Sweet and Spicy Flank Steak Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a wonderful combination of textures and flavors. The flank steak offers a satisfying bite, the bell peppers bring a bit of crunch and color, and the sauce ties everything together with its sweet and spicy kick. The pasta provides the perfect base, absorbing all the delicious sauce, making each bite as satisfying as the last. Whether you prefer it milder or with extra heat, this recipe is versatile and easy to adjust to your taste.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or your choice)

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)

• 4 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta until just tender. Drain and set aside. Add a little oil if needed to keep it from sticking.

2. Sauté the Garlic
   Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring so the garlic doesn’t burn.

3. Cook the Steak
   Add the sliced steak to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring now and then, until browned and cooked through.

4. Add Sauce and Veggies
   Pour in the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir to coat the meat. Add the sliced bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until the sauce thickens and peppers soften a bit.

5. Add the Pasta
   Put the pasta into the skillet. Toss gently to mix everything and coat the noodles with sauce. Let it cook for another minute or two.

6. Finish and Serve
   Turn off the heat. Top with chopped green onions and cilantro if you like. Serve hot, with extra pepper or chili flakes if you want more heat.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation time: 10 minutes

• Cooking time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the flank steak with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish.

• Extra Heat: Add more red pepper flakes or a chopped chili for a spicier dish.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free.

• Additional Veggies: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini to the mix for more color and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken, pork, or even shrimp in place of flank steak. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the sauce, slice the steak, and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time when you’re ready to cook.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Feel free to substitute fettuccine with spaghetti, penne, or any pasta you prefer.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild level of spice from the red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less to suit your preference.

Can I make this dish without soy sauce?

If you don’t have soy sauce, you can substitute it with tamari (for a gluten-free option) or coconut aminos for a milder, sweeter flavor.

How can I make this dish sweeter?

Add an extra tablespoon of honey or a splash of brown sugar to the sauce for a sweeter flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I freeze this pasta dish?

Freezing is not recommended for this recipe as pasta can become mushy when frozen and reheated. However, you can freeze the steak and sauce separately and combine with fresh pasta later.

How do I store leftover sauce?

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it and use it with other dishes or to toss with fresh pasta.

Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more veggies like broccoli, spinach, or snap peas to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.

Conclusion

This Sweet and Spicy Flank Steak Pasta is an easy, flavorful dish that combines a savory soy sauce base with the sweetness of honey and the kick of red pepper flakes. It’s quick to make, customizable to your taste, and guaranteed to please the whole family. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, this dish will surely become a new favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation.