If you’re craving a meal that hits every note—from sweet and savory to tender and perfectly saucy—you have got to try this Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini Recipe. It’s honestly one of those dishes that feels like a restaurant-quality dinner but comes together effortlessly on a weeknight. The juicy steak strips get coated in a luscious, sticky honey garlic sauce that clings beautifully to every twist and turn of the rotini pasta, and the vibrant veggies add just the right touch of color and crunch. You’re in for a satisfying, comforting, and truly delicious experience with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These essentials might look straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish pop. From the hearty sirloin to the fresh veggies and that irresistible honey garlic glaze, you’ll see how simple ingredients come together to create something spectacular.
- 12 ounces rotini pasta: The perfect twisty pasta shape that holds onto sauce wonderfully.
- 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into thin strips: Tender and flavorful, perfect for quick cooking and soaking up the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a beautiful sear that locks in the steak’s juices.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds that essential aromatic punch to the sauce.
- 1/3 cup honey: Brings the rich, sticky sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides umami depth without overpowering saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds tanginess and a hint of tomato sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brightens the sauce with a subtle acidic touch.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water: The secret to that gorgeous, glossy thick sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a gentle warmth and spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to keep things interesting.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant green color.
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Sweet and crisp, bringing brightness and eye appeal.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions: An aromatic garnish that finishes the dish perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and lovely texture.
How to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the rotini according to the package directions until it’s just al dente. It’s important not to overcook, so the pasta keeps a nice bite that contrasts beautifully with the tender steak and sauce. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Strips
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spread the steak strips out in a single layer and sear them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a mouthwatering brown crust. This locking in of juices ensures every piece is tender and packed with flavor. After searing, remove the steak strips from the skillet and set them aside to rest briefly.
Step 3: Build the Honey Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Now, stir in the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—this is when the magic really starts to happen as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables in the Sauce
Add the broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper to the simmering sauce. Allow these to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, just enough to soften them slightly while keeping a satisfying crunch. This step not only infuses the veggies with that glossy honey garlic flavor but also adds great color contrast to the dish.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce and Combine
Stir in the cornstarch mixed with water (the cornstarch slurry) into the skillet and simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes shiny and sticky. Return the steak strips to the skillet and toss them so they’re thoroughly coated in the delicious sauce. Finally, add the cooked rotini pasta and gently toss everything together until the noodles are evenly covered in that irresistible Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini Recipe sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top. These little finishing touches add both a pop of freshness and crunchy texture, rounding off this incredible dish perfectly.
How to Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and sesame seeds are the classic garnishes here, but you can also try finely chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a bright twist. These add contrast and an extra layer of visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Because this meal is wonderfully filling on its own, a simple side like steamed veggies or a crisp Asian-style cucumber salad complements it well. Light, fresh sides help balance the richness of the sticky honey garlic sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, casual vibe, serve the Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini Recipe in big bowls perfect for family-style sharing. Alternatively, plate it beautifully with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and an edible flower or microgreens for a dinner party presentation that wows.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to develop even more, making your next meal just as delicious. Keep the garnishes separate and add them fresh when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to do so without the pasta. Freeze the steak, sauce, and veggies in a sealed container for up to 2 months, then thaw and gently reheat, adding freshly cooked rotini pasta to preserve the texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm through evenly. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage to bring back that perfect sticky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal because it holds the sauce well, you can substitute with penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just cook it to al dente for the best texture.
What cut of steak works best?
Sirloin is great for this recipe due to its tenderness and flavor, but flank steak or ribeye strips can also shine here. Just make sure to slice them thinly for quick, even cooking.
How spicy is the Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini Recipe?
It has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes that adds a nice kick without overwhelming the sweet and savory sauce. If you want it spicier, feel free to add more flakes or a splash of sriracha.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. It reheats well and can be portioned out for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week, making it a fantastic meal prep option.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini Recipe—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. Easy to prepare with accessible ingredients, yet bursting with layers of flavor and texture, it quickly becomes a go-to favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how deliciously simple weeknight dinners can be!
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Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini is a delightful Asian-inspired main course combining tender sirloin steak strips with a flavorful honey garlic sauce, sautéed vegetables, and perfectly cooked rotini pasta. Sweet, savory, and slightly spicy, this dish is quick to prepare and makes for a satisfying dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
Steak and Sauce
- 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Cook the Steak: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the steak strips in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the broccoli florets and thinly sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the sauce. Continue to simmer until the sauce thickens and achieves a glossy consistency.
- Combine Steak and Sauce: Return the cooked steak strips to the skillet and toss to coat them thoroughly in the sticky honey garlic sauce.
- Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and mixed well with the steak and vegetables.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh, nutty finish before serving warm.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha.
- You can substitute sirloin with flank steak or ribeye depending on preference.
- For a lighter option, use whole wheat rotini and reduce the honey slightly.
