Spicy Beef with Pasta

This flavorful dish combines succulent beef with spiral pasta, enhanced by a blend of spices and a touch of heat from green chili peppers. The meal is a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes, offering a perfect balance of richness and spice. The beef, marinated in a zesty mixture of garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, and lemon juice, becomes tender and flavorful. As the beef cooks, sesame seeds are added to provide a nutty accent. The use of cayenne pepper gives an optional extra kick for those who crave heat. This recipe is versatile, easy to prepare, and is bound to become a favorite for those who love a spicy twist. It's perfect for a family dinner or a casual meal with friends. Enjoy this aromatic and spicy beef dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 400g beef (from the shoulder)
• 250g spiral pasta

Spices and Sauces:

• 2 green chili peppers (optional for more spiciness)
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 5 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 lemon juice
• Salt
• Pepper
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Preparation Time

Total Time: 60 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chili Peppers: If you want to add some heat, start by cutting the chili peppers lengthwise. Remove the seeds, rinse the peppers thoroughly, dry them, and chop into small pieces. Place them in a small bowl.

2. Garlic Preparation: Peel the garlic cloves and press them into the bowl with the chili.

3. Mix the Marinade: Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil, soy sauce, and lemon juice into the same bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Mix the ingredients well.

4. Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef into strips and spread it out on a plate. Pour the marinade over the beef, cover it, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

5. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring plenty of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once done, drain the pasta well.

6. Heat the Oil: In a large pan, heat the remaining olive oil thoroughly.

7. Cook the Beef: Remove the beef from the marinade and pat it dry. Add it to the hot oil and fry, stirring constantly, until nicely browned.

8. Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the beef and continue to cook for a short period.

9. Add the Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade from the bowl into the pan with the beef and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

10. Assemble the Dish: Place the cooked pasta onto plates and top with the beef. For extra heat, sprinkle with additional cayenne pepper if desired.

11. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the dish immediately and enjoy your spicy, flavorful meal!

Tips

• Substitute meat: You can use chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Spice control: Adjust the amount of cayenne and chili to suit your personal taste.
• Pasta choice: Feel free to substitute spiral pasta with any other pasta type you prefer.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Fats: 22g
• Carbs: 75g

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace beef with tofu or mushrooms.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Low-sodium: Opt for a low-sodium soy sauce to decrease salt intake.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Garnishes: Top with fresh coriander for an added burst of flavor.
• Pairings: This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine or iced tea.

Best Places

1. Nobu Matsuhisa - Offers exquisite fusion dishes with a unique spicy twist. Location: 195 Hudson St, New York, USA.

2. Spice Route - Known for blending Asian tastes with unique spices. Location: Janpath Ln, New Delhi, India.

3. The Beef Bar - Specializes in premium beef with exemplary seasoning. Location: 36 Boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes, France.

4. Yardbird Southern Table & Bar - Celebrated for its blend of Southern comfort food with spicy elements. Location: 1600 Lenox Ave, Miami, USA.

5. Gaggan Anand Restaurant - Known for creative dishes with vibrant spices. Location: 68/1 Soi Langsuan, Bangkok, Thailand.

6. Beef House - Features top-quality beef with a focus on unique spice blends. Location: 61-63 St Georges Rd, Truro, UK.

7. Spicy Affairs - Offers a special blend of spicy curries and dishes. Location: 84 King St W, Oshawa, Canada.

8. Chiang Mai Heaven - Blends Thai cuisine with a rich array of spices. Location: 22 Tai Ping Shan St, Hong Kong.

9. Meat & Spice Restaurant - Renowned for flavorful beef dishes with an emphasis on spice. Location: 82 Rue de Maubeuge, Paris, France.

10. Barbecue Nation - Offers live grill and hot, spicy dishes. Location: 1MG Road Mall, Bangalore, India.

Enjoy exploring these global dining experiences, and bring the essence of spice into your home cooking with this delicious spicy beef and pasta dish!