This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is a flavorful dish that combines juicy steak strips with pasta in a sweet and zesty sauce. It’s an easy way to enjoy dinner with a kick!
I love how quick this meal comes together—just cook the steak, toss in the pasta, and mix in that tasty sauce. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or when you want to impress someone. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine works well, but feel free to use whatever pasta you have! Spaghetti or penne are great alternatives too, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Steak: Flank steak adds tenderness, but you can substitute sirloin or ribeye. For a budget-friendly option, use chicken or tofu cut into strips instead—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a strong flavor, but pre-minced garlic works too. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute—use about 1/2 teaspoon for each clove.
Sweetness and Heat: Honey gives a lovely sweetness, but agave syrup or brown sugar is a good substitute. If you want less heat, reduce the Sriracha or leave out the red pepper flakes. If you want more spice, add jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce.
How Do I Get the Steak Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking steak just right is essential for this dish. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with high heat. A hot skillet helps sear the meat for flavor.
- Slice against the grain. This makes the steak more tender when you bite into it.
- Cook quickly. Thin strips cook fast, typically 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if you’re using a lot of steak to avoid steaming.
- Rest before slicing. Let the cooked steak sit for a few minutes before adding it back to the pasta. This helps keep it juicy.
Cooking steak can be easy with a little attention. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
- 12 oz (340g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to impress guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain it but make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, Sriracha, rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), minced garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). This sweet and spicy mix will add lots of flavor to your dish. Set the sauce mixture aside for later.
3. Cook the Steak:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced steak. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until it’s browned and cooked to your preference. Don’t overcrowd the skillet—work in batches if needed. Once cooked, remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and pour in the sauce mixture. Allow it to simmer for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help thicken the sauce and infuse the pan’s flavor with the garlic and spices.
5. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta and the steak back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well-coated in that delicious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once well-mixed and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch. Enjoy your meal while it’s warm!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin are great choices, you can use chicken breast or thighs, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly.
How to Make This Pasta Dish Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of Sriracha sauce and omit the red pepper flakes. You can always add a touch more honey to balance the flavors without the heat!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the pasta and sauce ahead of time! Just store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the pasta and sauce together on the stove, adding a little extra water or broth if needed to loosen it up.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or warm them up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to help steam the pasta and keep it moist.
