This sweet and spicy garlic steak pasta is a delightful dish that mixes tender steak, colorful veggies, and pasta in a flavorful sauce. It’s the perfect balance of taste and fun!
Honestly, who can resist a plate of pasta that packs a little heat? I love this recipe for its easy prep—just cook the steak, toss in the pasta and sauce, and you’re ready to eat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine and penne work well here, but you can also use spaghetti, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just pick a shape you enjoy!
Steak: Sirloin or ribeye are great options for their tenderness and flavor. If you want to switch things up, flank steak or even chicken thighs can be a good alternative. Just adjust the cooking time as chicken takes longer.
Garlic: Fresh garlic packs a punch in this dish, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder instead—use about 1/8 teaspoon for each clove. However, fresh is always best!
Peppers: While red and green peppers add vibrant color and crunch, feel free to swap them for yellow or orange peppers or even snap peas for a different taste.
How Do You Make Sure Your Steak is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking steak just right can be tricky! Here are some tips for achieving that perfect sear:
- Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
- Make sure your pan is hot before adding the steak. This gives you a nice crust, sealing in those juices.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If it’s too crowded, the steak will steam instead of sear.
- Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F (57°C).
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep it juicy.
With these tips, you’ll have flavorful steak that complements the pasta beautifully. Happy cooking!
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
For the Steak:
- 12 oz (340g) steak (sirloin or ribeye), thinly sliced
For the Vegetables:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick yet full of flavor—perfect for a busy weeknight or a fun dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside for later.
2. Sear the Steak:
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced steak and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned and cooked to your liking. After cooking, remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sliced onions. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until they are fragrant and the onions start to soften.
4. Add the Bell Peppers:
Next, toss in the sliced red and green bell peppers. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still a bit crunchy.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), sriracha, and chili flakes. This will be the sweet and spicy sauce that ties everything together.
6. Combine Steak and Sauce:
Return the cooked steak back to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce mixture over everything and toss to combine well. Let it cook together for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Add the Pasta:
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together so that the pasta is well coated with the sauce and all the ingredients are nicely mixed. Taste to see if you’d like to add any additional salt or pepper.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Now it’s time to serve! Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a lovely finish.
Enjoy your sweet and spicy garlic steak pasta—it’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ about Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne work great, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as spaghetti, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for the best results!
What If I Don’t Have Steak? Can I Substitute Another Protein?
Yes! If you don’t have steak on hand, you can swap it for chicken thighs or shrimp. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time accordingly; chicken will take a bit longer, while shrimp cooks quickly—about 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, start with just 1 teaspoon of sriracha and skip the chili flakes. You can always add more heat afterward. Alternatively, you can use sweet chili sauce for a sweeter flavor without the heat!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance! Cook the pasta and steak, and sauté the veggies. Store everything separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat and toss together with the sauce!
