Garlic & Beef Aglio e Olio Pasta
Garlic & Beef Aglio e Olio Pasta
Homemade Aglio e Olio with a Delicious Beef Twist
This recipe is a fantastic way to use up ingredients you have at home, making a satisfying meal as long as you have garlic and pasta! Elevate your classic Aglio e Olio by adding tender beef for an extra layer of flavor and richness. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Essential Ingredients- Beef (steak cut) 100g
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Whole wheat pasta 1 serving
- Salt 1 Tbsp (for pasta water)
- Extra virgin olive oil 4 Tbsp
- Dried red chili peppers (or red pepper flakes) 4 pcs
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. Prepare and Sear the Beef: Pat the beef steak dry with paper towels. Lightly season with salt and brush with about 1 Tbsp of olive oil. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef on both sides until nicely browned. Aim for medium-rare for the juiciest result. Once cooked, let it rest for a moment and then slice it into bite-sized pieces (about 1.5 cm).
Step 2
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 Tbsp of salt to the water. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package directions, but reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes to ensure it’s al dente (it will finish cooking in the pan). Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
Step 3
3. Infuse Oil with Garlic and Chili: In a clean skillet, add the remaining 3 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and heat over low heat. Add the minced garlic and gently sauté until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter. Once the garlic is fragrant, add the dried chili peppers (broken into pieces) and sauté for another minute to release their flavor.
Step 4
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic and chili oil. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss the pasta well to coat it with the garlic-infused oil, allowing the pasta water to emulsify and create a light sauce. Continue tossing until the sauce clings to the pasta. If the pasta seems too dry, add a little more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the butter (if using) for extra richness and flavor.
Step 5
5. Add Celery and Beef, Then Finish: Add the chopped celery and the sliced beef to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to combine. The celery adds a nice crunch, and the beef brings a hearty element to the dish. Sauté for another minute or two until everything is heated through and well combined. Transfer the pasta to a serving plate.
Step 6
6. Serve and Enjoy: Admire your beautiful, homemade Beef Aglio e Olio! Take a picture to capture its deliciousness, and then dig in while it’s warm. Savor the wonderful harmony of fragrant garlic oil, chewy pasta, and juicy beef!
