If you love dishes that pack a punch of flavor yet come together quickly on a busy night, you are going to adore this Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe. Imagine tender slices of steak dancing with a perfectly balanced sauce that’s savory, subtly sweet, and with just the right amount of heat. Tossed with al dente pasta and garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds, this meal offers layers of texture and flavor that’ll have you savoring every bite. Once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever got through weeknights without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding richness, heat, or umami depth. The magic happens when these simple elements come together, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that turn an ordinary pasta dinner into something truly special.
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta: The perfect base to soak up that luscious sauce.
- 1 lb flank or sirloin steak (thinly sliced): Tender and flavorful, this steak is the star protein.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a perfect sear on the steak and a touch of richness.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Adds fragrant depth and boldness to the sauce.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Brings a sweet counterpoint to the spicy and savory elements.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Contributes salty umami flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce or sriracha: Provides the essential spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a bright acidity that balances sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a subtle nutty aroma that’s signature in Asian-inspired dishes.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For an added layer of heat if you’re feeling bold.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry): Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds a subtle crunch and visual appeal.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta to Perfection
Start by boiling your pasta in generously salted water. The salt is essential here — it seasons the noodles from within. Cook according to the package instructions until just al dente so they can hold up when tossed in the sauce later. Drain and set aside, keeping them warm and ready for that flavorful coat of sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Steak for Maximum Flavor
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Season your thinly sliced flank or sirloin steak lightly with salt and pepper. Sear the steak in batches, giving each piece about 1–2 minutes per side. This quick, high-heat sear locks in juices and creates those delicious browned edges that make every bite irresistible. Set the cooked steak aside after searing.
Step 3: Build the Sweet and Spicy Garlic Sauce
Reduce the skillet heat to medium, then add minced garlic and cook it briefly — just 30 seconds to release its fragrance without burning. Next, stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Let this mixture come to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld beautifully. Then whisk in your cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce to that silky, clingy state we all crave in a good pasta dish.
Step 4: Combine Steak and Pasta in the Sauce
Return the seared steak to your skillet, giving it a good toss so every piece gets luxuriously coated in the sauce. Then add your drained pasta and gently toss everything together until the noodles and steak are bathed in that glossy, flavorful sauce and heated through evenly. This step is all about timing to keep the pasta perfectly tender and the steak juicy.
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds are a must for that fresh crunch and nutty finish. They don’t just add flair visually but elevate the flavor profile by introducing lightness and texture contrast to the rich sauce and tender steak.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. Their crisp, fresh flavors complement the savory richness and bring a refreshing balance to your plate. A simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a bright, palate-cleansing side.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve the pasta in warm bowls topped with an extra drizzle of sesame oil and a few chili flakes to surprise guests with heat. You can also garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a zesty twist. For a casual vibe, pile it on a large serving platter with the garnishes sprinkled on top, encouraging everyone to dig in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes it a fantastic option for easy lunches or quick dinners when you don’t have much time to cook.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the dish, it’s best to store the steak and sauce separately from the pasta to prevent the noodles from getting mushy. Both components freeze well in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwave reheating for best texture; slow warming keeps the steak tender and the pasta firm rather than overcooked.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank or sirloin is recommended for their tenderness and quick cooking time, you can also use ribeye or skirt steak if you prefer. Just be mindful of cooking times since thicker or fattier cuts may require a bit longer.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe?
Yes! Swap the steak for firm tofu or even sautéed mushrooms to keep the hearty texture and umami flavors intact. Marinate tofu in a bit of soy sauce and chili garlic sauce before cooking for an extra boost.
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat level?
The dish has a balanced heat that can be mild or moderate depending on the brand and amount of chili garlic sauce or sriracha you use. Feel free to adjust the chili flakes or swap in less spicy alternatives to suit your taste buds perfectly.
Will this recipe work with other types of noodles?
Definitely! While fettuccine or linguine work beautifully, you can experiment with lo mein, ramen, or even wider rice noodles for a fun texture and flavor twist in your Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, you can pre-slice the steak and mince the garlic ahead to make the cooking process quicker. The sauce can also be made earlier and reheated gently with freshly cooked pasta for a speedy dinner fix.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but comes together fast enough for any night of the week. It’s a wonderful balance of bold flavors, textures, and satisfying ingredients that’ll quickly become a favorite in your cooking rotation. Give it a try and experience the joy of a dish that’s both comforting and exciting in every forkful.
Print
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Fusion
Description
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is a flavorful Asian-inspired fusion dish featuring tender seared steak tossed with garlic-infused, sweet and spicy sauce, served over perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine. This quick stovetop recipe combines savory, sweet, and spicy elements to deliver a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare and full of bold flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
Steak and Sauce
- 1 lb flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce or sriracha
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnishes
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the steak: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the thinly sliced steak lightly with salt and pepper. In batches, sear the steak for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until just browned but not overcooked. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring, until fragrant. Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce or sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry gradually, cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
- Combine steak and pasta: Return the seared steak to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and gently toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Swap fettuccine with lo mein or ramen noodles for a fun twist.
- This dish reheats well—store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat over medium heat on the stovetop.
- Try substituting steak with chicken or tofu for a variation.
