Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini Recipe

Sizzling Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini Recipe for Dinner

Crafting a mouthwatering sticky honey garlic steak transforms an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure.

Seared beef strips promise explosive flavor with every bite.

Rotini noodles catch the luscious sauce in delightful little pockets.

Sweet and savory notes dance across your palate, creating a symphony of taste.

Marinades infuse depth that makes this dish seriously irresistible.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality meal with simple ingredients.

Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini That Satisfies

  • Savor Speedy Satisfaction: This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in minimal kitchen time, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious without spending hours cooking.
  • Master Flavor Fusion: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates an irresistible sticky glaze that transforms simple steak into a mouthwatering dish with complex, layered tastes.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients allow you to adjust spice levels, swap protein types, or modify sides, making this recipe adaptable to different dietary preferences and family needs.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimizing cleanup with a single pan cooking method means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delectable meal with loved ones.

Ingredients for Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini

For the Pasta:
  • Rotini: A spiral-shaped pasta that catches and holds sauce perfectly.
For the Protein:
  • Steak: A flavorful and tender meat that provides a delicious main protein for the dish.
For the Seasonings and Spices:
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Classic seasonings that enhance the steak's natural flavors and create a well-rounded taste profile.
For the Sauce Ingredients:
  • Honey, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar: Sweet and savory components that create a sticky, caramelized coating for the steak.
  • Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a subtle heat and optional spicy kick.
For the Cooking and Thickening:
  • Olive Oil: Used for searing the steak and creating a flavorful base.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic that adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
  • Cornstarch, Water: Creates a slurry to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy texture.
For the Garnish:
  • Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh and crunchy toppings that add color and a final layer of flavor.
For the Optional Additions:
  • Butter, Italian Seasoning: Used to flavor the pasta and add extra richness.

How to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini

Step 1: Boil Delicious Pasta

Grab your rotini and cook according to package guidance. Once perfectly al dente, drain water completely.

Toss pasta with softened butter and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Set aside in a warm spot.

Step 2: Sear Tender Steak Pieces

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Season steak pieces generously with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika

Sear meat for 2-3 minutes per side until developing a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Transfer steak to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until wonderfully aromatic.

Pour in:
  • Honey
  • Soy sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Rice vinegar
  • Red pepper flakes

Stir ingredients together allowing flavors to meld and develop.

Step 4: Develop Rich Sauce Texture

Mix cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry.

Pour into sauce and continuously stir until sauce transforms into a glossy, thick consistency.

Step 5: Reunite Meat With Sauce

Return steak pieces back into skillet.

Gently toss until every piece becomes beautifully coated with sticky sauce. Let simmer for additional 2 minutes.

Step 6: Plate And Garnish

Arrange herbed rotini on serving plates. Top with saucy steak pieces.

Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra visual appeal and crunch.

Tips to Master Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini

  • Butter and Italian seasoning transform plain rotini into a flavorful base for the steak.
  • Pat steak dry before seasoning to achieve a golden-brown crust and lock in juicy flavors.
  • Cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce quickly without lumps, creating a glossy coating.
  • Toast sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan to enhance their nutty aroma before sprinkling on top.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to personalize the heat level, making the dish mild or spicy to your preference.

Flavorful Variations for Sticky Honey Garlic Steak

  • Spicy Sriracha Kick: Replace honey with sriracha sauce for a fiery, tangy version that adds extra heat to the dish.
  • Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Swap brown sugar with dried oregano and thyme, adding crumbled feta cheese on top for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Asian Sesame Fusion: Increase sesame seeds, add sesame oil to the sauce, and incorporate ginger for a deeper Asian-inspired taste experience.
  • Smoky Maple Alternative: Substitute honey with maple syrup and add smoked paprika to create a rich, smoky-sweet steak variation that brings depth to the meal.

What Goes Well with Sticky Honey Garlic Steak

Perfectly Pair Saucy Steak Delight

  • Wine Companion: Choose a robust red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the steak's rich flavor and cut through the sticky honey garlic sauce.
  • Refreshing Side Kick: Serve a crisp cucumber salad with light vinaigrette to balance the dish's sweetness and provide a cool contrast to the warm, saucy steak.
  • Bright Herbal Touch: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro over the pasta to add a fresh, green note that lifts the heavy sauce and adds vibrant color.
  • Textural Crunch Boost: Scatter toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds on top for an extra layer of nutty crunch that enhances the pasta's buttery texture.

Storing Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep pasta and steak separate to maintain texture.

Pack cooled dish in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing pasta directly with sauce to prevent soggy texture.

Place steak and pasta in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of water or broth to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

Warm steak in skillet over medium-low heat with small amount of oil or broth. Simultaneously reheat pasta in separate pot with touch of butter. Combine just before serving to maintain optimal flavor and texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, you can use sirloin, flank, or ribeye steak. Just ensure you slice it against the grain for tenderness.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes are optional. You can adjust or omit them to control the heat level.

  • How do I know when the steak is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F; for medium, target 145°F.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free pasta to make the entire dish gluten-free.

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Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini Recipe

Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini delivers a harmony of bold flavors dancing across your plate. Rich garlic-infused beef mingles with twirled pasta, promising you a delightful culinary escape that satisfies deep hunger and gourmet cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings and Marinade:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Pasta and Garnish:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) rotini pasta
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Chopped green onions (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Boil rotini pasta in salted water until al dente at 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and infuse with melted butter and aromatic Italian seasoning. Transfer to a serving platter.
  2. Select a heavy-bottomed skillet and heat olive oil until shimmering at medium-high temperature. Generously season steak pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. Sear meat strips for 2-3 minutes per side, creating a golden-brown caramelized exterior. Transfer cooked steak to a separate plate, preserving the flavorful pan drippings.
  4. Reduce skillet heat and introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its pungent aroma for 30-45 seconds. Pour in honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and optional red pepper flakes.
  5. Whisk cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry. Gradually incorporate into the bubbling sauce, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a glossy, thick consistency.
  6. Reintroduce seared steak into the skillet, gently coating each piece with the sticky, glistening sauce. Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure complete heat penetration.
  7. Plate the fragrant rotini pasta and arrange glazed steak strips on top. Sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Use a cast-iron skillet for the best sear and flavor development on the steak, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust.
  • Slice the steak against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing, cutting through the muscle fibers.
  • Let the steak rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain its juices and prevent dryness, resulting in a more succulent meal.
  • Adjust the honey and red pepper flakes to control sweetness and spice levels, making the dish customizable for different taste preferences.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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