If you’re craving a dish that’s bold, comforting, and just a little bit addictive, Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is about to become your new obsession. This pasta brings together tender slices of steak, a garlicky caramelized sauce with a hint of heat and sweetness, and perfectly cooked noodles, all tossed together for a flavor-packed meal that’s as easy as it is irresistible. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself on a weeknight, each bite of this Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta delivers big taste with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of basic ingredients to pull this dish together, and each one plays a deliciously important role. From the steak’s sizzle to the zing in the sauce, don’t skip a thing – every element adds a layer of flavor, color, or texture that makes Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta truly unforgettable.
- Pasta (12 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti): Fettuccine or spaghetti creates the perfect base, soaking up the saucy goodness and holding everything together.
- Flank or sirloin steak (1 pound, thinly sliced against the grain): Slice thinly for melt-in-your-mouth bites; flank and sirloin both bring plenty of beefy flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): A splash for the steak and a splash for the sauce mean everything cooks up golden and fragrant.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Essential for that unmistakable mouthwatering aroma and a robust punch in the sauce.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Adds sweet caramel notes that balance out the spice and savory elements.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Delivers salty depth and a hint of umami that ties the whole sauce together.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon, or to taste): Brings fire and tang – adjust as you like to keep things mild or turn up the heat!
- Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): A splash of vinegar brightens the sauce and sharpens every bite.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Sweet, savory, and a little mysterious, hoisin enriches the sauce and gives that special something.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who want an extra kick, red pepper amps up the spice without overwhelming.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Freshly ground if possible, for a hint of warmth and bite.
- Beef broth or reserved pasta water (1/4 cup): Helps the sauce come together silky smooth; pasta water keeps it extra saucy.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Sprinkle over at the end for crunch, freshness, and a gorgeous pop of green.
- Toasted sesame seeds (1 tablespoon, optional): Nutty and toasty, they finish the dish with a gourmet flair.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your fettuccine or spaghetti until just al dente, following the package instructions. Before you drain the pasta, scoop out a quarter cup of the starchy cooking water – it’s a golden secret for silky sauce later. Drain the noodles and set them aside, ready for their moment to shine.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your thinly sliced steak in a single layer, letting it sear undisturbed for about two to three minutes each side. You want the edges to caramelize and the inside to stay juicy. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside, resisting the urge to nibble (for now)!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat to medium and add your remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about thirty seconds, just until it becomes fragrant and golden – keep it moving so it doesn’t burn. This is the start of that unmistakable Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta aroma!
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and beef broth or reserved pasta water. Let the mixture come up to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. It will only take two to three minutes for the sauce to thicken slightly and become glossy and irresistible.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the seared steak to the skillet and toss to coat generously in that gleaming sweet and spicy sauce. Then add your cooked pasta, turning everything together until the noodles are beautifully coated and heated through. This is when all those aromas come together and your kitchen smells like heaven!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat and top your Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta with sliced green onions and, if you love a little extra crunch, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Dish it up while it’s piping hot and watch every forkful disappear!
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Garnishes
A finishing touch can turn a great dish into a show-stopper. Scatter plenty of fresh green onions on top for crisp contrast, and don’t forget the toasted sesame seeds for their nutty crunch. If you love heat, a pinch more red pepper flakes or a small drizzle of sriracha looks beautiful and keeps spice-lovers coming back for more.
Side Dishes
Serve this with a simple cucumber salad or a bowl of steamed edamame to keep things fresh and light alongside the rich, layered flavors of Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta. Garlic bread is a fun, unexpected twist, or toss together some steamed broccoli for a little extra green on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, mound the pasta high in a big serving bowl and let everyone dig in. Hosting a special occasion? Try plating the pasta in individual nests, topping each with a generous helping of steak. You can even pack leftovers into lunch bowls, adding extra green onions just before eating for a pop of color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta lasts beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it tasting fresh and prevent the noodles from drying out.
Freezing
While you can freeze this pasta, the texture of the noodles might soften a bit on thawing. If you’d like to freeze, portion it into airtight containers and enjoy within a month for best flavor. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator for gentle reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, add just a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce, and warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until everything is hot and glossy again. The microwave works too – cover the dish and heat in thirty-second bursts, stirring in between to evenly reheat without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! Flank and sirloin work beautifully, but ribeye is a fantastic (and extra decadent) substitute. Just be sure to slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Is Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta very spicy?
The spice level is completely up to you. Use less sriracha and omit the red pepper flakes for a milder sauce, or turn up the heat to suit your taste.
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes! Swap out the pasta for your favorite gluten-free noodles, and use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce. Rice noodles also work really well for this recipe.
What other proteins can I use?
Try swapping the steak for chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a versatile take on Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta. Each brings something unique to the table!
How do I keep the steak tender?
Be sure to slice your steak thinly against the grain and cook it quickly over hot heat to avoid overcooking. This keeps every bite juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that once you try Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta, you’ll want it on rotation every week. It’s a weeknight winner, a dinner party favorite, and always manages to wow. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and see for yourself why this dish is such a crowd-pleaser!
Print
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is a flavor-packed dish that combines tender steak slices with a savory-sweet garlic sauce, served over fettuccine or spaghetti. The perfect balance of heat and sweetness makes this Asian-inspired pasta a family favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
Steak:
- 1 pound flank or sirloin steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup beef broth or reserved pasta water
Garnish:
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sear the Steak: Cook steak slices in olive oil until just cooked through; set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic, then add brown sugar, soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, hoisin sauce, pepper, and broth. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Return steak to skillet, add pasta, and toss to combine. Heat through.
- Serve: Top with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- You can use ribeye or sirloin instead of flank steak for a richer taste.
- Adjust spice levels to suit your preference.
- Rice noodles can be substituted for a gluten-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
