There’s something undeniably satisfying about twirling buttery pasta around your fork and catching a juicy piece of steak in one bite.
I made this Sweet & Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta on a busy weeknight, and it instantly felt like a gourmet treat—packed with flavor, a little heat, a little sweet, and just the right amount of comfort.
Why I Love This Recipe
Quick and easy, perfect for weeknights
Combines tender steak with flavorful noodles
Balanced sweet, spicy, and garlicky sauce
Feels fancy but is made with pantry staples
One-pan friendly (easy cleanup!)
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Sirloin Steak: Tender and perfect for quick searing.
Soy Sauce: The umami base of the marinade and sauce.
Honey + Brown Sugar: The sweet side of the sauce.
Sriracha + Red Pepper Flakes: Adds the perfect kick.
Spaghetti: Holds the sauce beautifully.
Garlic: The hero ingredient—don’t skimp!
Butter: Gives the pasta a silky finish.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Cut steak evenly so it cooks uniformly.
Use cornstarch in the marinade if you want extra tenderness.
Don’t overcook the garlic—just until fragrant.
Save pasta water! It helps loosen and thicken the sauce.
Adjust spice levels to suit your preference.
How to Make Sweet & Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until just al dente.
Drain and toss with butter. Reserve pasta water.
Step 2: Marinate and Prep the Steak
In a bowl, season cubed steak with salt, pepper, soy sauce, and cornstarch (optional).
Let it sit while the pasta cooks.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in a hot skillet.
Sear the steak cubes until browned and cooked to your liking.
Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sweet & Spicy Sauce
In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant.
Add soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and water.
Simmer until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Toss Pasta with Sauce
Add spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat.
Use pasta water as needed to thin the sauce and help it cling.
Step 6: Combine with Steak
Return the seared steak to the skillet.
Stir everything together until heated through and well mixed.
Step 7: Serve with Garnish
Plate the pasta and steak.
Top with sesame seeds, chopped parsley or scallions, and extra chili flakes if desired.
What to Serve It With
Garlic bread or toasted baguette
Light cucumber salad
Roasted or steamed broccoli
A glass of iced tea or cold beer
Variations / Substitutions
Swap sirloin with ribeye or flank steak.
Use rice noodles or udon for an Asian twist.
Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies.
Substitute sriracha with chili garlic sauce or sambal oelek.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Not ideal for freezing, as the sauce may separate.
FAQs
Can I make this with chicken instead of steak?
Yes! Just substitute chicken breast or thighs and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is this dish very spicy?
It’s moderately spicy. Reduce sriracha and red pepper flakes if you’re sensitive to heat.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely. Choose your favorite GF spaghetti or noodle alternative.
Do I have to use cornstarch in the steak?
No, it’s optional—but it does help tenderize the meat slightly.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach work great here.
Can I prep this ahead?
You can marinate the steak and make the sauce ahead of time.
Cook everything fresh for best texture.
What other protein could I use?
Shrimp, tofu, or ground beef would also work well.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet & Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is everything I love in a weeknight dinner—flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly easy.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with family, this dish always gets rave reviews.
I hope it brings bold, saucy joy to your table too!
