This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta combines tender steak with flavors of garlic, sweetness, and a little heat. It’s a mouthwatering bowl of goodness that’s easy to whip up on a busy night!
You’ll love how the steak adds a special touch, and the spicy kick keeps things interesting! I can’t resist adding a sprinkle of cheese on top—who can say no to that? 🧀😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using spaghetti for this dish, but feel free to use any pasta you like! Fettuccine or penne work great too. If you want a gluten-free option, go for rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.
Steak: Ribeye is my top choice for its richness, but sirloin or flank also work well and are leaner. If you prefer a meatless version, try using tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that punchy flavor. However, you can use garlic powder in a pinch—about 1/8 teaspoon per clove. Keep in mind that fresh garlic gives a stronger taste!
Red chili flakes: They add nice heat, but adjust them to your taste. If you need a milder flavor, you can use paprika instead, or skip it entirely. For extra spice, try adding some Sriracha or chili oil at the end!
How Do I Perfectly Cook the Steak?
Cooking steak can be tricky, but here’s how to nail it! The key is to use high heat and not overcook it. Follow these steps:
- Let steak slices sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps cook evenly.
- Preheat your skillet until it’s hot before adding oil. This helps to get that nice sear.
- Season generously with salt and pepper just before adding to the pan.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side for medium-rare, but adjust this based on how thick your steak slices are.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing—this keeps it juicy!
Following these tips will help you achieve a perfectly cooked steak every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
For the Steak:
- 12 oz (340g) steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank), thinly sliced
For the Vegetables:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal can be prepared in about 30 minutes. You’ll spend approximately 10 minutes prepping and about 20 minutes cooking. It’s quick and perfect for any night when you want something extraordinary without spending hours in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set aside, but be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later!
2. Searing the Steak:
While your pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats up, season your thinly sliced steak with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the steak to the pan. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, depending on how you like your steak cooked. Once done, remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet where you cooked the steak, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté them together until they become fragrant and translucent, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Adding the Red Bell Pepper:
Next, add the sliced red bell pepper to the pan. Cook them for another 2-3 minutes until they are just tender. The colors and smells should be delightful by now!
5. Combining the Sauce Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Stir in the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), red chili flakes, and smoked paprika (if using). Allow the sauce to simmer for about 1-2 minutes so all those delicious flavors can blend together.
6. Bringing It All Together:
Return the cooked steak back to the pan and give everything a good toss to coat it with the sauce. If the mixture appears dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to help loosen it up.
7. Mixing in the Pasta:
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in that sweet and spicy garlic sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Garnishing and Serving:
Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the dish for a fresh touch. If you love cheese like I do, feel free to add some grated Parmesan on top!
9. Enjoying Your Dish:
Serve your Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta immediately and enjoy this fantastic blend of flavors! This meal is sure to impress your family or guests!
This dish beautifully balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, topped with tender garlic steak, making it perfect for any dinner occasion. Happy cooking!
FAQ about Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Steak?
Absolutely! While ribeye is rich and flavorful, sirloin and flank steak are great alternatives too. If you prefer a leaner option, go for sirloin. For more plant-based options, consider using tofu or tempeh!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
You can easily adjust the spice by modifying the amount of red chili flakes. For a milder flavor, use less, or skip them altogether. If you like it spicier, add extra chili flakes, or a drizzle of Sriracha or chili oil at the end!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the steak and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, heat up the sauce, add the pasta and steak, and toss everything together. It’s quick and easy!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Enjoy it again!
