Shaking Beef Pasta is a delightful fusion of Vietnamese and Italian cuisines. It combines tender marinated beef cubes with vibrant bell peppers, all tossed with saucy penne pasta. This dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
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Flavorful Fusion: The combination of savory marinated beef, crisp vegetables, and hearty pasta creates a unique and satisfying meal.
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Customizable: You can adjust the spice level and vegetable choices to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
For the beef marinade:
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1 pound beef tenderloin or sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon fish sauce
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the pasta:
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12 ounces penne pasta
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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1 onion, sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon fish sauce
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
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Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the beef cubes with soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Cook the Beef: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the marinated beef to the other side and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
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Combine and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper. Pour this sauce over the pasta and beef mixture. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
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Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with extra-firm tofu cubes for a plant-based version.
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Spice It Up: Add sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili sauce to introduce some heat.
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Noodle Choice: Substitute penne pasta with rice noodles or spaghetti for a different texture.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use cuts like flank steak or sirloin. Just ensure they are tender and cut into 1-inch cubes.
2. Is this dish spicy?
The recipe as written is not spicy. To add heat, consider incorporating chili peppers or spicy sauce.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
While best fresh, you can prepare the beef and marinate it a day ahead. Store separately from the cooked pasta and vegetables, then combine and heat when ready to serve.
4. What vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms to enhance the dish.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional soy sauce contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
6. Can I freeze this dish?
It’s not recommended to freeze pasta dishes with sauce, as the texture may change upon reheating.
7. How do I make the sauce less salty?
Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the amount to taste.
8. Can I use instant noodles instead of penne?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as instant noodles cook faster than penne.
9. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, chicken breast or thighs would work well as a substitute for beef in this recipe.
10. How do I ensure the beef is tender?
Be sure to marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes, and cook it quickly over high heat to retain tenderness.
Conclusion
Shaking Beef Pasta is a perfect dish for those seeking a quick, flavorful meal that combines the best of both Vietnamese and Italian flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying it as a comforting weeknight meal, the combination of tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and pasta in a savory sauce will leave everyone satisfied. Don’t forget to adjust the spice and vegetables to your liking, making this dish truly your own.
Print
Shaking Beef Pasta: A Flavorful Fusion Dish
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Shaking Beef Pasta is a vibrant fusion dish combining the bold flavors of Vietnamese and Italian cuisines. This recipe features tender marinated beef cubes, stir-fried bell peppers, and pasta, all tossed in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Ready in just 45 minutes, this flavorful and customizable meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a unique blend of textures and tastes that will satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
1 pound beef tenderloin or sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
12 ounces penne pasta
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Marinate the Beef:
In a bowl, combine beef cubes with soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor. -
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. -
Cook the Beef:
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the marinated beef to the other side and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. -
Combine and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef and vegetables. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the pasta and beef, toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through. -
Serve:
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with extra-firm tofu cubes for a plant-based version.
Spice It Up: Add sliced chili peppers or chili sauce to introduce some heat.
Noodle Choice: Substitute penne pasta with rice noodles or spaghetti for a different texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion (Vietnamese & Italian)
