This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta brings together the rich, savory flavor of steak with a sweet, spicy sauce that packs a punch. The combination of garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of honey makes this dish a unique blend of flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this pasta will be a hit at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. The flank steak or sirloin is cooked to tender perfection, coated in a sauce that’s both rich and flavorful.
The garlic, soy sauce, and chili garlic sauce give it a bold, umami-packed base, while the brown sugar and honey add the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the heat.
It’s a one-pan dish that’s quick, simple, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with family and friends, this dish will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredient Highlights
Flank Steak or Sirloin: These cuts of beef are flavorful and tender, making them the perfect base for this dish. Thinly slicing the steak helps it cook quickly and absorb the sauce.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the sauce, creating a savory depth of flavor.
Brown Sugar & Honey: These two ingredients provide the perfect balance of sweetness to complement the heat.
Chili Garlic Sauce: Adds spice and a bit of garlic flavor to the sauce, which is easily adjustable to your heat preference.
Sesame Oil: This optional ingredient adds a nutty depth of flavor, taking the dish to the next level.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Slice the Steak Thinly: Thin slices of steak cook quickly and absorb the sauce more effectively. Flank steak is best for its tenderness, but sirloin also works well.
Adjust the Spice: You can make this dish as spicy as you like by adjusting the amount of chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture. It should have a slight bite to it, which will hold up well when tossed with the sauce.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook 12 oz of pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti) according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season the Steak
Season 1 lb of thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak slices and cook until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Add ¼ cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of chili garlic sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil (optional), and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional) to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Combine the Steak and Sauce
Return the cooked steak to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Step 7: Add the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Step 8: Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Serving Ideas
This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is best served with a side of steamed vegetables or a crunchy salad to balance the richness of the dish.
You can also serve it with some garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For an extra touch, sprinkle some crushed peanuts or cilantro on top for added texture and flavor.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply warm the pasta in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, you can substitute sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin for the flank steak. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the steak.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the steak and sauce in advance. Store them separately and assemble the pasta just before serving.
Final Thoughts
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is the perfect combination of rich, savory flavors with just the right amount of heat and sweetness. This easy-to-make dish will quickly become a family favorite, with its tender beef, flavorful sauce, and satisfying pasta. It’s a deliciously unique twist on traditional pasta dishes that you’ll love to make again and again.
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta such as fettuccine or spaghetti
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce adjust to heat preference
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional for extra heat
- Green onions chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook 12 oz pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Season 1 lb steak with salt and pepper.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook steak for 4-5 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
- Add soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, chili garlic sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Return steak to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add pasta to the skillet and toss until combined.
- Serve with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Protein Tip: Thinly slicing the steak across the grain ensures tenderness.
- Spice Level: Adjust chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
