Description
A vibrant and flavorful Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta that combines tender slices of steak with a savory garlic sauce, enhanced by a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. This Asian-inspired dish is easy to prepare on the stovetop and features fettuccine or linguine tossed in a rich sauce made from soy, sriracha, brown sugar, and sesame oil, topped with fresh green onions, herbs, and optional sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnishes
- 1 cup sliced green onions
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
- Cook the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Steak and Pasta: Return the cooked steak to the skillet and toss it well in the sauce. Then add the cooked pasta along with a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Toss everything together until the pasta and steak are evenly coated and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the dish with sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve the pasta hot for the best taste.
Notes
- For added vegetables, stir in sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas for more color and nutrition.
- Slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain ensures maximum tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to modify the spice level according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
