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. Bro Niu 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.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suits the whole family as a light everyday dish; traditionally favored by women in early pregnancy for its folate.
• Also a pleasant choice for those who feel dry-mouthed or thirsty, or who have thick phlegm that’s hard to bring up.
• If you are pregnant or have any health concern, follow your own doctor’s advice on diet.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Asparagus (lu sun): mild and cooling, traditionally linked with clearing heat and supporting urination; valued for its carotene and folate.
• Beef tenderloin (niu liu): a tender, nourishing protein that makes the dish satisfying and balanced.
• Ginger and shallot (jiang, gan cong): aromatics that warm and lift the flavor.

Ingredients (2 servings)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Fresh asparagus (lu sun)	4 spears	Peel off the tough skin, slice
Beef tenderloin (niu liu)	6 liang (~225 g)	Sliced
Minced ginger	to taste
Minced shallot	to taste
Seasoning	to taste	For marinating and finishing

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.

Bro Niu’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.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (anonymous reader): What food therapy helps a cold stomach? Sometimes after cold or icy foods my stomach bloats right away; ginger tea helps. Anything else besides that? Bro Niu: With a weak, cold spleen and stomach, avoid raw, cold, and chilling foods. You can cook a congee with dried ginger (gan jiang) and lesser galangal (gao liang jiang), 2 qian each. Or simmer a chicken soup with white-pepper root (1 liang); a white-pepper pork-tripe soup also suits you well.

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Published March 12, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.