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To make Sweet and Spicy Steak Pasta, gather these items: - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more, depending on spice preference) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed - 3 green onions, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish The key to the sweet and spicy taste lies in these ingredients: - Soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami. - Honey: Gives sweetness and smoothness. - Sriracha: Brings heat and kick. - Garlic powder and ground ginger: Infuse depth and warmth in every bite. These elements create a balance that excites your taste buds. You can easily swap some ingredients based on what you have: - Pasta: Use any pasta shape you like, such as penne or spaghetti. - Flank steak: Try chicken or shrimp for a different protein. - Honey: Agave syrup or maple syrup can work as alternatives. - Sriracha: Use chili paste or hot sauce for heat. - Vegetables: Broccoli or zucchini can replace bell peppers and snap peas. These changes keep the dish fresh and fun, letting you play with flavors. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water once it boils. This adds flavor to the pasta. Then, add the fettuccine. Cook it based on the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once it’s al dente, drain the pasta in a colander. Remember to save about 1 cup of that pasta water for later. Set the drained pasta aside while you prepare the other ingredients. Grab a medium mixing bowl for the marinade. Combine the sliced flank steak with soy sauce, honey, sriracha, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Mix everything well. Make sure each piece of steak is coated evenly. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step is key to bringing out those sweet and spicy flavors. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers before adding the marinated flank steak. Spread the steak out in a single layer. Cook it for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to get an even cook. The steak should be nicely browned when done. Once it’s ready, move the steak to a plate and cover it with foil to keep it warm. In the same skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper and snap peas. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes. You want them vibrant and tender but still crisp. Lower the heat to medium now. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet along with the veggies. Gradually pour in some of that reserved pasta water. Mix it well to find your preferred sauce consistency. Start with half a cup and adjust as needed. Return the cooked flank steak to the skillet. Toss everything gently to blend the flavors. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the pasta to a serving dish or shallow bowls. Sprinkle with chopped green onions. Finish with fresh cilantro leaves for a colorful and delicious touch. Enjoy your meal! To get juicy, tender steak, start by choosing flank steak. It cooks quickly and is easy to slice. Slice the steak against the grain. This helps keep it tender. Marinate the steak for at least 15 minutes. A longer marinating time adds more flavor. Cook it in a hot skillet. This gives a nice sear. Avoid overcooking; aim for medium-rare. This keeps the steak juicy. A good marinade makes your steak pop. Combine soy sauce, honey, sriracha, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Each ingredient adds a unique taste. The soy sauce gives umami flavor. Honey brings a sweet touch. Sriracha adds a spicy kick. Garlic powder and ginger add warmth. Mix these well, and coat the steak evenly. Let it sit in the fridge. This allows the flavors to soak in. For perfect pasta, start with a big pot of boiling salted water. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir it often to prevent sticking. Reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps make the sauce creamy. Drain the pasta, but don’t rinse it. Rinsing removes the starch that helps sauce cling to the noodles. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If time allows, marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes or even overnight. This will enhance the flavors and tenderness of the meat. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality flank steak for the best taste. Fresh produce will add vibrant color and flavor to the dish. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of sriracha to suit your heat preference. You can also add red pepper flakes for additional spice. Reserve More Pasta Water: Keep extra pasta water on hand as you mix the pasta and sauce. It helps to create a silky texture for the sauce. {{image_4}} You can easily swap the flank steak for chicken or shrimp. For chicken, use thinly sliced breasts or thighs. Marinate them the same way as the steak. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes in the skillet until they are fully cooked. If you prefer shrimp, use about 1 pound of large shrimp. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. Both options keep the dish flavorful and satisfying. For a vegetarian twist, replace the steak with tofu. Use firm tofu, cut into cubes. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture first. Then marinate it in the same sauce for about 30 minutes. Cook the tofu in the skillet until golden brown. You can also add more veggies, like broccoli or carrots, to boost nutrients. This makes the dish colorful and healthy, while still being tasty. Adjust the heat to suit your taste. If you want a milder dish, cut back on the sriracha. You can also add sweet bell peppers, which balance the spice. If you love heat, increase the sriracha or add red pepper flakes. This way, you can customize the flavor and make it just right for you. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to store the steak and vegetables with the pasta. This way, they keep their flavor. You can keep the leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat them later, store them right away. When you're ready to eat, you can reheat the pasta easily. Use a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it warm evenly. You can also use a skillet on low heat. Add a bit of olive oil or butter for extra flavor. If you want to freeze this dish, it's best to do it before adding fresh toppings. Divide the pasta into meal-sized portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as mentioned above for a quick meal. It takes about 30 minutes to cook Sweet and Spicy Steak Pasta. You spend 15 minutes prepping the ingredients and marinating the steak. Then, you cook the pasta and steak in about 15 minutes. This dish is quick and perfect for a weeknight meal. Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead of time. You can marinate the steak up to 24 hours in advance. Cook the pasta and veggies just before serving. This way, you keep the flavors fresh and vibrant. You can serve Sweet and Spicy Steak Pasta with a simple side salad. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette works great. You can also add garlic bread for a filling meal. For drinks, consider iced tea or a light red wine. This article covered how to make delicious sweet and spicy steak pasta. We explored essential ingredients and substitutions for taste. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions, including tips for the perfect steak. We discussed variations for proteins and veggie options too. Finally, we went over storage and reheating tips. Remember, cooking can be fun and creative. Enjoy making this dish your own!

Sweet and Spicy Steak Pasta

A delicious blend of fettuccine pasta, marinated flank steak, and vibrant vegetables in a sweet and spicy sauce.
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Course Main Course
Cuisine Fusion
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
  • 3 green onions finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander, making sure to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use. Set the drained pasta aside.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with soy sauce, honey, sriracha, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Mix well to ensure the steak is evenly coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated flank steak to the skillet, spreading it out in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is nicely browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Once cooked, transfer the steak to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
  • In the same skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper and snap peas. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are vibrant and tender yet still crisp.
  • Lower the heat to medium. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet along with the sautéed vegetables. Gradually pour in some of the reserved pasta water, mixing well to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Start with half a cup and add more as needed.
  • Return the cooked flank steak to the skillet. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the pasta to a serving dish or shallow bowls. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and generously garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the pasta in a shallow bowl, garnished with an extra sprinkle of cilantro and a few green onion tops for a pop of color. Enjoy immediately!
Keyword pasta, quick meal, spicy, steak