Makaroni Goosht Gosaleh (ماکارونی گوشت گوساله) — Persian-Style Beef Pasta

• 450 gBeef sirloin steak (thinly sliced into 5 mm strips, across the grain)
• 45 mlSoy sauce (for marinating and finishing (about 3 tbsp))
• 12 gGarlic (finely grated or minced (about 4 cloves))
• 2 tspGround cumin
• 1 tspGround turmeric
• 0.5 tspBlack pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 tspGranulated sugar (balances soy and helps browning)
• 45 mlVegetable oil (divided (about 3 tbsp))
• 200 gYellow onion (thinly sliced)
• 180 gCarrots (julienned into matchsticks)
• 10 gHot red peppers (thinly sliced; remove seeds for less heat)
• 150 gBean sprouts (rinsed and thoroughly drained)
• 60 gGreen onions (sliced; keep white and green parts together)
• 320 gDried spaghetti (or linguine; broken in half if needed)
• 12 gSalt (for boiling water (about 2 tsp))
• 120 mlPasta cooking water (reserved; add as needed for gloss and sauce)

Instructions

1. 1

   Marinate the beef: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, garlic, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, and sugar until dissolved. Add the sliced steak and toss well. Cover and refrigerate 20 minutes (or up to 8 hours). Meanwhile, slice onion, julienne carrots, slice peppers, and rinse and drain sprouts very well.

2. 2

   Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add the salt, then add spaghetti. Boil until just al dente, 1–2 minutes less than package directions (typically 7–9 minutes). Reserve 120 ml pasta water, then drain. Toss pasta with 1 tsp of the vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

3. 3

   Sear the beef: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat for 2 minutes. Add 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil and swirl. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 60–90 seconds, then stir-fry 2–3 minutes until browned but still juicy. Transfer beef to a plate; keep the pan hot.

4. 4

   Stir-fry the vegetables: Reduce heat to medium-high and add the remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil. Add onion and cook 3 minutes until translucent with light golden edges. Add carrots and hot red peppers; stir-fry 2–3 minutes until carrots soften slightly but stay crisp. Add sprouts and cook 60–90 seconds, just to heat through.

5. 5

   Combine and finish: Return beef (and any juices) to the pan. Add the drained pasta and toss vigorously over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Splash in 60–120 ml reserved pasta water as needed for a glossy coating. Taste and adjust with up to 1 tbsp additional soy sauce if desired. Fold in green onions for 30 seconds, then serve hot.