Five-spice Lamb Bisque with black bean and garlic

Prep everything first: chop the aromatics, measure the black bean and garlic elements, and pat the lamb dry so it colours well.

Warm the olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat and soften the onion and garlic until sweet and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Turn up the heat and add the lamb. Grill over a medium-high heat, turning once, until nicely charred and cooked through.

Stir in the shaoxing wine and the rest of the black bean and garlic flavours, letting them cook out for a minute until fragrant.

Add the asparagus along with a splash of stock or water, then cook briskly until everything is tender and the sauce clings.