There are few dishes that hit all the right notes the way Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta does. It’s hearty, flavorful, comforting, and just adventurous enough to make dinner feel like an event. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just yourself, this flavor-packed pasta dish brings a perfect balance of savory garlic, juicy steak, and a sweet-spicy sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.

This meal isn’t just about bold flavor—it’s also smart cooking. One pan, simple ingredients, and quick prep make it a weeknight winner. But don’t be fooled by the ease; the final result feels gourmet and soul-satisfying. The real magic happens when honey, soy sauce, and sriracha come together to form a sticky, glossy coating that wraps around buttery noodles and seared steak.

For those curious about what makes steak truly delicious, it’s all in the sear. Serious Eats explains how a proper crust is key to flavor, especially when cooking in a single pan. Combine that with a solid understanding of umami, and you’ll get a sauce that’s crave-worthy. The Spruce Eats dives deep into umami and why ingredients like soy sauce and garlic have such a lasting impact on your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet, spicy, savory — all in one bite
Quick to prepare: 35 minutes from start to plate
Minimal dishes thanks to a one-pan process
Customizable: switch up the pasta, protein, or spice
Crowd-pleasing yet surprisingly simple

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the steak:

1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp soy sauce (for marinating)
1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

For the sauce:

4 garlic cloves, finely minced
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for heat)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
2 tbsp water (to loosen sauce)

For the pasta:

8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
Salt for pasta water
2 tbsp butter

Optional garnishes:

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil salted water in a large pot.
Cook pasta until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Toss hot pasta with butter to prevent sticking.

2. Marinate the Steak

Pat steak cubes dry using paper towels.
Toss with 1 tbsp soy sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Let sit for at least 10 minutes.

3. Sear the Steak

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear steak cubes in batches to avoid crowding.
Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden crust forms.
Transfer to a clean plate.

4. Make the Sauce

Lower heat to medium.
Sauté garlic for ~30 seconds until fragrant.
Add soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and water.
Simmer until sauce thickens and becomes sticky.

5. Toss Pasta and Combine

Add buttered pasta to the pan and toss to coat.
Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
Fold steak back into the pan.
Toss until everything is warm and glossy.

6. Garnish and Serve garlic steak pasta

Top with sesame seeds, green onions, or more red pepper.
Serve hot and enjoy the bold sweet-heat combination.

Flavor Tips for Best Results

Dry steak = perfect sear. Always pat dry before cooking.
Cut against the grain for tender bites.
Taste sauce before tossing—adjust sweetness or spice to preference.
Love sauce? Double the recipe for extra coverage.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein swaps: Try chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
Vegetable add-ins: Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli.
Gluten-free version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free pasta.
Pasta swaps: Rigatoni or rice noodles offer great texture too.
No sesame oil? Olive oil works fine as a replacement.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make ahead: Marinate steak and mix sauce in advance.
Refrigerate: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
Freeze: Sauce and steak freeze well for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Use a skillet with a splash of broth or water.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~620 kcal
Protein: ~32g
Carbs: ~65g
Fat: ~22g
Sugar: ~12g
Sodium: ~820 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Chicken, tofu, or even lamb can be used. Just adjust cook time accordingly.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes—just lower the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, and swap soy sauce with tamari to make the whole dish gluten-free.

Does it reheat well?
Yes, especially if you keep steak and pasta separate for storage. Reheat in a skillet with a bit of liquid.

Can I double the sauce?
Yes—and if you love extra saucy noodles, you definitely should.

What are the health benefits of garlic?
Garlic doesn’t just taste amazing—it supports immune health too. Healthline offers more on garlic benefits.

Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta isn’t just a dish—it’s an experience. Every bite delivers warmth, depth, and that perfect hit of heat. Whether you’re making it on a rainy night or to impress guests with minimal effort, this pasta never disappoints.