Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Tender-Crisp Asparagus (Luxun Niurou)
Luxun Niurou, or Stir-Fried Beef with Tender-Crisp Asparagus, is a delicate Chinese dish that highlights the natural flavors of its simple ingredients. Perfectly cooked in just 2 minutes, this dish uses high-quality, thinly sliced beef and fresh asparagus, creating a tender and flavorful meal that’s ideal for a quick dinner. If asparagus is out of season, snow peas make a great substitute.
Equipment
- Wok or nonstick skillet
- Mixing bowls
- measuring spoons,
- knife
- chopping board,
- spatula
Ingredients
- 8 –12 oz 225–350 g flank steak, cut across the grain into very thin slices (partially frozen meat is easier to slice)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 –3 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or pale dry sherry
- 1 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil
- 14 asparagus spears tough ends trimmed, spears cut on the diagonal into 1/2-inch (4 cm) lengths
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 to 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted chicken stock or water
Instructions
- Start by cooking rice if serving with the dish.
- Prepare all the ingredients and place them within easy reach of the stove.
- In a large bowl, sprinkle the beef slices evenly with cornstarch, then coat the meat with 1 tablespoon of the rice wine or sherry.
- Heat a nonstick wok or skillet over high heat.
- Add half of the vegetable oil.
- When it is very hot, add the beef slices and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, stirring rapidly to separate the pieces if they stick together.
- Remove the beef from the wok and keep warm on a platter.
- Reheat the wok over high heat and add the remaining oil.
- Stir-fry the asparagus for about 10 seconds, just until they start to tenderize but remain crisp.
- Return the beef to the wok, and stir-fry quickly while sprinkling with the sugar.
- Stir in the remaining tablespoon of rice wine, soy sauce, and chicken stock.
- Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
- Serve immediately with rice.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Wine Advice
Pair this dish with a light, crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio to complement the delicate flavors of the beef and asparagus.
Pair this dish with a light, crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio to complement the delicate flavors of the beef and asparagus.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 310 kcal | Carbohydrates: 10 g | Protein: 25 g | Fat: 18 g | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 4 g | Salt: 0.8 g
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