If you’re craving a dinner that’s rich, comforting, and guaranteed to wake up your taste buds, you’ll absolutely adore Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta. This recipe is everything you dream of in one bowl: juicy, perfectly-seared steak, glossy pasta coated in a sticky, garlicky sauce, and just the right balance of heat and sweetness. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but comes together easily on a weeknight, transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping flavor. Let’s dive in and bring this incredible dish to your table!

Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is all about making each ingredient shine. Every element has a job—bold flavor, savory depth, or an irresistible texture—so you don’t need anything complicated to create restaurant-worthy results at home.

Pasta (8 oz): Classic spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work best, offering the perfect surface for the glossy sauce to cling to.
Sirloin or Flank Steak (1 lb): These cuts give you melt-in-your-mouth bites that hold up beautifully to a quick, hot sear.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season the steak generously to build the essential savory foundation of the dish.
Soy Sauce (1 tbsp for marinating, 3 tbsp for sauce): Adds deep, umami-rich flavor and creates a savory base for both steak and sauce.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): The go-to fat for searing steak, giving a lovely golden crust.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The heart and soul of the sauce; don’t skimp here if you love a bold garlic punch.
Honey (2 tbsp): The touch of sweetness that balances the heat and rounds out every bite.
Brown Sugar (1 tbsp): Adds depth and mellowness to the sweet profile of the sauce.
Sriracha (2 tbsp): Brings bold, lingering heat with a hint of tangy chili flavor.
Rice Vinegar (1 tbsp): Lifts the sauce with a bit of zippy acidity, ensuring the flavors pop.
Toasted Sesame Oil (1 tsp): A finishing touch for toasty, nutty aroma.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1 tsp): For an extra layer of spice that you can customize to your liking.
Water (2 tbsp): Loosens the sauce ever so slightly, helping it to coat every strand of pasta.
Butter (2 tbsp): Melts into the pasta, adding luxurious silkiness and richness to the sauce.
Optional Sesame Seeds & Chopped Green Onions: For garnish, offering crunch and freshness to finish your plate.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Get things started by cooking your pasta in a big pot of salted boiling water. Make sure you go just until al dente—nobody wants limp noodles in this glorious dish! Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining. Once it’s done, toss the hot noodles with butter so they keep that delicious glossy sheen and soak up every bit of flavor later on.

Step 2: Marinate and Season the Steak

Cube or slice your steak and season it generously with salt, black pepper, and that first tablespoon of soy sauce. This little marinade ensures every meaty bite is deeply flavorful and makes the steak extra juicy. You can let it sit while you prep the rest, or dive right into cooking if you’re in a hurry.

Step 3: Sear the Steak

Heat up your olive oil in a skillet over medium-high until it’s shimmering, then sear the steak in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a gorgeous brown crust—you want those caramelized edges! Don’t overcrowd the pan; let the meat sizzle, then set it aside while you get the sauce going.

Step 4: Build the Sweet and Spicy Garlic Sauce

Turn the heat down a notch and add your minced garlic to the same pan—don’t let it burn! Once it’s fragrant, pour in the rest of your soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and water. Give it all a good stir and let it bubble and thicken for a minute or two. You’ll see the sauce turn glossy and smell absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add your cooked pasta right into the sauce and toss until every noodle is coated in that sweet, spicy, garlicky goodness. If the sauce seems too thick, use some of your reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Finally, return the steak to the skillet and toss to combine, heating just until everything is perfectly married and steamy.

How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

Garnishes

Finish your Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a little crunch and a shower of chopped green onions for freshness. These simple toppings make every serving look as good as it tastes and add bursts of flavor in each bite.

Side Dishes

This pasta works great alongside light, crisp sides that balance the boldness of the dish. Think a tangy cucumber salad, quick-seared asparagus, or lightly steamed broccoli. A bowl of miso soup or some pickled veggies can bring a welcome dose of brightness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, twirl the pasta into small nests on each plate and top generously with steak. For a playful touch, serve in colorful bowls or on a big platter, family style. Add extra sriracha in decorative swirls or set up a DIY garnish bar so everyone can customize their own bowl of Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors mellow and meld beautifully overnight, so your lunch or quick dinner the next day can be just as satisfying.

Freezing

While pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta if needed. Transfer cooled portions to airtight freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. A minute or two is all it takes! The microwave also works in a pinch—just cover and stir halfway to keep everything tender and saucy.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While sirloin and flank are the favorites for this recipe, you can try ribeye for extra richness or even skirt steak for more beefy flavor. Just adjust the sear time to avoid overcooking thinner cuts.

How spicy is Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta?

The spice level is very customizable. With two tablespoons of sriracha and the red pepper flakes, you’ll get a noticeable kick, but you can easily dial it back or amp it up to suit your preferences. Start mild and add heat as you taste!

What vegetables can I add?

This pasta welcomes all sorts of add-ins, from broccoli florets to snow peas, bell peppers, or even baby spinach. Toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them crisp and colorful.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free pasta and swap the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version or tamari. The sauce and steak will still bring all the flavor you crave.

Is it possible to use chicken or tofu instead of steak?

Yes! Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta adapts beautifully to chicken breast or firm tofu. Simply cube and cook your protein the same way, then proceed with the recipe. It’s a great way to keep things fresh if you want to switch up the protein.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a bowl of Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta, brimming with bold, balanced flavor and just the right touch of heat. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try—once you take that first bite, it might just become your new go-to for special nights and weeknight cravings alike!

Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is a flavorful dish that combines tender steak with a savory-sweet garlic sauce, tossed with pasta for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)

Steak:

1 lb sirloin or flank steak cut into bite-sized cubes or strips
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp soy sauce (for marinating)
1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce:

4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp sriracha
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
2 tbsp water
2 tbsp butter

Garnish:

Optional sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and toss with butter.
Prepare Steak: Season steak with salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Sear steak in batches over medium-high heat until browned; set aside.
Make Sauce: Lower heat to medium, add garlic, and sauté. Stir in soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and water. Simmer until thickened.
Combine: Add pasta to the skillet, toss to coat, and add reserved pasta water if needed. Return steak to the pan, toss to combine, and heat through.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Notes

Adjust sriracha to taste for desired spice level.
Add vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers for more texture and nutrition.
Use fresh pasta for a more luxurious texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian Fusion