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
Scale
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.
