Stir-Fried Asparagus with Beef

Why people make this dish

Asparagus — sometimes called “dragon-beard vegetable” — is mild and cooling in the food-therapy view, and is traditionally associated with clearing heat and easing urination. It is rich in carotene and folate, which is why it’s a well-loved food for expectant mothers, with folate being important for a baby’s brain development. Nourilo shares this quick, fragrant stir-fry of asparagus and tender beef as a fresh, tasty home dish that’s especially welcome in the early weeks of pregnancy.

Method

1. Peel the tough skin off the asparagus and slice. Slice the beef and lightly marinate it with seasoning.
2. Heat oil, add the beef slices and stir-fry until about 70% cooked, then remove.
3. Leave a little oil in the wok, fragrance the minced ginger and shallot, then add the asparagus and stir-fry until aromatic. Add seasoning and a little water.
4. Once the asparagus is just cooked, return the beef to the wok, splash in a little wine, toss a few times, and plate up.

Nourilo’s Tips

Blanching the beef in warm oil first makes it extra smooth and fragrant; the asparagus can be oil-blanched too, for a glossy bright-green look. Most home cooks skip the oil-blanching though — a quick stir-fry over high heat is just as delicious.