If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and satisfying textures, this Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It marries the richness of tender flank steak with a lively blend of sweet brown sugar and spicy chili paste, all wrapped up with garlicky goodness and perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite is a delightful adventure, effortlessly balancing sweet, heat, and umami in a way that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or looking to impress, this dish brings all the warmth and flavor to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is half the fun because each plays a vital role in crafting that unforgettable taste and texture. From the tender steak slices to the crispy vegetables and the punchy sauce components, every element works in harmony to bring this Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe to life.
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine: Choose your favorite pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce perfectly.
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced: This cut is tender and quick to cook, making it ideal for stir-frying.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps create a silky coating on the steak for that perfect bite.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory umami depth to the marinade and sauce.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Introduces a gentle sweetness that plays beautifully with the spice.
- 1 tablespoon chili paste or sriracha: The key to the delicious heat; adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Amp up the fiery punch and add texture.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Enriches the sauce with silky richness and mouthfeel.
- 6 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic delivers intense aroma and flavor that defines the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the steak to that perfect golden crust.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Provides a pop of vibrant color and a touch of sweetness.
- 1 cup snap peas: Adds a fresh crunch and bright green hue.
- 1 cup beef broth: Builds the savory base of the sauce and keeps everything moist.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Adds depth and slight tanginess to the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
- Chopped green onions for garnish: Adds fresh flavor and gorgeous color on top.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: Sprinkle for a light nuttiness and visual appeal.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions to al dente perfection. This ensures it holds up beautifully against the bold sauce without getting soggy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the flavorful components.
Step 2: Marinate and Sear the Steak
In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced flank steak with cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a pinch of black pepper. This combo not only seasons the meat but also helps build a lightly crisp texture when cooked. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the beef and sear for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s nicely browned but still tender. Remove the steak and set aside to keep the juices locked in.
Step 3: Build the Sweet and Spicy Garlic Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant and golden, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Stir in the brown sugar, chili paste, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste, then pour in the beef broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it reduce slightly, which intensifies all of those sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Combine
Next, toss in the red bell pepper slices and snap peas, cooking them for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re crisp-tender and vibrant. Return the seared steak to the skillet, giving everything a good toss to coat the meat and veggies in that luscious sauce. Finally, add the cooked pasta and carefully mix until the strands are evenly coated, ensuring every mouthful bursts with flavor.
Step 5: Season and Prepare to Serve
Give everything a final taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. This extra step guarantees the balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes is just right for your palate. Now your Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top just before serving. The onions offer a fresh, mild bite while sesame seeds contribute a subtle nuttiness and an appealing crunch, making the dish irresistible.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed broccoli or a light cucumber salad to balance the richness. For those wanting to keep that Asian-inspired vibe, pickled vegetables or crispy spring rolls make fantastic companions that add contrast and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive presentation, serve the pasta in large shallow bowls with extra sesame seeds and green onions scattered artistically. You can also add a wedge of lime on the side for an optional citrus boost. If you’re wanting a shareable meal, plate the pasta family-style in a vibrant serving dish that invites everyone to dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, but it’s best to reheat gently to keep the steak tender and avoid overcooking the vegetables.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not ideal for this dish due to the fresh vegetables and pasta texture. If you choose to freeze, store the steak, sauce, and pasta separately and consume within one month for best quality. Thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth or water to revive the sauce’s consistency. Avoid microwaving at high temperatures as this can toughen the steak and overcook the veggies, diminishing that fresh, vibrant taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is preferred for its tenderness and quick cook time, sirloin or skirt steak also work well. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
How spicy is the Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe?
The level of heat depends on how much chili paste or sriracha you use. You can start with less chili paste and add more gradually to suit your taste, making it mild or fiery as you like.
Can I substitute the vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to swap the snap peas and red bell pepper with other crunchy vegetables like broccoli florets, asparagus, or even baby corn. Just adjust cooking time accordingly for your vegetable choices.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so no change needed there. This way, everyone can enjoy the delicious flavors without worry.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
You can definitely adapt the recipe by replacing the steak with tofu or tempeh and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Adjust the cornstarch and seasonings accordingly to maintain the sauce’s texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe quickly becomes a go-to favorite with its exciting layers of flavor, easy preparation, and comforting heartiness. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet simple enough to whip up any night of the week. I’m confident once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again, sharing it with friends and family who will thank you for bringing such a delicious recipe into their lives!
Print
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian American
Description
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender seared flank steak with a rich and spicy garlic sauce. Tossed with pasta, bell peppers, and snap peas, this Asian American-inspired meal delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory umami, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and freshness.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili paste or sriracha
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fats and Oils
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Liquids
- 1 cup beef broth
Garnishes
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to be mixed later with the sauce and steak.
- Marinate Steak: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a pinch of black pepper. Toss everything together to coat the steak evenly and let it marinate briefly for flavor absorption.
- Sear Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak slices and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Stir in brown sugar, chili paste or sriracha, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste to form a flavorful sauce base.
- Add Liquids and Vegetables: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the sauce slightly thickens, then add the sliced red bell pepper and snap peas. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Toss Steak and Pasta: Return the seared steak to the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Toss everything together to coat the steak well in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly until all components are evenly combined and heated through.
- Final Seasoning and Garnish: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. Serve the Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a fresh and nutty finish.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or add a splash of pasta water during the final mixing step.
- You can easily substitute chicken breast or shrimp for the flank steak to vary the protein.
- Adjust the amount of chili paste or sriracha to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Make sure not to overcook the steak to keep it tender and juicy.
- Use fresh snap peas and bell pepper for the best texture and flavor.
