Nora
Tender strips of steak, coated in a sweet and spicy garlic glaze, rest on a bed of perfectly cooked pasta—this dish is everything you want in a comforting yet bold dinner. It balances savory richness with a touch of heat, creating a flavor profile that excites your taste buds with every bite.
This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is not just about indulgence, it’s about harmony. The pasta soaks up the garlicky sauce while the steak brings juicy, meaty satisfaction. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe transforms a simple meal into something unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
- Bold flavors: Sweet, spicy, and garlicky in perfect balance.
- Restaurant-quality: A dish that looks and tastes like it came from your favorite bistro.
- Quick to make: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy evenings.
- Versatile: Works with linguine, spaghetti, or even rice noodles if you prefer.
What Cut of Steak Should I Use?
For this pasta, tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak work beautifully. They’re easy to slice into strips and cook quickly without becoming tough. Sirloin is a popular choice for its balance of tenderness and flavor, while ribeye adds a richer, buttery taste. If you’re watching the budget, flank steak delivers great results too—just slice it thinly against the grain for best texture.
Ingredients for the Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Every ingredient in this dish plays an important role in building layers of flavor:
- Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank): The heart of the dish, juicy and flavorful.
- Pasta (linguine or spaghetti): Provides a hearty base to absorb the sauce.
- Garlic: The star aromatic, infusing the dish with savory depth.
- Soy sauce: Adds a salty umami backbone to the sauce.
- Brown sugar or honey: Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness.
- Red pepper flakes or chili paste: Brings the heat for that spicy kick.
- Olive oil: Helps sear the steak and prevents sticking.
- Butter: Creates a silky finish to the sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with freshness.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a nutty, savory finishing touch.
How To Make the Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Pat the steak dry, season with salt and pepper, then slice into thin strips. This ensures even cooking and maximum flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips and sear quickly until browned but still tender. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 4: Build the Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes or chili paste. Add a splash of pasta water to create a glossy sauce.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, coating it well with the sauce. Add the steak back in and mix gently.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Serving and Storing Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
This pasta is best enjoyed immediately, when the steak is juicy and the sauce clings perfectly to the noodles. A single batch will comfortably serve 4 people, making it ideal for a family dinner or a cozy night in with friends.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the steak can become chewy.
What to Serve With Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta?
Pair this bold pasta with sides that complement and balance its flavors:
1. Garlic Bread
Perfect for soaking up extra sauce and adding a crunchy bite.
2. Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine with creamy dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers roasted with olive oil pair beautifully.
4. Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil add a cool, light side.
5. Steamed Broccoli
A simple and nutritious addition that balances the richness.
6. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
For a heartier spread, the creamy potatoes complement the spicy steak.
7. A Glass of Red Wine
Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec enhances the dish’s bold flavors.
Want More Pasta Ideas?
If you loved this Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta, you’ll enjoy exploring these other comforting pasta dishes too:
- Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta – A Comforting and Flavorful Dish
- Creamy Beef and Shells – A Comforting One-Pan Delight
- Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
- Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Each one offers a different spin on rich, hearty pasta dinners that will keep your weeknight meals exciting.
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Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for pasta
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 450 g sirloin steak (or ribeye, flank)
- 340 g linguine or spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or 1 tablespoon chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 30 g Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat steak dry, season with salt and pepper, and slice into thin strips.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear steak strips until browned but tender. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes or chili paste. Stir in a splash of pasta water to form sauce.
- Toss pasta into skillet, coating with sauce. Add steak back in and stir gently.
- Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving hot.
Notes
2. Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing red pepper flakes/chili paste.