Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini

This guide shows you a recipe guide for Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini.

Follow the steps below to make a meal that tastes good and is easy to prepare.

What is a Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini?

Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini is a dish that pairs seared steak in a sweet and savory sauce with rotini pasta.

The sauce coats both the meat and pasta, creating a dish that is both sticky and flavorful.

The steak is cooked until it has a good sear, then combined with a sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar.

The rotini pasta soaks up the sauce and adds a soft texture to the dish. This meal is a mix of hearty protein and satisfying carbohydrates.

It is a dish that works well for dinner or a special meal.

The taste is balanced by the sweetness of honey and the sharp flavor of garlic. Simple ingredients come together to form a dish that is pleasing and easy to make.

Ingredients for Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini

• 1 lb steak (sirloin or flank)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• 1/4 cup honey
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• Optional: 1/4 cup sesame seeds

This list shows all the items you need. Each ingredient has a role.

The steak provides protein and flavor. Honey adds a sweet note. Garlic and soy sauce bring a bold taste.

The pasta acts as a base that soaks up the sauce.

Olive oil helps in cooking and gives a rich texture. Red pepper flakes add a slight heat.

Green onions and sesame seeds serve as optional toppings that enhance the look and flavor of the dish.

Directions for Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini

Step 1
Gather all ingredients. Prepare your steak by patting it dry and seasoning both sides with salt and black pepper. Arrange all items on a clean work surface.

Step 2
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Place the steak in the pan. Sear each side until the meat shows a brown color. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Do not overcrowd the pan.

Step 3
Remove the steak from the pan. Let it rest on a plate. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm. Resting helps the juices settle into the meat.

Step 4
In the same pan, add the minced garlic. Stir the garlic for about 1 minute until you smell its aroma. Do not let the garlic burn; a light stir is enough.

Step 5
Mix honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Pour this sauce mixture into the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes. This process thickens the sauce slightly.

Step 6
Return the steak to the pan. Coat the steak evenly with the sauce. Allow the steak to cook in the sauce for 3 more minutes. Turn the steak once to soak up more flavor from both sides.

Step 7
In a separate pot, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Boil water and add a pinch of salt. When the pasta reaches al dente, drain it well.

Step 8
Add the drained pasta to the pan. Toss the pasta gently so that it mixes well with the steak and sauce. Ensure every piece of pasta is coated with the sticky sauce.

Step 9
Optionally, mix in chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish. This adds color and extra taste. Stir lightly to combine.

Step 10
Serve the dish immediately. Enjoy the meal while it is warm. The sticky sauce and tender steak come together with the pasta to create a meal that is satisfying and easy to make.

Each step follows a clear order. Follow the steps one by one to achieve a dish that is balanced in taste and texture.

Expert Tips for Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini

Use fresh steak for the best taste.

Let the meat come to room temperature before cooking. This practice helps the steak cook evenly. When you sear the steak, do not move it too much.

A steady sear forms a crust that holds flavor.

Use a heavy pan to spread the heat evenly. Mince the garlic finely so that it releases its taste quickly. Measure the honey and soy sauce to balance the sweet and salty notes. Cook the pasta until it is just al dente.

Overcooked pasta may turn soft and mushy. When you add the sauce to the pasta, stir slowly to avoid breaking the noodles.

Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level. If you prefer a milder dish, use fewer flakes.

For an extra touch, add a splash of lemon juice at the end.

This step adds brightness without overpowering the sauce. Follow these steps to improve your dish with small, clear adjustments.

Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini Variations

• Use chicken instead of steak.
• Add broccoli or snap peas.
• Replace rotini with spaghetti or penne.
• Mix in red bell pepper slices.
• Use brown rice instead of pasta.

These variations allow you to change the dish. Each option gives a new taste while keeping the main ingredients.

Things that I can serve with Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini

• Side salad
• Steamed vegetables
• Garlic bread
• Roasted carrots
• Cucumber salad

Each side adds a fresh note to the dish. The sides help complete the meal.

Topping Options for Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini

You can add toppings to improve the dish.

Sprinkle sesame seeds on top to add a nutty flavor. Add chopped green onions for a fresh crunch. Drizzle extra honey for more sweetness if needed. A light squeeze of lemon can bring a tangy note.

Toasted almonds or cashews add a crunchy texture. Each topping offers a new taste and a pleasing look to the finished dish.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini

This table shows how to handle leftovers. Follow the guidelines to keep the dish fresh. When you store the meal, make sure it cools completely before sealing it.

This prevents condensation. If you freeze the dish, use a container that fits the amount. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta or meat. These steps help preserve taste and texture.

Ways to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini

• Stove top cooking
• Grilling the steak before combining
• Slow cooker method
• Pressure cooker method

Each method offers a different approach.

Stove-top cooking is fast and direct.

Grilling the steak adds a smoky flavor.

The slow cooker method works for a soft, infused taste. A pressure cooker speeds up the process while keeping flavors locked in.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A: Yes. You can use ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak. Each cut will give a different texture and flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
A: Cook the pasta in salted water. Stir it occasionally. Drain the pasta well after cooking.

Q: Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
A: Yes. Change the amount of honey to suit your taste. Use less honey for a less sweet sauce.

Q: How do I know when the steak is done?
A: Use a meat thermometer if available. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F. Let the steak rest before slicing.

Q: Can I add extra vegetables?
A: Yes. Vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or red bell peppers work well. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking.

The FAQ section answers common questions. These answers help you adjust the dish to your needs.

Conclusion

Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini is a tasty dish that is easy to prepare.

The recipe shows clear steps to cook the steak and pasta.

Enjoy the meal with your favorite sides and toppings.

Sticky Honey Garlic Steak & Rotini Recipe

Juicy steak bites seared to perfection, smothered in a sticky honey garlic sauce, and served over al dente rotini pasta. This quick, savory-sweet dish is ideal for weeknights or entertaining

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Asian-Inspired

Servings 4 people

Equipment

• 1 Skillet (preferably cast iron)
• 1 Large pot for boiling pasta
• 1 Mixing bowl
• 1 Whisk
• 1 Tongs
• 1 Measuring cups/spoons
• 1 Cutting board & chef’s knife
• 1 Colander

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb sirloin or flank steak cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 1 tbsp butter divided
• 2 tbsp cornstarch + 4 tbsp water slurry
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese optional for pasta
• Green onions & sesame seeds chopped for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cook the Pasta:
• Boil salted water in a pot. Add rotini and cook al dente per package instructions. Drain, toss with ½ tbsp butter and Parmesan (if using), and set aside.
• Sear the Steak:
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized. Transfer to a plate.
• Make the Sauce:
• Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining ½ tbsp butter to the skillet. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2 minutes.
• Add cornstarch slurry and cook 1–2 minutes until thickened.
• Combine:
• Return steak to the skillet and toss to coat in sauce. Add cooked pasta, tossing to combine. Simmer 2 minutes.
• Serve:
• Plate immediately. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

• Budget Breakdown:
  • Steak: $10 | Rotini: $1.50 | Honey: $1.50 | Soy sauce: $0.50 | Olive oil: $0.20 | Butter: $0.30 | Garlic: $0.50 | Other spices: $0.10 | Total: $14.60.
  • Optional: Parmesan, green onions, sesame seeds add $1–2.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with water to prevent drying.
• Variations:
  • Swap rotini with penne or linguine.
  • Use chicken or tofu for a lighter version.
  • Omit red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
• Serving Tips: Pair with steamed broccoli, garlic bread, or a crisp salad.

Keyword steak, rotini, honey garlic sauce, one-pan meal, gluten-free (if soy-free option used)