Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta: The Perfect Weeknight Kick

Ever found yourself standing in front of the fridge at 6 PM, wondering how to satisfy both your craving for something hearty and your love of bold flavors? Enter this Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta. It checks all the boxes: easy, flavorful, quick, and oh-so-satisfying. This dish brings together tender garlic steak, a spicy pasta recipe that doesn’t hold back, and a sweet-savory sauce that clings to every strand of buttery spaghetti. It’s a flavor bomb, and it cooks up in just over 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute steak dinner cravings.

Let’s be real: life is hectic. Between juggling work, family, and the eternal question of “what’s for dinner?” we all need a go-to recipe that feels indulgent without being a hassle. This garlic steak pasta is just that. You’ll be amazed at how a handful of pantry staples come together to create something that feels like it came straight from your favorite fusion bistro.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

There’s something magical about the balance of sweet, spicy, and savory in this dish. The soy-honey-garlic combo makes the steak sing, while the sriracha and red pepper flakes deliver a delightful kick. If your dinner routine needs a shake-up, this spicy pasta recipe brings excitement to the table without overwhelming your evening schedule.

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 garlic cloves, 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
• 2 tbsp water

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• Salt, for boiling water
• 2 tbsp butter

Garnishes:

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Chopped parsley or green onions
• Extra red pepper flakes, optional

Steps to Sizzling Sweet and Spicy Steak Pasta

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain. Toss with butter and set aside.
2. Pat steak cubes dry and season with salt, pepper, soy sauce, and cornstarch if using.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear steak cubes until browned and cooked to your liking, about 4–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
5. Stir in soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Return pasta to skillet, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
7. Add steak back in and stir to coat evenly.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds, parsley or green onions, and extra red pepper flakes if desired.

Olivia’s Tips for a Flawless Garlic Steak Pasta

• Don’t overcook the steak. Sear it hot and fast—let that caramelization happen!
• Use spaghetti or linguine. Thicker noodles hold the sauce beautifully.
• Taste as you go. Adjust sriracha or honey to match your heat preference.
• Add veggies. Sautéed bell peppers or broccoli go great here if you’re sneaking in more greens.
• No sirloin? Flank steak or even chicken breast works in a pinch.

A Little Story from My Kitchen to Yours

This dish became a staple during one of our busiest seasons. My kids were in three different after-school activities, I was testing recipes nonstop, and dinner needed to be fast but not boring. One night, I had steak, pasta, and a near-empty bottle of sriracha—a match made in weeknight heaven.

When my husband asked if I picked this up from a restaurant, I knew it was a keeper. Now, it’s our go-to for those “I want something special but I have zero time” kind of nights. And trust me, there are plenty of those!

What to Serve with Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

This steak dinner is bold, so keep your sides simple. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Garlic bread or roasted asparagus also make easy, tasty pairings. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a cucumber salad to cool the heat from the spicy pasta recipe.

And hey, don’t forget a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lime to round things out!

How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)

Let everything cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Microwave works fine, but if you want to revive that steak flavor, reheat gently on the stovetop. Avoid overcooking the steak again—no one likes rubbery cubes!

Pro tip: It also makes a great lunch the next day. Just try not to make your coworkers jealous.

FAQs

Can I use another protein instead of steak?

Yes! Chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu all work beautifully. Just adjust cook time accordingly.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a noticeable kick, but you control the heat. Reduce sriracha and pepper flakes for a milder version.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use tamari instead of soy sauce and swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Do I have to use spaghetti?

Not at all! Linguine, fettuccine, or even udon noodles will soak up that dreamy sauce.

Wrap-Up: A Spicy-Sweet Twist You’ll Make Again and Again

Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is the ultimate weeknight winner. It’s fast, flavorful, and gives you that steak dinner satisfaction without hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, spicy food lovers, or just yourself with a glass of wine in hand, this recipe is here to impress.

From my busy kitchen to yours, I hope this garlic steak pasta adds a spark to your dinner rotation. Enjoy every sweet, spicy, garlicky bite!

Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.

Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Olivia Hartwellen
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A quick, bold, and satisfying weeknight dinner featuring tender garlic steak, buttery spaghetti, and a sweet-spicy soy-honey-sriracha sauce. Ready in just over 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful fusion pasta perfect for busy evenings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 garlic cloves, 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

• 2 tbsp water

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz spaghetti

• Salt, for boiling water

• 2 tbsp butter

Garnishes:

• Toasted sesame seeds

• Chopped parsley or green onions

• Extra red pepper flakes (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, 8–10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and toss pasta with butter.

2. Pat steak dry. Season with salt, pepper, soy sauce, and cornstarch (if using).

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear steak cubes for 4–6 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.

5. Add soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Toss pasta in the sauce, adding reserved water as needed.

7. Return steak to skillet, stir to coat evenly.

8. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds, parsley or green onions, and extra red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the steak—quick, high-heat searing keeps it tender.

Swap sirloin for flank steak, chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Add sautéed veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition.

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop + Boiling
• Cuisine: Fusion (Asian-inspired)