloin thinly against the grain into strips about 1/4 inch thick. Toss in a bowl with 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and a pinch of black pepper. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Trim and cut 1 bunch (about 12 oz / 340 g) of asparagus into 2-inch pieces.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional), 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/4 cup (60 ml) beef broth or water, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 2 minutes).
  5. Add half the beef strips, spreading them out to sear. Cook for 1-2 minutes without stirring to get caramelized edges, then stir-fry until mostly cooked through (about 3 minutes total). Remove beef to a plate and repeat with remaining beef.
  6. Add a little more oil if needed. Stir-fry 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tablespoon grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  7. Add asparagus pieces and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and just tender with a slight snap.
  8. Return beef to the wok. Pour the sauce over and stir well. Cook for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more soy sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness. Marinate briefly with cornstarch for a silky coating. Cook beef and asparagus in stages to avoid overcooking. Keep heat high but watch garlic to prevent burning. Adjust seasoning to taste and consider adding a squeeze of lime or chili oil for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stir-fry, asparagus stir-fry, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, savory stir-fry, healthy beef recipe