Food winners of the state fair

BEEF ASPARAGUS LO MEIN

1 pound beef top sirloin steak, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons peanut or canola oil

2 3-ounce packages beef-flavored ramen noodles

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut to 2-inch pieces

2 1/4 cups water, divided

1/2 cup hoisin sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger root

1 tablespoon cornstarch

Garnish: Chopped green onion (optional)

In a large skillet or wok, stir-fry beef in oil for about 5 minutes, or until meat is no longer pink. While beef is cooking, cook ramen noodles in saucepan with 2 cups boiling water and 1 of the seasoning packets added, for 3 minutes; when done, cover and let stand.

Add garlic and asparagus to beef; stir-fry to 2 minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender.

In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon of the other ramen seasoning packet; stir in rest of ingredients and pour over beef/asparagus mixture. Stir-fry for 2 minutes or until thickened.

Drain noodles and place on platter; spoon beef mixture over noodles. If desired, garnish with chopped green onion. Serves 4.

Options: If asparagus is not available Chinese pea pods (snow peas) can be substituted.

— Carol Bartholomew of Salt Lake City

1st place, Beef—Anywhere, Anytime Cook-Off

Valerie Phillips is the former Deseret News food editor. She blogs at www.chewandchat.blogspot.com. Email: vphillips@desnews.com