Tender, juicy beef meets crisp, vibrant asparagus in a glossy garlic-ginger sauce in this fast, flavorful stir-fry. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet healthy. The combination of aromatic garlic, fresh ginger, and a lightly sweet-savory sauce makes this dish irresistible. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Stir-Fry
- 1 lb beef (sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye), thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Savory Garlic Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish
- Sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
Add the sliced beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, just until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics
Add the remaining oil to the pan. Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Asparagus
Add the asparagus to the pan and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Combine Everything
Return the beef to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce. Toss everything together and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and asparagus.
- Season & Garnish
Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes if desired. Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Tips, Variations & Storage
Tips
- Slice beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Don’t overcook asparagus; it should remain crisp for the best texture.
- Prepare the sauce in advance for faster cooking.
Variations
- Add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Swap beef for chicken or shrimp for a different protein.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat quickly in a hot skillet to maintain texture; avoid microwaving too long or the asparagus may become mushy.
Pairings
- Carbs: Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or egg noodles
- Sides: Light cucumber salad or miso soup
- Drink: Crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc) or green tea
Quick Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~390 kcal per serving
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Stir-Fry
