Introduction
Sticky honey garlic steak and rotini is the kind of dish that delivers bold flavor with comforting familiarity. It combines tender, seared steak with pasta coated in a glossy, sweet-and-savory sauce that clings beautifully to every spiral of rotini. I first made this recipe when I wanted something hearty and indulgent that still felt quick enough for a weeknight dinner. The honey provides gentle sweetness, the garlic adds depth and aroma, and the sauce thickens just enough to feel luxurious without being heavy. Rotini is especially effective here because it traps the sauce in its ridges, ensuring every bite is well seasoned. This recipe is approachable, flexible, and incredibly satisfying, making it a dependable choice when you want a meal that feels generous, flavorful, and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory flavors. It is quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and comes together in one main pan. The steak stays tender, the sauce is glossy and bold, and the pasta makes it a complete, filling meal.
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Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini That’s Sweet, Savory, and Deeply Satisfying
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Tender steak strips coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce and tossed with rotini pasta for a sweet, savory, and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 300 g rotini pasta
- 500 g sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, cornstarch, black pepper, salt, and chili flakes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add steak slices and sear for 2–3 minutes until browned and just cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the honey garlic sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened and sticky.
- Return steak to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
- Add cooked rotini pasta and mix well until fully coated with sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Slice steak against the grain for tenderness.
- You can substitute chicken or shrimp for the steak.
- Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Steak
Steak provides richness and hearty texture. Sirloin or flank steak work best when sliced thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Rotini Pasta
Rotini holds sauce exceptionally well, making it ideal for sticky, glaze-style sauces like honey garlic.
Honey
Honey adds natural sweetness and helps create the sticky consistency that defines the sauce.
Garlic
Garlic gives the sauce its aromatic backbone and balances the sweetness of the honey.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami, grounding the sweetness and enhancing the steak’s flavor.
Butter
Butter adds richness and helps smooth out the sauce.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is used to sear the steak and prevent sticking while adding subtle flavor.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and sharpness to balance the sauce.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch lightly thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy, clingy finish.
Green Onions
Green onions add freshness and mild bite as a finishing touch.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by cooking the rotini in a large pot of well-salted water according to package instructions. Reserve a small amount of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Slice the steak thinly against the grain and season lightly with black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, until browned but still tender. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Stir in honey and soy sauce, allowing the mixture to simmer gently. Dissolve cornstarch in a small amount of water and add it to the sauce, stirring until slightly thickened.
Return the steak to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Add the cooked rotini and toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until heated through and glossy. Garnish with green onions before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, cooking time is 20 minutes, and total time is about 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to refresh the sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Sticky honey garlic steak and rotini is easy to adapt. You can add vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for extra color and texture. For a spicier version, include chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a deeper savory note, add a small amount of Worcestershire sauce.
You can also substitute steak with chicken or shrimp, adjusting cooking time accordingly. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used without changing the sauce, making this dish flexible for different dietary needs.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 560 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbs | 58 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Slice steak thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Do not overcook steak to keep it juicy.
Simmer sauce gently to avoid burning the honey.
Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
FAQs
What cut of steak works best?
Sirloin or flank steak are ideal for quick cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well.
Is this dish very sweet?
It is balanced; sweetness can be adjusted by reducing honey.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne or fusilli also work well.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are sweet-savory and mild.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, broccoli and bell peppers pair very well.
How do I thicken the sauce more?
Add a small extra amount of cornstarch slurry.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free soy sauce.
Why is my sauce too thick?
Add a splash of pasta water or water to loosen it.
What can I serve with this dish?
A simple green salad balances the richness well.
Conclusion
Sticky honey garlic steak and rotini is a bold, comforting dish that combines tender beef, glossy sauce, and perfectly coated pasta in one satisfying meal. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it is a recipe you can rely on whenever you want something hearty, indulgent, and deeply enjoyable.
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