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

MMMMM---------------------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

MMMMM-----------------------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.