Asparagus Beef



INGREDIENTS:

1 pound flank steak

salt

1 teaspoon cornstarch

soy sauce

2 pounds fresh asparagus with tight tips

2 medium onions

2 cloves garlic

salad oil

3 tablespoons canned bean sauce

1/2 teaspoon sugar 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cut steak lengthwise in 2-1/2-inch strips, trimming off
fat as you go. Then cut across the grain, in 1/8-inch thick
strips. Put meat in bowl and att 1 teaspoon salt, cornstarch,
and 2 teaspoons soy sauce. Wash asparagus carefully, break
off tough ends, and cut diagonally into pieces about 1/4-inch
thick.  (If you cat on a sharp diagonal, the pieces will be
abut 1-1/2 to 2" long.) Cut onions in half lengthwise, lay
cut side down, and slice crosswise into 1/4" slices. Smash
garlic cloves with flat side of knife or cleaver and remove
sking. Heat a wide frying pan or wok over highest heat, add
1/4 cup oil, it should bubble slightly from the heat. Add
garlic and cook just until pale brown. Remove and discard.
Add meat, stir frequently, and cook until almost browned.
Remove to a bowl. Add 3 tablespoons more oil.  Add onion.
Cook a minute or two stirring constantly.  Make a little
hollow on top of the onion; add bean sauce. Cook until onion
starts to get translucent. Add asparagus and sprinkle over 1
teaspoon salt, sugar and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Cover and
cook, taking the top off occasionally to stir well, just
until asparagus is tender-crisp. Then, put the meat on top.
Cook, stirring,just long enough to get the meat reheated.



Asparagus Beef