Get ready for a flavor-packed delight with my Asparagus Beef Roll Ups! Using thin slices of beef to envelop tender asparagus, then glazed with a homemade soy sauce blend, this dish is both simple to make and bursting with savory goodness. Elevate your cooking game with this unique and satisfying recipe—it’s a surefire dish that’ll leave you craving more!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
What makes my Asparagus Beef Roll Ups recipe so special is the exceptional flavors and unique preparation method! Inspired by Japanese cuisine, I created this dish to showcase tender asparagus wrapped in thinly sliced beef, perfectly pan-seared, and drizzled with my homemade soy glaze sauce! With sweet, savory, and garlicky notes, this sauce, also featured in my Japanese Pork Stir Fry and Japanese Shishito Pepper Stir Fry recipes, takes the dish to new heights!
Simply boil the asparagus, wrap it in beef, pan-fry until seared, and generously coat with the soy glaze sauce. Ideal for those seeking a homemade Japanese-inspired dish, free from additives or preservatives, this recipe is a must-try for everyone!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Thinly Sliced Beef – thinly sliced beef from Asian supermarkets or slice your own.
- Asparagus – pre boiled making sure not to overcook.
- Salt – sea salt preferred.
- Black Pepper – ground.
- Neutral Oil – no taste or flavor with high cooking temperature. Some choices are sunflower oil, peanut oil, sallower oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil.
- Japanese Sake – typically will come in a large bottle labeled junmai sake. Can also substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine, found at local grocery stores or Asian markets.
- Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener.
- Soy Sauce – low-sodium Soy Sauce preferred. Can also use tamari for gluten-free.
- Garlic – grated using a hand grater.
- Green Onion – finely chopped green onion scallions.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds – optional garnish.
- Togarashi (red pepper) – Togarashi Japanese chili pepper blend found in most Asian or Japanese supermarkets. A good alternative would be cayenne pepper or red pepper.
Additional Vegetables Add Ins
For additional vegetable add-ins in your beef roll ups, consider thinly sliced Carrots, Bell Peppers, or Zucchini. These vegetables not only add color and texture but also complement the flavors of the beef rolls up and sauce.
🍖 Beef Note
You can also use Shaved Beef available at most grocery stores as an alternative .
🍶 Mirin Note
While mirin is sometimes used to make a soy glaze sauce, we’ve considered that mirin might not be readily available in all areas. To accommodate this, the recipe modifies the ratio of Japanese sake and sweetener.
Directions
Step 1 Combine Japanese sake, sweetener, soy sauce, and grated garlic in a small saucepan. Boil for 10-15 seconds, then remove from heat.
🥄 Thickening Sauce Pro Tip
For a thicker glaze sauce, create a Cornstarch Slurry by combining 1 Tablespoon of Cornstarch with 2 Tablespoons of Water. Slowly incorporate this mixture into the sauce until it reaches your desired thickness.
Step 2 Boil cut asparagus in water for 90 seconds until tender. Remove the asparagus and run under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 3 Roll asparagus spears in thinly sliced beef. The beef should be thin enough that it stays in place without the need for toothpicks.
💡 Wrapping Pro Tip
To wrap the beef roll-ups effectively, Avoid Overstuffing them. This prevents difficulties in wrapping and ensures the rolls are secure.
Step 4 Sear the beef roll-ups in a pan coated with olive oil until thoroughly cooked then add the sauce and continue cooking for an additional 15-20 seconds. Transfer to a serving plate and drizzle any remaining sauce on top. Garnish with chopped green onion and togarahi red pepper.
🍳 Searing Pro Tip
Focus on Searing the Side where the Beef Overlaps first. This technique ensures that the rolls hold together effectively during cooking, maintaining their shape and integrity throughout the process.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair your Asparagus Beef Roll Ups with Japanese-style soups like Japanese Meatball Soup, Japanese Corn Soup, or Japanese Chicken Soup, each offering comforting flavors to complement the main course. For a simple yet flavorful side dish, consider serving Japanese Soy Sauce Pickled Garlic or Japanese Spinach Salad. Don’t forget to include a side of rice to complete the meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the beef is properly seared?
Once the beef is browned, it's ready to go.
What is the best type of beef to use for this recipe?
Any thinly sliced beef will work perfectly for this dish.
Can I grill the roll-ups instead of pan-searing them?
It's recommended to pan-sear the roll-ups to ensure that the beef adheres together properly during cooking.
How can I prevent the asparagus from overcooking?
To prevent overcooking, boil the asparagus for only 90 seconds and immediately run it under cold water to halt the cooking process.
Storage Tips
Place them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will remain fresh for 3-5 days.
Other Recipes You Might Like
Watch How To Make It
Asparagus Beef Roll Ups
Ingredients
- 3/4 lbs Beef thinly sliced
- 15 Stalks Asparagus
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 4 tbsp Cooking Sake
- 2 1/2 tbsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
- 3 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Clove Garlic
- 1/2 Stalk Green Onions
- 1/8 tsp Toasted Sesame Seed optional
- 1/8 tsp Togarashi optional
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces, then add them to boiling water and cook for 1.5 minutes. Remove the asparagus, run under cold water and set aside.
- Grate garlic with a grater or garlic press and chop green onions.
- In a small fry pan, add 4 tbsp of Japanese sake, sweetener, Soy Sauce, grated garlic and bring to boil. Let sauce boil for 10-15 seconds then remove from heat.
- Wrap two asparagus pieces with slices of beef. In a skillet over high heat, add olive oil. Once the oil is heated, reduce the heat to medium. Carefully place the beef rolls in the skillet with the conjoining ends facing downwards. Sprinkle salt and pepper, then rotate the rolls until cooked, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Once beef rolls are cooked, add soy glaze sauce and cook for an additional 15-20 seconds. Transfer beef rolls to a serving plate, drizzle any extra sauce on top and finish with a sprinkle of green onions, optional Toasted Sesame Seeds and Togarashi.
