Asparagus and Beef Stir Fry

The first batches of fresh asparagus have been showing up in the stores.  Here is our favorite family recipe for asparagus and beef stir fry.  We found the recipe in Sunset's Oriental cook book published in 1974.  One of the first cookbooks I purchased.

Asparagus and Beef Stir Fry

1 lb of flank steak (we use London broil or top sirloin)

1 tsp cornstarch

soy sauce

2 medium onions

2 pounds fresh asparagus

2 cloves of garlic

3 tablespoons black bean sauce

1/2 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. salt

Thinly cut the meat across the grain and mix and marinate with:

1 tsp salt

1 tsp cornstarch

2 tsp soy sauce

Slice onions in 1/4 inch slices, break off tough asparagus stems and then slice asparagus into 1" to 2 " slices.
Smash garlic with flat of knife, and place in wok with 3 T of oil.  Cook on high heat just till garlic is browned, remove garlic then quickly stir fry meat.  Remove meat from wok, and add about 2 T of oil to the wok.  When the oil is hot add onion and stir fry for a couple of minutes.  Add 3 T of black bean sauce and continue to cook until onions are almost translucent.  Add asparagus with 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp sugar and 1 T of soy sauce, stir well and cover.  Cook covered for 3-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, just till asparagus is tender crisp.  Toss in the cooked meat and stir just till meat is reheated.  We always serve with rice.