Description
Spice up your dinner routine with this bold and comforting Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta—a fast and flavorful fusion that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Tender seared steak is tossed in a glossy garlic sauce that’s equal parts sweet and spicy, coating every strand of al dente linguine. This easy recipe is packed with high-protein, crowd-pleasing flavor and can be made in under 30 minutes. It’s one of those rare easy dinner ideas that feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly—perfect for fans of quick meals, hearty pasta, or spicy food ideas.
Ingredients
1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz linguine or spaghetti
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced or grated
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce
0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
0.25 cup reserved pasta water
Chopped parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine steak slices with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, cornstarch (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well and let marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until just shy of al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain.
3. Heat a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high. Sear steak slices for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. Set steak aside.
4. Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, sriracha, and red pepper flakes. Stir and simmer for 1–2 minutes.
5. Add drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Use pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
6. Return the steak to the pan and toss everything together. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley, peanuts, or extra chili flakes.
Notes
Let steak rest before slicing to lock in moisture and ensure tenderness.
Don’t skip the pasta water—it’s key to a silky sauce.
Adjust heat levels easily by changing the amount of sriracha or red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Pasta
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Fusion (American-Asian)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: sweet spicy steak pasta, garlic pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta, steak linguine