---------- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.02

     Title: ASPARAGUS WITH BLACK BEAN BEEF
Categories: Chinese, Beef
     Yield: 4 servings

   1/2 lb Beef, sliced, marinated
     1 lb Asparagus
   1/4 ts Baking soda, dissolved in
          2 teaspoons water
     1 tb Chinese fermented black
          Beans, minced with:
     4    Garlic cloves
     1 ts Rice wine
     2 ts Soy sauce
          Peanut oil

---------------------MARINADE FOR BEEF---------------------
     1 ts Cornstarch
     1 ts Soy sauce
   1/2 ts Rice wine
   1/2 ts Sugar
   1/4 ts MSG (optional)
   1/2 ts Salt

-----------------------GRAVY MIXTURE-----------------------
     1 ts Cornstarch
   1/3 c  Water

 Cut the beef when it is partially frozen, and cut it
 across the grain into thin slices.

 Stir baking soda solution into the beef (to help
 tenderize it).  Stir in the marinade.  Then stir in 1
 tsp peanut oil and marinate the beef for one hour or
 more in the refrigerator.

 Heat 1 tablespoon peanut oil over high heat, add 1/2
 teaspoon salt.  Stir in asparagus.  Add 1/4 cup water.
 Cover pan for 2 minutes, and do not lift lid.  When
 done, remove to a platter.

 Over high heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil.  Stir-fry the
 RINSED black beans and garlic mixture.  Stir for a few
 seconds.  Add the beef.  Stir-fry quickly until
 barely.  Do not overcook or the beef will become
 tough. Sizzle in 1 tablespoon of rice wine and 2
 teaspoons of soy sauce.  Stir in asparagus.

 Add gravy mixture.  Stir until thickened.  Serve hot.

 SOURCE: Stella Chan's Secrets in the Art of Chinese
 Cooking.

 Posted by Cate Vanicek

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