Hey, do you love a meal that’s sweet, savory, and super satisfying? Me too! This Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini is just that — packed with sticky sauce and tender steak bites.
The steak gets coated in a rich honey garlic glaze, and the rotini soaks up all those flavors. Plus, it’s quick to make and perfect for any night.
If you want a dish that feels special but comes together fast, this recipe is for you. Let me share how I make it every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced Flavor: The sweetness of honey pairs perfectly with the savory garlic and soy sauce for a delicious glaze.
- Tender Steak: Quick cooking ensures your steak stays juicy and tender.
- Comforting Pasta: Rotini holds the sauce well, making every forkful full of flavor.
- Simple and Quick: From prep to table in under an hour with minimal fuss.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully for lunches or dinners.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Servings:
Makes about 4 generous servings.
Difficulty:
Suitable for beginner to intermediate cooks.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Medium pot for boiling pasta
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients for Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this savory and sweet dinner together (exact amounts are in the recipe card below):
- Flank steak or sirloin: Thinly sliced for quick, even cooking.
- Rotini pasta: Spiral-shaped pasta that holds sauce beautifully.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for the best aroma and flavor.
- Honey: Provides the sticky, sweet glaze that balances the dish.
- Soy sauce: Adds rich umami and saltiness.
- Rice vinegar: Gives a subtle tang to brighten the flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a mild kick of heat.
- Green onions: Chopped fresh to garnish and add a crisp note.
- Olive oil or vegetable oil: For searing the steak and sautéing garlic.
Variations for Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini
- Swap the Steak: Use thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs for a lighter variation.
- Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
- Spice it Up: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha for a spicier sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Make it Vegan: Replace steak with tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup instead of honey.
How to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Slice the Steak
While pasta cooks, thinly slice the steak against the grain. This helps keep it tender when cooked.
3. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
4. Cook the Steak
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak slices in a single layer (do this in batches if needed). Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned but still juicy. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.
5. Sauté Garlic and Combine
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté remaining minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Toss Everything Together
Add cooked rotini and steak back into the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat in the sauce. Heat through for another 1-2 minutes.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for freshness and crunch. Serve warm.
How to Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini
This dish is hearty and flavorful on its own but pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides:
- Steamed or roasted vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a fresh, healthy touch.
- Simple green salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the steak and sauce.
- Garlic bread: For a comforting side to soak up any extra sauce.
Serve this pasta dish warm, straight from the skillet, making it perfect for casual family dinners or meal prep lunches.
Storing Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short intervals to avoid drying out the steak. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen but pasta texture may change slightly. Freeze in portioned containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Cut steak thinly: This keeps it tender and helps it cook quickly without drying out.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook steak in batches if necessary to get a nice sear.
- Watch the sauce consistency: Simmer the sauce just until it thickens slightly so it clings well to the pasta and steak.
- Use fresh garlic: It makes a big difference in flavor over pre-minced or powdered garlic.
- Taste and adjust: Balance the honey and soy sauce to your liking, adding more honey for sweetness or soy for saltiness.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 10 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portions.
Sticky Honey Garlic Steak And Rotini
Course: Dinners15
minutes30
minutes450
kcalIngredients
1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
8 oz rotini pasta
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Slice steak thinly against the grain.
- In a bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak slices in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but tender. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté remaining garlic for 30 seconds. Add the sauce and simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return steak and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Heat through 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.
Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes, sirloin or ribeye thinly sliced also works well. Just adjust cooking time for tenderness.
Q: How do I prevent the steak from becoming tough?
A: Slice against the grain and avoid overcooking. Quick searing is best.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead?
A: Yes, it reheats well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of water when reheating to keep sauce moist.
Q: Is there a vegetarian version?
A: Substitute steak with tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly dish.
Conclusion
Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a comforting yet exciting dinner. The tender steak and twisty rotini soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully. This recipe is straightforward, quick to prepare, and keeps well, making it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Give it a try, and you might find this becoming a new family favorite.