Name: Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb sirloin steak, cubed; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 tablespoons sriracha; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons water; 8 oz spaghetti; Salt for boiling water; 2 tablespoons butter; Sesame seeds, toasted; Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped; Extra red pepper flakes, optional

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for an unforgettable dinner that’s equal parts comfort food and wow factor, this Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is your dream come true. Imagine fork-tender steak cubes seared to golden perfection, twirled with buttery spaghetti, and tossed in a glossy, crave-worthy sauce that hits every note from garlicky warmth to sweet heat. Each bite is a flavor adventure, making it a perfect centerpiece for date night, a family treat, or impressing friends at your next gathering!

Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient lineup for Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is surprisingly simple, but each element plays a star role in creating big flavors. These staples combine silky noodles, juicy steak, and a sauce you’ll want to drizzle over just about everything.

Sirloin steak, cubed: This cut stays tender and soaks up every ounce of sauce, ensuring juicy bites in every forkful.
Salt and black pepper: A classic way to season the steak and bring out its natural depth.
Soy sauce: Adds umami richness to both the steak and the sweet and spicy sauce.
Olive oil: Helps to get that perfect sear on your steak cubes.
Cornstarch (optional): Gives the steak a hint of exterior crispness and helps thicken the sauce.
Garlic, minced: Loads the dish with aromatic, savory power—don’t skimp!
Honey: Balances the spicy and salty notes with luscious sweetness.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel sweetness for extra sauce depth.
Sriracha: The essential hot sauce for spiciness and tang—adjust to your heat preference.
Rice vinegar: Gives a subtle, zippy brightness that lifts up the flavors.
Sesame oil: Just a splash infuses the sauce with irresistible nuttiness.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Rounds out the spice with a peppery kick.
Water: Loosens the sauce for ideal pasta coating.
Spaghetti: The classic pasta shape for maximum twirlability and sauce-catching.
Salt for boiling water: Seasons the pasta from the inside out.
Butter: Tossing it into hot pasta gives a silky, toothsome finish.
Sesame seeds, toasted: Offer nutty crunch and eye-catching flair.
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped: Bring vibrant color and herby freshness.
Extra red pepper flakes, optional: For those who like to turn up the heat!

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your spaghetti and cook until just al dente—think springy to the bite, not mushy. Before draining, remember to scoop out half a cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s your secret weapon for the silkiest sauce later on. Drain the pasta and immediately toss it with butter so every strand glistens and stays separate.

Step 2: Prep Your Steak

While the water heats, pat your sirloin cubes dry with paper towels for stellar browning. Toss them with salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of soy sauce. If you’re after a gorgeous crust, dust the cubes lightly with cornstarch—it’s totally optional, but it locks in juices and amps up that steakhouse vibe.

Step 3: Sear the Steak

Heat olive oil in a large, heavy skillet until it shimmers. Add the steak cubes in batches (no overcrowding, please!) and sear on every side until the meat is deeply browned and cooked to your favorite doneness. Once cooked, remove them from the pan so you can focus on the dreamy sauce.

Step 4: Craft the Sweet and Spicy Sauce

In the same pan (don’t clean it! All those steak bits spell flavor), sauté minced garlic until wonderfully fragrant but not browned. Pour in the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and water. Let this mixture simmer until it thickens into a glossy, sticky sauce that will soon coat every bite of pasta and steak.

Step 5: Build Your Bowl

Return the pasta to the pan, tossing it gently to coat every noodle in the sweet and spicy garlic sauce. If things look sticky, drizzle in a bit of reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred sauce-to-pasta ratio. Add the seared steak back in and toss until everything is luxuriously coated.

Step 6: Finish with Garnishes

Off the heat, shower your Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and plenty of chopped parsley or green onions. If you’re after big heat, a pinch of extra red pepper never hurt!

Step 7: Serve It Up

Dive right in! Plate up generous portions while everything is hot, glossy, and irresistible. The aroma alone will have everyone racing to the table.

How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish—those sesame seeds add crunch and a little nutty whisper, while chopped parsley or green onions give each bowl a fresh, restaurant-worthy flair. Want to kick it up even further? Sprinkle on another touch of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and heat.

Side Dishes

Since Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta packs a punch, keep the sides simple. A crisp green salad or lightly charred broccoli balances the richness, and some garlic bread never hurts for sopping up every bit of sauce. If you want to keep things light, steamed bok choy or snap peas are also gorgeous alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your pasta in individual bowls topped with extra steak cubes and a dramatic sprinkle of garnishes. You can also twirl the pasta into little nests with tongs for a fancy dinner-party look, or even pile it onto a large platter, family-style, and let everyone dig in together. No matter how it’s served, Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta always garners praise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, lucky you! Cool the Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors mingle as it sits, so expect an even richer bite the next day.

Freezing

While pasta is best fresh, you can freeze this dish in a pinch. Scoop portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and tuck them away for up to a month. Just know the steak may lose a bit of tenderness after freezing, but the sauce keeps everything delicious.

Reheating

The easiest way to reheat Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Warm over medium heat, stirring often, until hot throughout. The microwave works for individual servings—just add a little water and heat in bursts, stirring each time, for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While sirloin is wonderfully tender, you can substitute ribeye or even flank steak. Just keep an eye on cooking times, since thinner cuts need less time in the pan.

Is there a noodle substitute for spaghetti?

If spaghetti isn’t handy, swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even rice noodles. Just about any pasta that can hold a bold sauce will work well here!

How spicy is this Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta?

It has a noticeable kick from sriracha and red pepper flakes, but you can dial the heat up or down by adjusting those ingredients to taste. Start mild and add more spice at the end if you like.

Can the recipe be made gluten-free?

Easy! Use a gluten-free pasta, swap tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce, and ensure your other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What should I do if my sauce gets too thick?

No worries—simply add a splash of your reserved pasta water or a bit of warm water, then toss well until the sauce is silky and coats the pasta evenly again.

Final Thoughts

Bold, saucy, and downright fun to cook, Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is destined to become a new weeknight or special-occasion staple. With one skillet and a handful of straightforward steps, you’ll serve up smiles and seconds every time. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 17 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a delightful culinary adventure with Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta. This fusion dish combines tender sirloin steak with a bold garlic-infused sauce, creating a perfect balance of sweet and heat. Served over al dente spaghetti and garnished with aromatic sesame seeds and fresh herbs, this dish is a true flavor explosion.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain pasta, and toss with butter.
Prepare the Steak: Pat steak dry, season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce (plus cornstarch if using).
Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large pan and sear steak cubes over high heat until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove from pan.
Make the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, vinegar, sesame oil, crushed red pepper, and water. Simmer to thicken.
Combine: Toss pasta into the sauce, loosening with reserved pasta water as needed. Add the steak back to the pan and stir to coat.
Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, parsley or green onions, and additional red pepper if desired.
Serve Immediately: Plate and enjoy your sweet, spicy, and savory masterpiece!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Fusion