This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is a tasty blend of tender steak, spaghetti, and a sauce that brings sweet and spicy flavors together. Perfect for any pasta lover!
Cooking this dish feels like a fun adventure, with the aroma of garlic filling the kitchen. I love serving it with a sprinkle of parmesan on top—makes it extra special!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti is classic, but don’t hesitate to switch it up! Fettuccine, penne, or even rice noodles work well too. Choose whatever you love or have on hand.
Steak: I recommend sirloin or ribeye for their flavor and tenderness. Flank steak is a great budget-friendly alternative if you want something leaner.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for this dish. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder can work in a pinch, but I’d suggest using less—about 1/8 teaspoon for every clove.
Sriracha: It’s perfect for adding heat! You can substitute it with your favorite hot sauce, or even use a bit of chili paste if that’s what you have.
Honey: If you’re vegan or looking for a substitute, agave syrup or maple syrup can work nicely here.
How Can I Achieve the Perfectly Cooked Steak?
Cooking steak just right is key to a delicious dish. Here are some straightforward tips to make sure you get it tender and juicy:
- Let your steak sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the steak! This gives it a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the meat.
- Keep the steak cooking time to just a few minutes on high heat for tenderness. Thin slices cook quickly—about 2-3 minutes should do.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking, covered with foil. This helps the juices redistribute, making it more tender when you slice it.
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or your choice of pasta
- For the Steak:
- 12 oz (340 g) steak (such as sirloin or ribeye), thinly sliced
- For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sriracha or other chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp butter
- For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. It includes about 10 minutes for prep and cooking the pasta, then another 10 minutes to cook the steak and blend everything together. Quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, sriracha, and black pepper. Stir well, and then set the sauce aside for later to let the flavors meld together.
3. Cook the Steak:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced steak. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned but still tender. After cooking, remove the steak from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to burn it!
5. Make It Sweet & Spicy:
Pour the sweet and spicy sauce mixture into the skillet, stirring well to combine with the garlic. Allow it to simmer for 1-2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
6. Combine Steak and Sauce:
Return the cooked steak to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce so it’s well coated and heated through.
7. Mix in the Pasta:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and gently toss everything together until the pasta is coated with that yummy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
8. Final Touches:
Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, honey, or sriracha if you want extra flavor, sweetness, or heat.
9. Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish your delicious creation with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch. Serve the pasta warm, and enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions about Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is a classic choice, you can substitute it with fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta to suit your preferences.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a substitute for honey, agave syrup or maple syrup works well. They’ll still provide that much-needed sweetness without altering the flavor too much.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
To amp up the heat, you can add extra sriracha or red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance to get the perfect kick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Enjoy your delicious meal again!
