Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta has always been the dish that warms both heart and home. Picture a chilly evening, the aroma of garlic and honey-spiced steak filling the kitchen, while laughter echoes around the table.
This pasta ties together my memories of family gatherings—my grandmother in her apron, stirring the pan as we snuggled in, sharing stories. The marriage of sweet and spicy flavors, the sizzle of the skillet—it’s more than a meal. It’s tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
- Flavor Explosion: A symphony of savory steak, garlicky sweetness, and a kiss of heat.
- Effortless Elegance: Simple ingredients, bold impact—impressive yet easy.
- Comfort Food Elevated: Perfect for date night, gatherings, or solo indulgence.
- Flexible & Adaptable: Swap pastas, tweak spice levels, or add veggies to suit your palate.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Holds up wonderfully for next-day lunches.

Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta – A Bold, Comforting Twist on Weeknight Dinner
Description
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta has always been the dish that warms both heart and home. Picture a chilly evening, the aroma of garlic and honey-spiced steak filling the kitchen, while laughter echoes around the table. This pasta ties together my memories of family gatherings—my grandmother in her apron, stirring the pan as we snuggled in, sharing stories. The marriage of sweet and spicy flavors, the sizzle of the skillet—it’s more than a meal. It’s tradition.
Ingredients
- Steak
-
1 lb lamb steak*, cubed
-
Salt & black pepper, to taste
-
1 tbsp soy sauce
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for extra crust)
- Sauce
-
4 cloves garlic, 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 sesame oil
-
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
-
2 tbsp water
- Pasta
-
8 oz spaghetti (or your favorite shape)
-
Salt, for boiling
-
2 tbsp butter
- Garnishes
-
Toasted sesame seeds
-
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
-
Extra red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil. Cook pasta to al dente, reserving ½ cup pasta water before draining. Toss pasta with butter—this helps the sauce cling beautifully. -
Season the Steak
Pat lamb pieces dry. In a bowl, toss with salt, pepper, soy sauce, and cornstarch if using. Let rest 10 minutes for max flavor. -
Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Arrange lamb in a single layer; cook 2–3 min per side until browned. Remove and set aside. -
Create the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium, add garlic, sauté until fragrant (~30 sec). Stir in soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and water. Simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. -
Combine
Add pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency. Return lamb to pan and stir to integrate flavors. -
Garnish & Serve
Transfer to plates, sprinkle with sesame seeds, parsley or green onions, and extra chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
-
Steak Swap: Ribeye or strip steak works wonderfully.
-
Vegetable Additions: Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli add freshness.
-
Gluten-Free option: Use GF pasta and tamari.
-
Lower Heat: Reduce sriracha or red pepper flakes to tame the spice.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Steak
- 1 lb lamb steak*, cubed
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for extra crust)

Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, 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 sesame oil
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp water
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti (or your favorite shape)
- Salt, for boiling
- 2 tbsp butter
Garnishes
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
- Extra red pepper flakes (optional)
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil. Cook pasta to al dente, reserving ½ cup pasta water before draining. Toss pasta with butter—this helps the sauce cling beautifully. - Season the Steak
Pat lamb pieces dry. In a bowl, toss with salt, pepper, soy sauce, and cornstarch if using. Let rest 10 minutes for max flavor. - Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Arrange lamb in a single layer; cook 2–3 min per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

- Create the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium, add garlic, sauté until fragrant (~30 sec). Stir in soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sriracha, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and water. Simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. - Combine
Add pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency. Return lamb to pan and stir to integrate flavors. - Garnish & Serve
Transfer to plates, sprinkle with sesame seeds, parsley or green onions, and extra chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
HELPFUL TIPS
- Let lamb reach room temperature for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches for a crisp crust.
- Avoid burning garlic—sauté just until fragrant.
- Use pasta water to rescue a thick sauce.
- Taste and adjust—balance spice, sweetness, and salt to your preference.

DETAILS
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 3–4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet/Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Not vegetarian (can be adapted)
NOTES
- Steak Swap: Ribeye or strip steak works wonderfully.
- Vegetable Additions: Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli add freshness.
- Gluten-Free option: Use GF pasta and tamari.
- Lower Heat: Reduce sriracha or red pepper flakes to tame the spice.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I use a different cut of lamb?
Yes—flank or shoulder cubed works well. - Can I reduce the spice?
Absolutely—cut back on sriracha and red pepper flakes. - What pasta can I use?
Linguine, penne, fettuccine, or your preferred shape. - Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—omit the butter in the pasta step. - How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in airtight container for 3–4 days; reheat with a splash of water or broth.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
- Refrigerate: Airtight container within 2 h of cooking, good for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Gently warm in skillet; add water or broth to refresh sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended—pasta texture may suffer.

Related Recipes
If you love this, try these other cheesy, comforting dishes:
- Honey Garlic Steak Bites
- Best and Easiest Beef Bulgogi
- Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta
- Honey Garlic Steak Bites
Conclusion
Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta is your new go-to for comforting sophistication. It offers bold flavors, easy cooking, and meaningful moments at the dinner table. Adjust to your taste, share with love, and enjoy a dish that warms both body and soul.