Beef and Asparagus Pasta Stir Fry (Nui Xào Thịt Bò và Măng Tây)

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Beef and Asparagus Pasta Stir Fry (Nui Xào Thịt Bò và Măng Tây)

Craving a quick, easy, and delicious meal that doesn’t compromise on flavour? This Beef and Asparagus Pasta Stir-Fry is the answer! Imagine tender slices of beef, perfectly complemented by fresh, crisp asparagus, earthy mushrooms, and your favourite pasta, all brought together by a savoury stir-fry sauce that’s simply irresistible.

Beef and Asparagus Pasta Stir Fry (Nui Xào Thịt Bò và Măng Tây)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Weeknight Winner: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy evenings.
  • A Burst of Flavour: The combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a delicious stir-fry sauce creates a symphony of tastes in every bite.
  • Customizable: Use any type of pasta or mushrooms you love! This recipe is easily adapted to your personal preferences.
  • Nutritious & Delicious: Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a meal you can feel good about enjoying.
  • Visually Stunning: The vibrant colours of the asparagus and red pepper make this dish a feast for the eyes.

Q&As on Beef and Asparagus Pasta Stir-Fry

1. What type of pasta is most suitable for this Beef and Asparagus Pasta Stir-Fry recipe?

For this recipe, we’ve used Fusilli pasta, and it’s an excellent choice! Fusilli, with its corkscrew shape, is perfect for capturing creamy sauces, hearty ragùs, and small ingredients like our beef and vegetables. Its twists and turns really hold onto that savoury stir-fry sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavour.

2. Can I use other types of pasta if I don’t have Fusilli?

Absolutely! While Fusilli is a great option, you can definitely use any type of pasta you prefer or have on hand. Other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle (bow-tie pasta) would also work wonderfully, as they have nooks and crannies to hold the sauce and ingredients. Even longer pasta like spaghetti or linguine could be used if that’s what you prefer, though you might want to break them in half before cooking for easier stir-frying. The key is to choose a pasta that you enjoy and that can effectively carry the sauce and other components of the stir-fry.

3. What type of beef is most suitable for this Beef and Asparagus Pasta Stir-Fry recipe?

For stir-fries, you want a cut of beef that cooks quickly and remains tender. We recommend using flank steak, sirloin, or even tenderloin. These cuts are lean and, when sliced against the grain into thin, bite-sized pieces, they become incredibly tender and absorb the marinade beautifully.

These cuts are ideal because they have less connective tissue compared to tougher cuts, meaning they don’t require long cooking times to become tender. When sliced thinly and cooked quickly over high heat, they achieve that perfect balance of being cooked through yet still juicy and tender, which is exactly what you want in a stir-fry.

While flank, sirloin, or tenderloin are highly recommended for their tenderness and quick cooking, you could potentially use other cuts like round steak or chuck steak, but they would require more careful preparation. If using these, ensure they are sliced very thinly against the grain and consider marinating them for a longer period (at least 30 minutes to an hour, or even overnight) to help tenderize them further. The goal is always tender, bite-sized pieces that cook quickly in the wok.

4. What are some of the nutritional benefits of asparagus, which is featured in this Beef and Asparagus Pasta Stir-Fry recipe?

Asparagus is a fantastic addition to any meal, not just for its crisp texture and fresh flavour, but also for its impressive nutritional profile! Here are some of its key benefits:

  • Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Asparagus is an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals. It’s particularly high in Vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting and bone health. It also provides a good amount of Vitamin A (important for vision and immune function), Vitamin C (an antioxidant), and folate (vital for cell growth and DNA formation).
  • Packed with Antioxidants: This green vegetable is loaded with antioxidants, including Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and glutathione. Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to chronic diseases.
  • Good Source of Fibre: Asparagus contains both soluble and insoluble fibre. Fibre is essential for digestive health, helping to promote regularity and contributing to a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management.
  • Contains Prebiotics: It’s a natural source of prebiotics, specifically inulin. Prebiotics feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, supporting a healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to improved digestion and overall well-being.
  • Low in Calories: Asparagus is very low in calories, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight while still getting a good dose of nutrients.
  • Anti-inflammatory Properties: Some compounds in asparagus have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Adding asparagus to your diet, like in this savoury pasta stir-fry, is a delicious way to boost your nutrient intake!

5. Can I add other vegetables to this Beef and Asparagus Pasta Stir-Fry?

If it’s your preference, then by all means, yes – you can absolutely add other veggies to this recipe! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or whatever you have on hand to make it your own. However, I personally prefer to keep the ingredients simple to really highlight the flavours of the beef and asparagus. This way, those key ingredients can truly shine in every bite.

Recipe for Beef and Asparagus Pasta Stir Fry

This Beef and Asparagus Pasta Stir Fry is a vibrant and flavourful dish that's sure to impress! Tender beef, crisp asparagus, and earthy mushrooms are tossed with pasta in a savoury stir-fry sauce. A feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
Please refer to the video instructions at the end of the recipe if you’d like to see how to make Beef and Asparagus Pasta Stir Fry in action.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Cuisine Vietnamese
Servings 2

Equipment

  • 1 medium pot
  • 1 medium skillet or wok

Ingredients
  

  • 200 grams pasta
  • 275 grams beef (sliced into bite-sized pieces)
  • 100 grams asparagus
  • 100 grams mushrooms
  • 1 long red sweet pepper
  • 1 tablespoons freshly minced garlic
  • For seasoning: Salt, MSG (or chicken bouillon powder), ground black pepper, cornstarch, baking powder, sesame oil

Stir-fry Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ¼ teaspoon sugar (or to taste)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Ingredients:
    Remove the tough ends of the asparagus stems and cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces.
    Slice the mushrooms and red sweet pepper.
    Finely chop the garlic.
    In a mixing bowl, combine the beef with ½ teaspoon of MSG (or chicken bouillon powder), ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, ½ tablespoon of cornstarch, ½ tablespoon of baking powder, and ½ tablespoon of sesame oil. Mix well and let the beef marinate for about 15 minutes.
    Add water to a medium pot and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta and drizzle with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Mix briefly.
    Add water to a small pot and bring to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for about 1 minute, then add the mushrooms. After about 30 seconds, remove from heat and drain. Be careful not to overcook the vegetables.
    In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, and ¼ teaspoon of sugar (or to taste).
  • Cook:
    Heat some oil in a medium wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry quickly until it's about 75% cooked.
    Add the cooked pasta to the wok and stir briefly. Pour in about ⅔ of the stir-fry sauce and stir well to combine.
    Add the blanched asparagus and mushrooms to the wok. Pour in the remaining stir-fry sauce and stir briefly, being careful not to overcook the vegetables.
    Turn off the heat and add the sliced red pepper. Stir briefly to incorporate.
  • Serve:
    Transfer the Beef and Asparagus Pasta Stir-Fry to a serving dish. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!

Video

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