The Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini Recipe is a delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors that come together in a vibrant, satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Tender slices of steak bathed in a sticky, garlicky honey sauce are paired beautifully with al dente rotini pasta, creating a comforting meal that is bursting with rich taste and a wonderful depth of flavor. This recipe is as easy to whip up as it is incredible to eat, balancing hearty protein with the comforting carbs of pasta and a sauce that clings to every bite.

Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple, accessible ingredients, this recipe lets each element shine while building layers of flavor. Every ingredient adds something essential, from the tender meat and al dente rotini that offer texture and substance, to the honey and soy sauce that create the irresistible sticky glaze.

1 lb flank steak or sirloin: Choose thin slices cutting against the grain for maximum tenderness.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For a quick sear that locks in juices without smoking.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Basic seasoning to bring out the natural flavors of the steak.
1/4 cup honey: Adds luscious sweetness and helps create that signature sticky glaze.
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari): Provides savory umami depth and balances the honey’s sweetness.
2 tablespoons garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic gives the dish a fragrant and bold punch.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar): Adds a subtle tang to brighten the sauce.
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional): For an extra layer of nutty flavor that elevates the profile.
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the sauce into a perfect sticky consistency.
8 oz rotini pasta: Twisted rotini pasta captures the sauce perfectly in every bite.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to toss the cooked pasta for a light coating and to keep it from sticking.
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional): Adds a hint of herbaceous warmth to the pasta.
Fresh parsley, chopped: The ideal bright green garnish to finish off your dish beautifully.

How to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Start by slicing your steak thinly against the grain, which is key for tenderness. Season the pieces with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor before giving them a quick sear in a hot skillet with olive oil. This locks in the juices and creates a beautiful crust that makes the steak truly irresistible.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In the same pan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Let this mixture simmer gently so the flavors meld together and the sauce begins to thicken slightly. If you want that perfect sticky texture, stir in a little cornstarch dissolved in water and cook until the sauce clings to the back of a spoon.

Step 3: Cook the Rotini

While your sauce simmers, boil your rotini pasta in salted water until just al dente, usually around 8 minutes. Drain the cooked pasta and toss it with olive oil and dried Italian herbs if using — this extra step infuses the pasta with subtle flavor and keeps it from sticking as you combine it with the succulent steak.

Step 4: Combine Steak and Pasta

Return the seared steak back into the pan with your gloriously sticky honey garlic sauce and toss it to ensure every piece is coated. Then fold gently in the rotini, mixing everything together so the pasta is enveloped in that glossy, flavorful sauce. This step is where the dish really comes to life. Every forkful offers a hit of tender steak, sweet sauce, and perfectly textured pasta.

How to Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini Recipe

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce, making the dish even more visually appealing and balanced in flavor.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh side salads like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or even roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli, which bring a welcome contrast in texture and freshness to the bold flavors of the honey garlic steak.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the steak and rotini in individual shallow bowls topped with a drizzle of extra sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for texture. You could also add a wedge of lime on the side for guests to squeeze over, introducing a citrus note that energizes the entire dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of this Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as delicious.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, it’s best to keep the steak and pasta separate if possible, as pasta can become mushy when frozen. Freeze each in a sealed container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir occasionally for even warmth without drying out the tender steak or pasta.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak in this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin is recommended for tenderness and flavor, you can use ribeye or strip steak as well—just be sure to slice thinly against the grain to keep the meat tender.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! By substituting tamari for soy sauce and using gluten-free pasta instead of regular rotini, this Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini Recipe can be made gluten-free without sacrificing any flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, swap the steak for firm tofu or tempeh, pan-fried until golden. The sticky honey garlic sauce tastes incredible with these protein options, offering a similar delightful texture and flavor balance.

How can I make the sauce less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet sauce, simply reduce the honey slightly or increase the soy sauce and vinegar balance to add more savory and tangy notes, customizing the sauce to your taste.

What type of pasta works best in this recipe?

Rotini is ideal because its spiral shape traps the sauce wonderfully, but feel free to use other shapes like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure the pasta can hold sauce well to keep each bite flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini Recipe is a true weeknight hero that feels special enough to serve to friends but is easy enough to make any night of the week. The combination of sticky, sweet, garlicky sauce with tender steak and perfectly cooked pasta is downright addictive. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your favorite go-to dishes too!

Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini Recipe

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3.9 from 53 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A quick and delicious Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini recipe featuring tender flank steak cooked in a flavorful honey garlic sauce, paired perfectly with al dente rotini pasta. This meal combines sweet and savory with a hint of garlic and soy for an easy weeknight dinner packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Steak and Sauce

1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For the Pasta

8 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and dried Italian herbs if using to prevent sticking and add flavor.
Season the Steak: While the pasta cooks, thinly slice the flank steak against the grain to ensure tenderness. Season the slices generously with salt and pepper.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil (if using). Set aside.
Cook the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced steak in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned but still tender. Remove steak from the pan and set aside.
Combine and Thicken Sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce mixture into the same skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch in 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the simmering sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.
Mix Steak and Sauce: Return the seared steak slices to the skillet and toss well to coat in the sticky honey garlic sauce. Cook for another minute to blend flavors.
Serve: Plate the cooked rotini pasta and spoon the honey garlic steak mixture over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve immediately.