There is something truly irresistible about this Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe that makes it a wonderful weeknight dinner or a special treat to impress guests. With tender, thinly sliced steak coated in a vibrant sauce combining the perfect balance of sweet honey, fiery sriracha, and fragrant garlic, every bite bursts with flavor and warmth. Tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine and finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions, this dish is comfort food elevated to a whole new level. Whether you are a pasta lover or a steak enthusiast, this recipe hits all the marks for a satisfying and memorable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each plays a vital role in creating the taste, texture, and color that makes this Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe shine. From the juicy steak to the punchy sauce components, everything works in harmony to give you a dish packed with freshness and flair.
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta: Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up the delicious sauce perfectly.
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced: Thin slices ensure tenderness and even cooking for maximum flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing the steak to a beautiful golden brown.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and depth when sautéing garlic.
- 5 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic is the heart of the dish, bringing bold aroma and savory notes.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides umami and saltiness without overpowering the other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Offers a natural sweetness that balances the spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste): Brings heat that you can tailor to your liking.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a wonderful nutty aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For extra heat if desired.
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water: Helps create the sauce’s perfect consistency.
- 2 green onions, chopped: A fresh, crisp garnish that adds color and mild bite.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional): For thickening the sauce to your preferred texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the steak and sauce just right.
- Sesame seeds and chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your fettuccine or linguine according to the package directions until it reaches al dente—a perfect tender bite that will stand up well when tossed with the flavorful sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to soak in the magic of the steak and sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the thinly sliced steak. Sear each piece until it develops a beautiful brown crust and cooks through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as you go. Once done, remove the steak from the pan and set it aside, preserving those savory juices in the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat slightly and add butter to the same skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant and golden, creating a fragrant foundation that will blend beautifully with the other sauce ingredients.
Step 4: Create the Sweet and Spicy Sauce
To the skillet with garlic, stir in low-sodium soy sauce, honey, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes if using, and beef broth. Let the mixture gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop a luscious depth. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in the cornstarch slurry now and cook for an additional minute until silky and thickened.
Step 5: Combine Steak and Pasta
Return the cooked pasta and seared steak to the skillet, tossing everything together so each silky strand and tender slice gets coated evenly with that amazing sweet and spicy garlic sauce. Let it cook for a couple more minutes to warm everything through.
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley will add brightness, texture, and a pop of color to your masterpiece. These simple garnishes create a fantastic contrast to the rich, flavorful pasta and steak.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp Asian-inspired cucumber salad or a side of steamed broccoli to keep things fresh and balanced. For a heartier meal, you could serve it alongside garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed with sesame oil and ginger vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of fun, try serving the Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe in individual bowls with extra sauce drizzled on top and a wedge of lime on the side. Or plate the pasta in a neat nest and place the steak slices artfully on top to impress your guests with restaurant-style presentation at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The steak will remain tender, and the pasta will soak up more sauce, making it even more flavorful the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if packed tightly into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to bring back the sauce’s silky consistency.
Reheating
For the best texture and flavor, reheat the pasta and steak in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a little broth or water if the sauce feels too thick or starts sticking. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can toughen the steak and dry out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin work best for their tenderness and flavor, you can substitute ribeye or skirt steak if preferred. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
How spicy is this Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe?
The heat level largely depends on how much sriracha and red pepper flakes you use. You can easily adjust the spice to your taste, making it mild or fiery – perfect for everyone at the table.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Swap the steak for firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Just keep the same sauce to maintain that sweet, spicy, and garlicky magic.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch to thicken the sauce?
No, cornstarch is optional. If you like a thinner sauce, you can skip it entirely. The sauce still tastes amazing with just the silky simmered liquids.
What pasta is best for this recipe?
Fettuccine or linguine are ideal because their wide surface area holds the sauce beautifully. However, feel free to try spaghetti, soba noodles, or even rice noodles if you want to mix it up.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe is a delightful blend of bold flavors and comforting textures that make it a standout addition to your dinner rotation. With ingredients you likely have on hand and quick steps, you’ll enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home that’s sure to become a favorite for both weeknights and special occasions. Don’t wait to give this one a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Description
A flavorful Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta combining tender flank steak with a bold, savory sauce made from garlic, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha, tossed with fettuccine for a satisfying Asian-American main course that’s quick to prepare and packed with robust flavor.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
Steak and Sauce
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Sear the steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and sear until browned and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic and build the sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, honey, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and continue cooking for another minute until the sauce thickens.
- Combine pasta and steak: Return the cooked pasta and seared steak to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the pasta and steak evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, then garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes according to your preferred heat level.
- For best results, slice flank steak thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
- You can substitute chicken or tofu for the steak to accommodate different protein preferences or dietary needs.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, replace butter with additional olive oil.
