If you’ve ever craved comfort food with a truly unforgettable punch, Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is about to become your new obsession. This dish is a magical collision of juicy seared steak, tender noodles, and a sauce that’s equal parts fiery, garlicky, and sweet. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or want to impress friends with minimal effort, this satisfying meal brings together bold flavors with a surprising touch of elegance—all in under an hour!

Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is how each ingredient plays a distinct and essential part. Nothing complicated here; just classic pantry staples and a few fresh additions that work together for that wow factor you’ll crave long after the last bite.

Sirloin steak (1 lb, cubed): Pick a nicely marbled cut—it ensures tender, juicy bites throughout the dish.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Season the steak well; it’s your flavor foundation!
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon for steak, 3 tablespoons for sauce): Adds savory umami flavor both to the steak and the delicious sauce.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Gives the steak a beautiful sear and subtle depth.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon, optional): Helps tenderize the steak and create a slightly crisp crust if desired.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Toasty, aromatic, and absolutely essential for that burst of garlicky goodness.
Honey (2 tablespoons): Balances out the heat with its mellow sweetness.
Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds an extra layer of caramelized sweetness to the sauce.
Sriracha (2 tablespoons): Delivers that iconic zesty, spicy heat.
Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brightens the sauce with just the right amount of tanginess.
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dish with a nutty, toasted aroma.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon): Dials up the spice—adjust according to your heat preference!
Water (2 tablespoons): Helps loosen the sauce just enough to coat every noodle.
Spaghetti (8 oz): The classic base—feel free to swap in your favorite long pasta if you’d like.
Salt (for boiling water): Essential for flavorful, well-seasoned pasta.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Tossed with the pasta for extra richness and silkiness.
Sesame seeds, toasted: A final sprinkle for crunch and visual flair.
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped: Keeps everything vibrant and fresh-tasting.
Extra red pepper flakes, optional: For the spice lovers who want a little more heat at the table.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your spaghetti until it’s just al dente—firm to the bite but not hard. Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of that starchy pasta water (you might need it later to loosen the sauce). Drain the pasta, then toss it with creamy butter to keep the strands from sticking and to add some luscious richness. Set it aside while you get everything else ready.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak

Pat your steak cubes dry with paper towels so they sear instead of steaming. Sprinkle them generously with salt and black pepper, then drizzle on a tablespoon of soy sauce for a touch of salty depth. If you like your steak with a slight crispy edge, toss it with a teaspoon of cornstarch—it gives each piece that irresistible texture in the finished pasta.

Step 3: Sear the Steak

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the steak cubes in a single layer, letting them develop a deep brown crust before flipping. Sear for just a few minutes until they’re caramelized on the outside and cooked to your ideal doneness inside. Be careful not to overcook! Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside—you’ll return it at the end for perfect juiciness.

Step 4: Make the Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Sauce

Without cleaning your pan (that’s where all the flavor is!), toss in the minced garlic and sauté until it’s fragrant—about 30 seconds. Then, pour in the remaining soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and water. Let it all come to a gentle simmer, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly and smells completely irresistible. You want it glossy and just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add your buttered pasta right into the skillet with the sauce, tossing quickly to coat each noodle. If the mixture looks a little sticky or dry, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it all up. Then, add the seared steak back in, stirring to ensure every piece is coated in that sweet, spicy, garlicky glaze. Marvel at the glossy finish and incredible aroma filling your kitchen!

Step 6: Garnish

Turn off the heat and sprinkle over a shower of toasted sesame seeds, followed by a handful of chopped fresh parsley or green onions. If you love extra heat, dust with a pinch of additional red pepper flakes right before serving—this not only adds kick but also a pop of color that makes the dish sing.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Plate your Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta while it’s piping hot and the noodles are still glossy. Serve immediately and watch eyes light up at the table. Each bite should be silky, perfectly balanced between savory, spicy, and sweet, with those juicy steak cubes stealing the show.

How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

Garnishes

This pasta absolutely shines with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped herbs. Bright green onions or parsley create a lovely contrast against the sauce’s deep, glossy tones, and an extra flick of red pepper flakes ensures there’s just the right amount of heat in every forkful.

Side Dishes

Since Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is quite rich, pair it with a crisp, lightly dressed salad—like arugula with lemon or a refreshing cucumber salad. Steamed or roasted broccolini, snap peas, or baby bok choy offer a colorful, crunchy counterpoint you’ll love alongside the tangy-sweet heat.

Creative Ways to Present

Go a little fancy and twirl each serving of pasta into neat, restaurant-style nests on the plate. Top each portion with steak cubes, sesame seeds, and a tangle of scallion greens. For parties, pile the pasta onto a big platter, scatter all the garnishes on top, and let everyone dig in family-style—it truly steals the spotlight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta keeps surprisingly well in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container and it’ll remain tasty for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great next-day lunch or dinner with minimal effort.

Freezing

While steak and pasta can be frozen, the texture does change a bit upon thawing. If you’d like to freeze, do it in individual portions and thaw overnight in the fridge. The sauce holds up nicely, but expect the noodles to soften a touch after reheating. For best results, freeze without garnishes and add fresh ones just before serving.

Reheating

To bring your pasta back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it in short bursts, but be careful not to overcook the steak or pasta—less is more!

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While sirloin is my pick for tenderness and flavor, ribeye, flank steak, or even pre-cut stew beef all work. Just slice against the grain for extra tenderness.

How spicy is Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta?

This dish brings noticeable heat thanks to sriracha and red pepper flakes, but you can easily dial the spice up or down. Just adjust the sriracha and pepper flakes to suit your comfort level.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Definitely. Swap the spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients remain unchanged, so you’ll get the same amazing result.

What other proteins can I use?

If steak’s not your thing, this pasta is equally delicious with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. Just cook your protein of choice until properly done, then toss in as you would the steak.

What’s the best way to meal prep this recipe?

You can prep the steak, sauce, and even the pasta ahead of time! Store each separately and combine just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture in your Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with your own cooking routine again, don’t wait to try Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta. It’s bright, bold, and brimming with personality—perfect for sharing, celebrating, or simply treating yourself to a weeknight upgrade you’ll crave again and again!

Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors with this delectable Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta recipe. Tender cubes of sirloin steak are coated in a flavorful sauce and combined with perfectly cooked spaghetti for a truly satisfying meal.

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!

Notes

You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less sriracha and red pepper flakes.
Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or additional protein.

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