Asparagus And Bean Beef

Asparagus And Bean Beef
serves 4

Ingredients
225g/8oz beef, cut across the grain
into thin slices
1/4 teaspoon baking powder,
dissolved in 2 teaspoons water
1 tablespoon groundnut oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
450g/1lb asparagus
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon Chinese fermented
black beans, minced with
4 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon rice wine
2 teaspoons light soy sauce
For the marinade
1 teaspoon cornflour
1 teaspoon light soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon rice wine
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

• Put the beef in a bowl or glass dish. Stir the baking powder solution into the beef to help tenderize it. Stir together the marinade ingredients, and marinate the beef for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
• In a heavy pan, heat the groundnut oil over a high heat. Add the salt, asparagus and 50ml/2fl oz water. Cover the pan for 2 minutes and cook. When done, transfer the asparagus to a platter.
• Place the pan over a high heat, and add the vegetable oil. Stir-fry the black bean and garlic mixture for a few seconds.
• Add the beef and stir-fry quickly until barely cooked. Add the rice wine and soy sauce, and heat until sizzling. Stir in the asparagus and toss quickly to heat through. Serve immediately