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Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini

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Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini

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Looking for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner that combines tender steak, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich honey garlic sauce? This Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini Recipe is packed with bold flavors, easy to make, and sure to impress your family or guests. With tender slices of steak tossed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, paired with al dente rotini, this dish is a delicious fusion of comfort food and gourmet flavors.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Flavor-Packed: Honey garlic sauce balances sweet, salty, and umami flavors.
  • Customizable: Add vegetables, adjust spice levels, or switch the pasta type.
  • Versatile Steak Options: Works with ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak.
  • Meal-Friendly: Pair with a simple salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients Breakdown

The magic of this recipe comes from the combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients:

  • Steak: Ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak works best. Thinly slicing the steak ensures quick cooking and tender bites.
  • Honey and Soy Sauce: These form the base of the sticky garlic sauce, providing the perfect sweet-salty balance.
  • Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic adds aroma, while ginger adds a subtle depth of flavor.
  • Rotini Pasta: Spiral pasta holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is coated.
  • Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the sauce to a glossy, sticky consistency that clings to the steak and pasta.
  • Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley and sesame seeds enhance both presentation and taste.

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Tips and Tricks

  1. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooked pasta will continue to absorb the sauce without becoming mushy.
  2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook steak in batches to ensure even searing and prevent steaming.
  3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the flavor significantly compared to powders.
  4. Adjust Sweetness: Add more or less honey based on personal preference.
  5. Rest the Steak: Let the steak sit for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices.

Variations and Customizations

  • Vegetable Add-Ins: Broccoli, bell peppers, spinach, or snow peas make this dish more nutritious.
  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or sriracha for heat.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap soy sauce for tamari to make this dish gluten-free.
  • Protein Alternatives: Use chicken, pork, or tofu if steak isn’t preferred.
  • Pasta Options: Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti can replace rotini for variety.

Pairing Suggestions

  • Side Dishes: Serve with steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or a fresh garden salad.
  • Beverages: A light red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp iced tea complements the sweetness of the sauce.
  • Sauce Lovers: Double the sauce portion to serve over extra pasta or rice.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Can freeze cooked steak and pasta separately for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
  • Reheating Tips: Warm over medium heat to prevent the sauce from breaking. Add a splash of water or broth if needed.

Popular Questions

Q: Can I use frozen steak?
A: Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry to ensure proper searing.

Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: It’s mild by default, but adding red pepper flakes or sriracha increases the heat.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, cook the steak and pasta separately and combine with sauce when ready to serve.

Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini
Caroline

Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini

A savory-sweet pasta dish featuring tender seared steak coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze and tossed with rotini pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal balances rich umami flavors with a hint of heat and a glossy sauce that clings beautifully to each noodle.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 plates
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank, thinly sliced)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 0.5 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • sesame seeds (optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • saucepan for pasta
  • mixing bowl
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Boil rotini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Season steak with salt and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until desired doneness. Remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Sauté garlic for 1 minute, then add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
  5. Add steak back to skillet and coat with sauce. Toss in cooked rotini until evenly coated.
  6. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and sesame seeds before serving hot.

Notes

  • Steak Choices: Flank steak is ideal when sliced thinly across the grain.
  • Add Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach enhance nutrition.
  • Adjust Spice: More red pepper flakes or sriracha increases heat.
  • Gluten-Free: Use tamari in place of soy sauce.

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