Asparagus Beef Lo Mein

Every so often I try to take a dish we get from our local Chinese food restaurant and adapt it make it a little better for us.  Sneaking some veggies in is an extra added bonus! My own personal preference is to avoid asparagus that is too spindly and not to cook it until it gets soft.  I may also add some carrot.

1 beef top sirloin steak (1lb), cut into thin strips
2 pkg. (3oz. each) beef ramen noodles
2/3 C hoisin sauce
2 1/4 C. water, divided
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 small garlic clove, minced
1lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2 1/2 inch pieces

Toss beef with 1/2 tsp. seasoning from a ramen seasoning packet.  In a small bowl, mix hoisin sauce and 1/4 C. water.

In a saucepan, bring remaining water to a boil.  Add the noodles and the contents of the unopened seasoning packet (I may only use half, I find ramen noodles to be too salty for my taste).  Cook, uncovered ; 3 minutes.  Remove from heat; let stand covered until noodles are tender.

In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp. oil over medium high heat.  Stir fry beef until browned, 3-4 minutes.  Remove. 

In the same pan, heat remaining oil over medium high heat; stir fry garlic and asparagus until crisp tender, 1-3 minutes.  Stir in hoisin mixture; brin to a boil.  Cook until thickened.  Stir in beef; heat through.  Serve over ramen.

Per serving:  511 calories, 21g. fat, 47mg. cholesterol, 1367mg. sodium, 48g. carbs, 31g. protein