This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is a tasty mix of tender steak, zesty garlic, and a hint of sweetness. It’s a quick and easy dish that brings bold flavors to your table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend fettuccine for this dish, as its wide shape holds onto the sauce beautifully. If you don’t have fettuccine, try spaghetti or linguine instead. Gluten-free pasta is also a great option!
Steak: Sirloin works well for its flavor and tenderness. Ribeye is another personal favorite for its juiciness. If you prefer a leaner option, flank steak or chicken breast are tasty substitutes.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic delivers the best flavor. If you’re out, use garlic powder in a pinch, but reduce the amount to about 1/2 teaspoon to avoid overpowering the dish.
Honey: While I love honey for sweetness, maple syrup is a perfect alternative, especially if you want a vegan-friendly option. If you want less sweetness, a bit of brown sugar works well too.
Red Chili Flakes: Adjust the amount to match your spice tolerance! You might substitute it with sriracha or another hot sauce for a different flavor kick.
How Do I Get the Steak Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking steak just right can be tricky! Here’s how I recommend doing it:
- Start with thin slices; they cook faster and will stay tender.
- Make sure your skillet is hot! This helps sear the steak and keeps it juicy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to get a good sear.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer: 130°F (54°C) is perfect for medium-rare.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep the juices in!
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta Components:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
Steak & Sauce Components:
- 10 oz (280g) steak (sirloin or ribeye), thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Vegetable Components:
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
Seasoning & Garnish:
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take you about 30 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 15 minutes cooking. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), and red chili flakes. This will be your flavorful sauce that adds a nice sweet and spicy kick!
3. Cook the Steak:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the sliced steak, seasoning it lightly with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the steak is browned and just cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Garlic and Onion:
In the same skillet, add the other tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic and sliced onion together, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
5. Add the Bell Pepper:
Next, add in the thinly sliced bell pepper and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the peppers are slightly softened.
6. Combine Sauce and Broth:
Pour your prepared sweet and spicy sauce mixture along with the beef broth (or water) into the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Toss in the Steak:
Return the cooked steak to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce to combine flavors beautifully.
8. Combine Pasta:
Finally, add your drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together so that all the ingredients are well mixed and heated through.
9. Final Seasoning:
Taste the dish and adjust any seasoning with a little more salt or black pepper if needed.
10. Serve and Garnish:
Top your dish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta!
FAQs for Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute the steak with chicken breast, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked through.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you’re looking for extra heat, you can increase the amount of red chili flakes, or add a dash of sriracha or hot sauce to the sweet and spicy sauce. Always taste as you go to find the right level of spice for you!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Sure! You can prepare the sauce and cook the steak in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, heat everything together, then toss with freshly cooked pasta.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist.
