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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
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
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)