Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner—Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini. This dish is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness, coating tender steak bites and perfectly cooked pasta in an irresistible glaze. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to lick the plate clean (no judgment here).
Picture this: juicy, caramelized steak bites drenched in a sticky honey garlic sauce, twirled around al dente rotini pasta, all coming together in one glorious, flavor-packed bite. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
Why You’ll Love Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. You can even tweak the ingredients to match what you have on hand.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and affordable cuts of steak, making it a delicious option without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes! No complicated steps—just straightforward, delicious cooking.
Customizable: Love spice? Add chili flakes. Want extra veggies? Toss in some bell peppers or broccoli. This recipe adapts to your taste!
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is pure comfort food heaven. Let’s break it down:
Steak: Tender, juicy steak bites that get beautifully caramelized in the pan. Choose a good cut like sirloin or ribeye for maximum flavor.
Rotini Pasta: The perfect pasta for soaking up all that sticky, garlicky sauce. Its spiral shape holds onto the goodness in every bite.
Honey: The star of the sauce! It adds a natural sweetness that balances out the savory elements beautifully.
Garlic: Because what’s a good dish without garlic? Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce its deep, rich flavor.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth to the sauce, making it savory and well-balanced.
Butter: Helps create a silky, rich sauce while adding a bit of indulgence.
Olive Oil: Used for searing the steak to get that perfect golden-brown crust.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, so it clings perfectly to the steak and pasta.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): A little heat never hurt anyone! Add it for a subtle kick.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
Prepare the Steak: Pat the steak dry and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces in a single layer and cook until browned and caramelized. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add honey, soy sauce, and a cornstarch slurry, stirring until the sauce thickens.
Combine Everything: Return the steak to the pan and toss it in the sticky honey garlic sauce. Then, add the cooked rotini, tossing until everything is well coated. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Final Touches: Remove from heat and let the flavors meld for a minute. Garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds for extra flair.
Serve and Enjoy: Dish it up while warm and get ready for a truly satisfying bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 550 (approx.)
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Garlic Bread: Because extra garlic is always a good idea! A warm, crusty slice is perfect for mopping up that sticky sauce.
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or snap peas add freshness and a nice contrast to the rich flavors.
- Side Salad: A light, tangy salad balances out the dish beautifully. Try an arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use a Hot Pan: A really hot pan ensures the steak gets that perfect sear instead of steaming.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since it will be tossed in the sauce, slightly undercooking the pasta keeps it from getting mushy.
- Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If it’s too thick, add a splash of water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer.
- Try Different Cuts of Steak: Sirloin works great, but flank steak or even filet mignon will take it to the next level.
- Make it Spicier: Add a dash of Sriracha or more red pepper flakes if you love heat.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti will work just as well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the steak and sauce in advance, but for the best texture, cook the pasta fresh.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the steak and sauce separately.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce.
What can I substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or brown sugar works well as an alternative.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would be great additions.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes! Chicken works great with this honey garlic sauce.
What’s the best steak cut for this recipe?
Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak are all great options.
Conclusion
Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish is a winner every time. So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s nothing short of amazing!
Print
Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: stir-frying, Boiling
- Cuisine: Asian-Fusion
Description
A flavorful, savory-sweet dish featuring tender steak bites glazed in a sticky honey garlic sauce, served over perfectly cooked rotini pasta. A quick and satisfying meal with a rich umami taste.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
3 tbsp honey
3 tbsp soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for extra richness)
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pasta:
8 oz rotini pasta
1 tbsp butter (for coating)
Salt, to taste
Toppings (optional):
Sesame seeds
Green onions, chopped
Instructions
-
Prepare the Steak:
- In a bowl, toss the steak cubes with 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, toss with butter, and set aside.
-
Cook the Steak:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak cubes and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
-
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce (if using), sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked steak to the skillet and toss to coat with the sticky honey garlic sauce.
- Add the cooked rotini and mix well, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors.
-
Serve:
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Substitute rotini with other pasta like penne or spaghetti if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg