If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfectly balances heat and sweetness, the Sweet And Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is your new go-to. This recipe brings together tender, juicy steak slices with vibrant bell peppers and a luscious garlic-infused sauce that hugs every strand of pasta. It’s an irresistible combination that feels both comforting and exciting, making it ideal for a special weeknight dinner or when you want to impress friends with minimal fuss.

Sweet And Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of simple ingredients is what makes this dish so accessible, yet completely satisfying. Each component plays a delightful role—from the tender steak to the spicy garlic sauce, every element contributes to the incredible harmony of taste, texture, and color in this dish.

8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti pasta: Choose your favorite type to soak up the sauce perfectly.
1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain: Thin slices ensure tender bites packed with flavor.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for sautéing and bringing richness to the dish.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a pungent, savory punch that is irresistible.
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds that perfect kick of heat, adjustable to your liking.
1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides a salty depth with an umami boost.
2 tablespoons honey: Sweetness to balance the spice and enhance the glaze.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: A touch of acidity to brighten the flavors.
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds crunch and vibrant color for a fresh contrast.
4 green onions, chopped: Offers a mild onion flavor and lively garnish.
Salt and pepper to taste: To season and elevate every component.
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): Brings an herbal brightness if you love that fresh finish.

How to Make Sweet And Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta in well-salted boiling water until it reaches al dente perfection. This means the pasta should still have a slight bite to it, which will hold up beautifully when tossed with the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it ready for combining with your flavorful steak and sauce.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak

Pat your flank steak slices dry—this step is critical for a good sear. Lightly season them with salt and pepper. Heat half of your olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak slices for about 4-5 minutes, just until cooked but still tender. Remove the steak and keep it warm while you work on the veggies and sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Bell Pepper

Using the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the thinly sliced bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still retaining a bit of crunch. This adds a sweet nuance and vibrant texture that pairs beautifully with the steak and pasta. Set the peppers aside with the steak.

Step 4: Create the Sweet and Spicy Garlic Sauce

In the skillet, sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds to release their aromas—this step is absolutely mouthwatering. Then, stir in the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly into a glossy glaze that will coat every bite of your pasta delight.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the steaks and sautéed bell peppers to the skillet, giving everything a good toss in that irresistible sauce. Add the drained pasta and mix thoroughly, ensuring every strand is coated. If the sauce feels too thick or clingy, add a splash of pasta water to loosen and achieve the perfect silky consistency.

How to Serve Sweet And Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

Garnishes

Finishing your Sweet And Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and fresh cilantro takes the dish from great to extraordinary. These garnishes add a fresh herbal lift and a pop of green that makes the whole plate visually inviting and tasting incredible.

Side Dishes

For sides, a simple crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli pairs nicely without competing with the bold flavors of the pasta. You could also add garlic bread for that extra touch of comfort—perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls, arranged with a few whole cilantro leaves on top. Alternatively, create a casual family-style presentation by placing the skillet directly on the table, letting everyone dive in. A drizzle of extra honey or a squeeze of fresh lime can add a nice twist just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This pasta holds up well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the steak from drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, the flavors will have melded beautifully.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the Sweet And Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta, pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container. It should be good for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that pasta texture may soften slightly upon thawing, so this is best for quick reheats and hearty meals down the line.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring frequently to revive the sauce’s silky consistency. Avoid microwaving without added moisture to prevent the steak and pasta from becoming rubbery or dry.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this Sweet And Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking, you can substitute with skirt steak or sirloin. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain to keep it tender.

How spicy is the Sweet And Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta?

The heat level mainly depends on the amount of red pepper flakes you add. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to your preference—it’s easy to add but harder to remove once mixed in!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses regular pasta and soy sauce, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce alternative).

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can swap the steak with grilled tofu or seitan for a vegetarian version, and keep the same sauce for that sweet and spicy garlic punch.

What wine pairs well with Sweet And Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta?

A fruity red like a Zinfandel or a medium-bodied Merlot pairs wonderfully, balancing the spice while complementing the rich flavors of the steak and sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about the Sweet And Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta that keeps me coming back for more. It’s rich, flavorful, and so straightforward to prepare, making it the perfect dish for anyone wanting a home-cooked meal that feels genuinely special. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with all its layers of taste and texture just like I have.

Sweet And Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 7 reviews

Author: Naomi
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta combines tender flank steak with a flavorful garlic-infused sauce, balanced by the sweetness of honey and a kick of red pepper flakes. Tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine and fresh bell peppers, this dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare Steak: Pat the flank steak slices dry with paper towels. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
Sauté Bell Pepper: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced bell pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cook Steak: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the steak slices and sear for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but still tender. Remove and set aside with the bell peppers.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar, then simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked steak and bell peppers to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat evenly. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen it.
Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and transfer to plates. Garnish generously with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

For milder heat, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit entirely.
If flank steak is not available, substitute with sirloin or skirt steak.
You can swap fettuccine with spaghetti or linguine depending on preference.
Fresh cilantro adds a bright herbal note but can be omitted if not available.
Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency as needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Boiling
Cuisine: Fusion (Asian-inspired)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 520
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: steak pasta, sweet and spicy pasta, garlic steak recipe, Asian-inspired pasta, quick dinner recipe