Mongolian Beef with Asparagus
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 lb sirloin steak, sliced into strips
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup water
  • ¾ cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 tsp canola oil
  • Canola oil for frying, about ½ cup
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 green onions, sliced (reserve some to sprinkle on top)
  • Cooked white or brown rice
Instructions
  1. Prepare a drain plate for the beef by placing 2 layers of paper towels on a large dinner plate.
  2. In a bowl or large ziploc bag, combine beef and cornstarch until there is a light dusting of cornstarch on each piece of beef. Set aside.
  3. To make the sauce, in a small bowl, stir together the ginger, garlic, soy sauce, water, and dark brown sugar. Set aside.
  4. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, heat the 2 tsp canola oil. Add the sauce and stir until sugar is dissolved.
  5. Raise heat to medium and boil sauce for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
  6. Place asparagus in a medium, microwave-safe bowl and add enough water to cover the pieces.
  7. Cook asparagus in microwave until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes.* Drain.
  8. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, heat the ½ cup canola oil. Add beef and cook until the beef begins to darken around the edges, about 4 minutes, flipping once to ensure even cooking.
  9. Using a slotted spoon, remove beef to paper towels on drain plate. Pour oil out of pan.
  10. Return beef to pan and add sauce, asparagus, and green onions. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally.
  11. Serve over rice, drizzle with remaining sauce, and sprinkle with green onions.
Notes
The amount of time it takes your asparagus to cook will depend on how thick the pieces are and your microwave. My pieces were pretty thin, so it didn't take long. If you have thicker asparagus, try cooking it for 1 to 2 minutes longer. After 3 minutes, check it with a fork to see how tender it is.
Recipe by Simple, Sweet & Savory at https://www.simplesweetsavory.com/mongolian-beef-asparagus/