This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is a fun dish that’s sure to impress. With tender steak, pasta, and a zesty garlic sauce, it’s a great mix of flavors!
You know what I love? The way it makes my kitchen smell amazing while cooking. Plus, it’s quick to whip up for those busy weeknight dinners. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: You can use fettuccine or linguine for this dish. If you’re in the mood for something different, spaghetti or penne work great too. For a gluten-free option, try using brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta!
Steak: Flank steak is perfect for its flavor and tenderness when sliced thin. Sirloin works just as well, but you can substitute with chicken or shrimp for a different twist.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds tons of flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, jarred minced garlic can be a good alternative. Just remember it’s more potent, so use half the amount!
Red Pepper Flakes: The red pepper flakes give it the spicy kick. If you prefer less heat, consider using a pinch of paprika instead or omit it altogether.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Steak Cook?
Cooking steak perfectly requires attention to timing. Here are steps to make sure you get it just right:
- Always let your steak come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
- Heat your skillet well before adding the oil. You want it hot to sear the steak nicely.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve a sear.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, but use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure. Aim for 130°F (54°C).
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping it tender and juicy!
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
For the Steak:
- 12 oz (340g) flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and another 10 minutes preparing the sauce and steak. It’s a quick and satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain it and make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. This starchy water will help bring everything together!
2. Making the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, red pepper flakes, rice vinegar, black pepper, and salt. Stir it well to create your deliciously sweet and spicy sauce.
3. Cooking the Steak:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced steak. Cook the steak for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s browned and cooked to your liking. After cooking, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sautéing the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and then add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
5. Combining Steak and Sauce:
Once the garlic is fragrant, return the cooked steak to the skillet. Pour the sweet and spicy sauce you mixed earlier over the steak. Stir everything well to coat the steak evenly with the sauce, and let it cook together for 1-2 minutes.
6. Bringing It All Together:
Now it’s time to add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently toss the pasta with the steak and sauce to combine everything deliciously. If the pasta seems a bit dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water slowly until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Finishing Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat and add a garnish, if you like! Sprinkle fresh parsley or green onions on top, and add some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor, if desired.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is ready to serve! Plate it up and dive into this delicious meal. Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Steak?
Absolutely! You can substitute flank steak with chicken breast or thighs. Just make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. For a more intense flavor without extra spice, add a dash of black pepper or some smoked paprika instead!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the steak with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh for a hearty vegetarian option. You can also use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce for added depth of flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry, stirring occasionally for even heating.
