Stir-fried Beef with Asparagus

Another simple dish to share. Asparagus doesn't seem to be popular or at least not a favourite among Singaporeans -- possibly due to the strong smell it has that we're not used to. It's rather new to my family too; but now it appears more often on our dining table after my 'experiment' worked out sometime ago. ;)

However, while I was Googling health benefits of asparagus, I found out that KH shouldn't have too much of that due to its high purine content which can lead to accumulation of uric acid -- not so suitable for people with gout or kidney stones. :( On the other hand, lots of benefits for Faith, Joy and I, with nutrients like beta-carotene, folic acid, , phosphorus, potassium, vitamin C, E and K. :) Its high folate content makes it an excellent food for those preparing for pregnancy or who are pregnant. It also promotes healthy gut due to its content of a special carbohydrate called inulin, which promotes the friendly bacteria within the large intestine.

You'll need:

250g Beef, sliced
5 stalks Thick, green asparagus, sliced diagonally across stalks
3 cloves Garlic, chopped
2 slices Ginger, smashed with skin*

Marinade for Sliced Beef

1 tsp Light Soy Sauce
1 tsp Oyster Sauce

Seasoning

1 tsp Oyster Sauce
1 cup Hot Water (Increase or decrease according to your preference -- I like sauces to go with my rice, so I tend to add more.)

* I usually keep skin of the ginger as it reduces the heaty properties of ginger. A little ginger is used before stir-frying just to add fragrance to the dish and reduce strong smells in certain food – in this case, beef and asparagus. :)

Now start the fire. ;)

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or pan.

2. Stir-fry ginger until fragrant.

3. Add marinated beef and stir-fry until just cooked. Dish out from wok and set aside.

4. Add another tbsp of oil if required. Stir-fry garlic until fragrant.

5. Add asparagus, stir-fry and toss for 5-7 min.

6. Add seasoning, stir-fry and mix well. Bring sauce to boil. (If you like to cook the asparagus much softer -- maybe for young children, just cover the wok, lower the flame to medium or small, and let it simmer for 5-10 min, depending on how soft you want it to be.)

7. Add stir-fried beef back into the wok, stir-fry and mix well. Serve. (Do not leave the beef in the wok or stir-fry for too long -- it becomes too tough to chew!)