Easy Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is the answer to busy weeknight dinner dilemmas. It's a gourmet-feeling meal that comes together quickly, balancing savory steak, sweet honey, and a kick of spice over tender pasta.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large Pan
- Skillet
- Tongs or Spatula
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 1 lb sirloin steak cubed
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional)
For the Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp water
For the Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or other pasta shape
- salt for boiling water
- 2 tbsp butter
Garnishes
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh parsley or green onions chopped
- Extra red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Return drained pasta to the pot and toss with 2 tablespoons butter.
- Step 2: Sear steak. While pasta cooks, pat steak cubes dry. Toss in a bowl with salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and optional cornstarch. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan or skillet over high heat. Add steak in a single layer (in batches if necessary) and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove steak and set aside.
- Step 3: Make the sauce. In the same pan, reduce heat slightly if needed and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant (do not burn). Pour in 3 tablespoons soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, crushed red pepper (if using), and 2 tablespoons water. Stir and simmer for a couple of minutes until thickened.
- Step 4: Combine. Add the buttered spaghetti into the pan with the sauce. Toss gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Add the seared steak back into the pan and stir gently to coat.
- Step 5: Serve. Dish up pasta and steak. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, chopped fresh parsley or green onions, and extra red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Make it with chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Add veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach. Adjust sriracha and red pepper flakes for desired spice level. You can make the sauce ahead of time and store in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Tips for Success: Don't crowd the pan when searing steak; Pat steak dry for a better sear; Don't overcook the steak; Taste and adjust the sauce before adding pasta/steak; Reserve pasta water!