This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is a fun twist on your usual dinner. It combines tender steak with a mix of sweet and spicy flavors, all tossed with pasta!
The garlic in this dish has a way of making everything taste better—trust me! 🍝 I love adding some veggies for extra crunch and color. It’s a quick meal that feels special every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: You can use various pasta shapes like fettuccine or spaghetti. If you’re gluten-free, try gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Steak: Flank steak is great for quick cooking and flavor. If it’s not available, sirloin works well too. For a budget-friendly option, try chicken or tofu for added protein.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that robust flavor. If you don’t have fresh, 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder can substitute, but fresh is always better!
Hot Sauce: Sriracha brings a sweet heat. If you’re not a fan of spicy, you can use sweet chili sauce instead or skip it altogether for a milder dish.
Veggies: Bell peppers and cherry tomatoes add color and flavor. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a personal touch.
How Do I Perfectly Sauté Steak Without Overcooking It?
Sautéing steak to perfection can be tricky. Here’s how to do it right!
- Start by ensuring your steak is thinly sliced against the grain; this enhances tenderness.
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat before adding oil and butter. This way, the steak sears quickly without overcooking.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the sliced steak and let it cook without moving it for about 1-2 minutes. This allows a nice browning.
- Stir or flip only once to ensure even cooking—around 3-4 minutes total should be sufficient for medium-rare.
- Remove the steak from the heat just before it’s fully cooked, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
These tips will help you have a delicious and perfectly cooked steak for your pasta!
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (e.g., fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
For the Steak:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sriracha or other hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
For the Vegetables and Garnish:
- 1 small bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend approximately 10 minutes cooking the pasta and 20 minutes preparing the steak and sauce. It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, sriracha, chili flakes (if using), beef broth, and vinegar. Stir well until mixed and set aside to develop those tasty flavors.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant—don’t let it burn!
4. Cook the Steak:
Add the sliced steak to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned and just cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
5. Sauté Vegetables (Optional):
If you’re using bell peppers and cherry tomatoes, toss them into the same skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender and colorful.
6. Create the Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Combine Steak and Sauce:
Return the cooked steak to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the steak is coated in the flavorful sauce.
8. Mix in the Pasta:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently until all the ingredients are combined and the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
9. Taste and Adjust:
Give it a taste! Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or hot sauce, if needed.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your delicious Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta with sliced green onions and chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy the wonderful flavors!
Enjoy your flavorful Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta!
FAQ for Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute flank steak or sirloin with chicken breast, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different proteins may cook at different rates.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you prefer a vegan option, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. If you don’t have either, brown sugar mixed with water can work in a pinch to create a similar sweetness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and microwave or warm on the stovetop over low heat to prevent drying out.
Can I Customize the Spice Level?
Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level! For milder pasta, reduce or omit the sriracha and chili flakes. If you’re looking for more heat, add additional hot sauce or even fresh sliced chilies.
