Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m super excited to share with you a recipe that’s about to become your new go-to for quick family dinners: Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta. This dish is a perfect blend of flavors—sweet, spicy, and savory—all in one delicious meal. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for weeknight dinner ideas. If you’re a fan of easy pasta recipes, you’re in the right place!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights
- A delicious combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Perfect for a romantic dinner or a family meal
- Creamy garlic pasta that’s sure to become a favorite
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta recipe:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cubed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons water
- 8 oz spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Sesame seeds, toasted
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
- Extra red pepper flakes, optional
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s break this down into simple steps:
Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, then toss the pasta with butter. This simple step ensures your pasta stays creamy and delicious.
Prepare the Steak
Pat the steak dry and season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce. If you’re using cornstarch, now’s the time to add it for a tender texture.
Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in a large pan over high heat. Sear the steak cubes until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.
Make the Sauce
In the same pan, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and water. Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly.
Combine Everything
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, using the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Add the steak back to the pan and stir to coat everything evenly.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, chopped fresh parsley or green onions, and extra red pepper flakes if desired. Plate and enjoy your sweet, spicy, and savory masterpiece!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- For an extra creamy garlic pasta, add a little heavy cream or Greek yogurt to the sauce.
- Adjust the level of heat to your liking by adding more or less sriracha and red pepper flakes.
- Use high-quality ingredients like fresh garlic and real honey for the best flavor.
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing for tender results.
How to Serve
This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a more filling dinner. If you’re looking for more spaghetti and steak recipes, you might also enjoy our Garlic Shrimp Pasta or The Best Garlic Steak Bites with Crispy Potatoes Ever.
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and cook the steak ahead of time. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of water if needed to restore the sauce’s consistency.
There you have it—a quick, flavorful, and elegant meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a family, this Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is sure to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with me!

Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak cubed
- to taste Salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch optional
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons water
- 8 oz spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
- Extra red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain pasta, and toss with butter.
- Prepare the Steak: Pat steak dry, season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce (plus cornstarch if using).
- Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large pan and sear steak cubes over high heat until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove from pan.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, vinegar, sesame oil, crushed red pepper, and water. Simmer to thicken.
- Combine: Toss pasta into the sauce, loosening with reserved pasta water as needed. Add the steak back to the pan and stir to coat.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, parsley or green onions, and additional red pepper if desired.