Name: Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 12 oz rotini pasta; 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ginger (grated or powdered); 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry); 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt & black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon butter (for extra richness); 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish); 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

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There’s nothing quite like the combination of tender steak, al dente pasta, and a sticky, sweet-and-savory sauce that coats every bite. This Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini is pure comfort food magic simple enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for a special occasion. Trust me, this recipe will leave you craving more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or even meal prep. The rich flavors work wonders for any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable cuts of steak and pantry staples like garlic, honey, and soy sauce. No need for expensive ingredients to create an impressive meal.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s ideal for busy evenings when you still want something delicious.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spice, or acidity to suit your taste buds. Add veggies, swap the pasta, or tweak the sauce—this recipe is endlessly adaptable.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Who can resist tender steak and creamy rotini smothered in a sticky garlic-honey glaze?

Ingredients

Steak: Your choice of cut flank, sirloin, or skirt steak works beautifully here. Slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Rotini Pasta: The curly shape holds the sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Cook it al dente for the best texture.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds depth and aroma to the dish. Don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!
Honey: Provides natural sweetness that balances out the savory notes in the sauce. Use raw or regular honey depending on what you have.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami richness to the sauce. Opt for low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
Olive Oil: Used for searing the steak and sautéing aromatics. A neutral oil like vegetable oil works too if preferred.

(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 according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for adjusting consistency later.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and a splash of olive oil. Set aside while you prepare the steak.
Sear the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper, then sear it for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Simmer the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the prepared sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened slightly. If needed, mix in a bit of reserved pasta water for a smoother consistency.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it gently with the sauce. Add sliced steak back into the pan, coating everything evenly. Cook for another minute to warm through.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate the dish and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Serve hot and savor every bite!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Prep Ahead: Marinate the steak ahead of time for deeper flavor. Simply toss it with a bit of soy sauce, garlic, and honey, then refrigerate for up to 2 hours before cooking.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a kick of heat. Customize the level of spiciness to your liking.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. Use olive oil instead of butter to keep it dairy-free.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Double the Batch: This recipe scales easily, so feel free to double it for larger gatherings or meal prep.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 500 (approximate)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini

This dish pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

Fresh Salad: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. It’s the perfect complement to the main course.
Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for added nutrients and color.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Garnish with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flair.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or linguine would all work well as substitutes. Just ensure they’re cooked al dente for the best texture.

2. What cut of steak should I use?
Flank, sirloin, or skirt steak are great options because they’re tender and flavorful. Thinly slice them against the grain for easier chewing.

3. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Reheat everything together just before serving for optimal results.

4. How do I store leftover steak and pasta?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta.

5. Can I freeze this dish?
While freezing is possible, the pasta might become mushy upon thawing. It’s better suited for short-term storage in the fridge.

6. Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Doubling the recipe is simple and ensures you have plenty for leftovers or feeding a crowd.

7. Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Not as written, but you can replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and ensure the pasta is gluten-free.

8. Can I skip the honey for a savory-only dish?
You can, though the honey provides balance to the salty and garlicky flavors. For a savory-only version, increase the garlic and soy sauce slightly.

9. Do I need to marinate the steak?
Marinating enhances flavor but isn’t strictly necessary. If pressed for time, simply season the steak generously before cooking.

10. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would pair beautifully with the steak and pasta. Sauté them along with the garlic for added nutrition.

Conclusion

There you have it a delicious and comforting Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its perfect blend of tender steak, creamy pasta, and sticky-sweet sauce, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and let’s cook something amazing together! Your taste buds will thank you.

Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini

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Author: ikram
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Asian Fusion

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Description

This Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini is a mouthwatering dish packed with tender steak bites coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, served over perfectly cooked rotini pasta. A quick and satisfying meal for weeknights!

Instructions

Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Season the steak bites with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak bites for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Add soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and ginger. Stir well.
Mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce. Stir and let simmer until thickened.
Return the steak to the pan and coat with the sauce. Add butter for extra richness.
Toss in the cooked rotini pasta and mix well.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.