Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

Ever crave a dinner that’s bold, saucy, and downright exciting? Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is here to sweep you off your feet—and possibly make your kitchen smell like a sizzling steakhouse (in the best way possible).

Between tender steak, garlicky heat, and silky pasta strands, this dish is a lifesaver for busy nights when you’re tired of the same old routine. It’s quick enough for weeknights but fancy enough to impress your partner, friends, or those picky teens rolling their eyes at plain spaghetti again. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

• Flavor explosion. It’s sweet, it’s spicy, it’s savory—basically, a party in your mouth.
• Weeknight friendly. On the table in about 30 minutes, even if your kids keep interrupting you for snacks.
• Flexible. Adjust the spice level, swap pasta types, or add veggies if you’re feeling virtuous.
• Restaurant vibes at home. Skip takeout. You’ll make this better yourself.

Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this bold and delicious dish to life:

For the Steak:

• 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crust)

For the Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey (for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (deepens the caramel notes)
• 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (adds a nice tang)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for a nutty aroma)
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (extra heat)
• 2 tablespoons water (to thin out the sauce slightly)

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz spaghetti (or linguine if you prefer)
• Salt, for boiling water
• 2 tablespoons butter (to coat pasta and add richness)

Garnishes:

• Sesame seeds, toasted
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
• Extra red pepper flakes, optional for serving

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, scoop out about ½ cup of pasta water and set it aside for later sauce magic. Drain the pasta and toss with butter to prevent sticking. Keep it cozy and warm.

Step 2: Prepare and Season the Steak

While the pasta’s bubbling away, pat those steak cubes dry—this helps them sear instead of steam. Toss them in a bowl with salt, pepper, soy sauce, and (if you’d like a crispier crust) a light dusting of cornstarch. Let them hang out for a few minutes while you heat your pan.

Step 3: Sear the Steak

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the steak in a single layer. No crowding, or you’ll lose that glorious sear! Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, until caramelized and cooked to your liking. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sweet and Spicy Garlic Sauce

Lower the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, crushed red pepper, and water. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat every strand in that sticky, sweet heat. Splash in some reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick. Return the steak to the pan and toss everything together for another minute, letting the flavors meld into a glorious union.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Plate the Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta generously. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, freshly chopped parsley or green onions, and an extra pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling daring. Serve immediately and enjoy every bold, saucy bite!

Aneta’s Tips for Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

• Adjust the heat: Love it mild? Cut back on the sriracha or crushed red pepper. Craving a fire-breathing dragon vibe? Add more!
• Don’t skip the pasta water: It’s liquid gold for helping the sauce cling to your noodles.
• Slice steak evenly: Small, even cubes ensure quick, uniform cooking.
• Add veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for crunch and color.
• Meal prep magic: You can prep the sauce a day ahead to save time during dinner rush.

A Little Kitchen Story

I first whipped up Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta after a hectic day when my fridge was down to steak, sriracha, and half a box of pasta. Turns out, that desperate pantry raid created one of my family’s favorite dinners. Now my kids specifically request “the spicy steak noodles”—and I’m not complaining one bit!

FAQs About Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

Let’s Cook Up Some Sweet and Spicy Magic!

Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is your ticket to an easy yet restaurant-worthy dinner bursting with bold flavors. It’s perfect for shaking up your weeknight routine and impressing anyone lucky enough to snag a forkful.

So grab that skillet, crank up the heat, and let’s make some magic together. Happy cooking, friends—and don’t forget to share your delicious results with me over at Chicken Magic Recipes!

Craving More Flavorful Recipes?

If you loved this Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta, here are a few more bold and delicious dishes you might enjoy exploring:

• Dive into a creamy, spicy delight with this Cajun Shrimp and Steak Alfredo Pasta — perfect for those who can’t decide between seafood and steak.
• Try the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex Chicken and Zucchini for a quick, healthy dinner bursting with color and spice.
• Warm up your weeknights with the ultra-comforting Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta, a creamy pasta dish that’s pure comfort in a bowl.
• Or spice things up with this saucy and irresistible Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo for another pasta night to remember!

These recipes will keep your dinner table exciting and satisfy your cravings for bold, comforting meals. Happy cooking!

Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

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• Author: Aneta
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is a bold, weeknight-friendly dinner featuring juicy seared steak, a sweet-heat garlic sauce, and buttery noodles. Perfect for satisfying cravings fast!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Steak:

• 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crust)

For the Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to spice preference)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 2 tablespoons water

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz spaghetti (or linguine)

• Salt, for boiling water

• 2 tablespoons butter

Garnishes:

• Sesame seeds, toasted

• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped

• Extra red pepper flakes, optional

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and toss with butter. Set aside.

2. Season the Steak: Pat steak cubes dry. Toss with salt, pepper, soy sauce, and optional cornstarch. Let sit while heating the pan.

3. Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear steak cubes for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from pan.

4. Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add a little oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Stir in soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, crushed red pepper, and water. Simmer 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Combine Everything: Toss pasta into the sauce until coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed. Return steak to the pan and toss to combine.

6. Garnish and Serve: Plate pasta. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, fresh parsley or green onions, and extra red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

Adjust spice levels by reducing sriracha and red pepper flakes for a milder version.
Swap sirloin with flank or ribeye for a different texture.
Add veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
Leftovers reheat well with a splash of water in a skillet.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Main course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 585 Kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg