Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving something bold, satisfying, and just a little bit adventurous, Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Imagine silky noodles tangled up with tender steak, all coated in a glossy sauce that’s equal parts sweet, garlicky, and spicy. This dish brings together the comfort of pasta and the irresistible flavors of your favorite Asian takeout, but it’s all made in one skillet right at home. The best part? You get a restaurant-style meal on the table in under 30 minutes, with layers of flavor that just keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple, powerful flavors coming together. Each ingredient plays its part, building that crave-worthy balance of sweet, savory, and heat that makes Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta so unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need, with some quick tips to make each component shine.
- Fettuccine or linguine pasta: These wide noodles soak up the rich sauce beautifully and hold up well with steak.
- Olive oil: Gives a silky base for searing steak and sautéing aromatics.
- Sirloin or flank steak: Thinly sliced for quick, tender cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, so don’t skip this simple step.
- Black pepper: Adds a little kick and depth to the steak.
- Cornstarch: Coats the steak for a crisp sear and helps thicken the sauce.
- Garlic: Four cloves for that signature garlicky punch—don’t be shy!
- Red pepper flakes: Adjust to taste for your perfect level of heat.
- Brown sugar: Balances the spice with a touch of caramel sweetness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings savory, umami richness without overwhelming saltiness.
- Rice vinegar: Adds brightness and tang to cut through the richness.
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce: Delivers that signature sweet heat; use less for a milder dish.
- Beef broth or water: Adds moisture and helps the sauce come together.
- Green onions: Fresh crunch and a pop of color for the final dish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle for nutty crunch and a pretty finishing touch.
- Chopped parsley or cilantro: A fresh, herbal lift to finish everything off.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by getting your pasta water boiling—it’s the perfect time to multitask! Cook the fettuccine or linguine according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. That way, it will finish cooking in the sauce later and soak up all those delicious flavors. Once done, drain and set aside, but don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Prep and Season the Steak
While the pasta cooks, toss your thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak with salt, black pepper, and cornstarch. The cornstarch is the secret to that gorgeous crust and helps the sauce cling to every bite. Make sure the steak is evenly coated for the best results.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer, letting each piece get a nice golden sear—about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if you need to. Once the steak is browned and cooked through, transfer it to a plate and keep it handy.
Step 4: Build the Sweet and Spicy Garlic Sauce
Lower the heat to medium, then add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the same skillet. Sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds is all it takes to unlock those rich aromas. Next, pour in the brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha or chili garlic sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Toss it All Together
Add the drained pasta and seared steak back to the skillet with your sauce. Toss everything together, making sure every strand of pasta and piece of steak is coated in that glossy, sweet-and-spicy goodness. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until everything is piping hot and perfectly combined.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Take your Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta off the heat and shower it with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro. This final touch adds brightness, crunch, and a burst of fresh flavor. Serve it up hot and get ready for rave reviews!
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Garnishes
When it comes to serving, don’t skip the garnishes! A handful of green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a flourish of fresh herbs make your Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta as beautiful as it is delicious. They not only add color but bring extra layers of flavor and texture that elevate each bite.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a showstopper all on its own, but you can round out the meal with some simple sides. Try a crisp Asian slaw, quick-steamed broccoli, or even roasted snap peas for a bit of crunch and freshness. A lightly dressed cucumber salad also makes a cooling contrast to the heat of the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta in individual bowls, topped with extra herbs and a lime wedge on the side. For a dinner party, twirl the noodles high on a platter and nestle the steak slices on top for dramatic effect. You can even pile it into lettuce cups for a playful, hand-held appetizer version!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making your Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta even more irresistible the next day.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Let everything cool completely, then portion into airtight freezer containers. Freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, as the sauce may thicken slightly after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep the steak tender and the noodles silky.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Fettuccine and linguine are my favorites because they hold the sauce so well, but you can use spaghetti, rice noodles, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
Yes! Simply reduce the amount of red pepper flakes and sriracha or chili garlic sauce. You can always add a little more at the end if you want extra heat.
Can I substitute the steak with another protein?
Definitely. Chicken breast, shrimp, or even tofu work wonderfully in Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on your protein choice.
What vegetables go well with this recipe?
Broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers, and even mushrooms are all fantastic additions. Toss them in with the sauce, or sauté separately and stir in at the end for extra color and crunch.
How do I prevent the steak from overcooking?
The key is slicing the steak thinly and giving it a quick, hot sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and remove the steak as soon as it’s browned—remember, it will cook a bit more when tossed with the pasta and sauce.
Final Thoughts
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is one of those magical meals that feels special but is secretly simple enough for a busy night. With bold flavors, easy steps, and loads of flexibility, you’ll want to make it again and again. Give it a try and watch everyone at your table light up with that first delicious bite!
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Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is a flavorful Asian-inspired dish combining tender sirloin steak with a luscious sweet and spicy garlic sauce, served over perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine. This recipe balances the heat from sriracha and red pepper flakes with the sweetness of brown sugar and the umami of soy sauce, creating a satisfying main course perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 pound sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare Steak: While the pasta cooks, toss the thinly sliced steak with salt, black pepper, and cornstarch, ensuring each slice is evenly coated for a crispy sear.
- Sear Steak: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak slices in a single layer and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Steak: Return the cooked pasta and seared steak to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions, sesame seeds (if using), and fresh chopped parsley or cilantro over the top. Serve hot for a delectable sweet and spicy meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the dish’s spice level for a milder or spicier experience.
- This recipe is versatile—it works wonderfully with chicken or shrimp instead of steak.
- Incorporate steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to add nutrition and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
