The Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender steak, perfectly cooked pasta, and a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. This dish is all about bold flavors and hearty satisfaction, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or special meal when you want to impress without spending too much time in the kitchen. The steak is seared to perfection and coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce that’s just the right balance of sweetness and savory goodness, while the rotini pasta adds a fun twist to the dish, soaking up the flavorful sauce.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a few ingredients, you can create a gourmet meal that looks and tastes like something from a high-end restaurant. The combination of the juicy steak, honey garlic sauce, and al dente rotini is irresistible, and the leftovers are just as good, making it a great choice for meal prepping as well. If you’re craving a comforting yet exciting dinner, this Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini will surely become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Rich and Flavorful Sauce
The honey garlic sauce is a perfect balance of sweetness, garlic, and a touch of heat, making the steak and pasta incredibly flavorful.
2. Tender, Juicy Steak
The steak is perfectly cooked and tender, soaking up all the delicious sauce for a mouthwatering bite with every forkful.
3. Easy and Quick
This recipe can be made in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something tasty in a short amount of time.
4. Comforting and Satisfying
The rotini pasta soaks up the flavorful sauce, creating a hearty and comforting dish that is sure to fill you up.
5. Versatile and Customizable
You can easily tweak the recipe by using different types of steak, adding vegetables, or adjusting the sweetness and spice level of the sauce to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
For the Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini:
- Steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak)
- Rotini pasta (or your preferred type of pasta)
- Fresh garlic (minced)
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of spice)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Variations
- Different Cuts of Meat: While this recipe uses steak, you can substitute the steak with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a different protein.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy Option: For a spicy kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some chili sauce to the honey garlic mixture.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap the rotini pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lower-carb alternative.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in a little heavy cream to the sauce for a creamy, rich version of this dish.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rotini
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a little pasta water to add to the sauce if needed.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
While the pasta is cooking, season your steak with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak to the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of your steak and desired doneness. Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add a little more olive oil if necessary and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Then, add the honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes sticky.
Step 4: Toss the Pasta
Add the cooked rotini to the skillet with the honey garlic sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s well coated. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 5: Combine the Steak and Pasta
Once the pasta is coated with the sauce, add the sliced steak on top and gently toss to combine everything. Let it cook together for another minute or two, ensuring the steak absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve the Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Resting the Steak: After cooking the steak, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to ensure the juices stay inside the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
- Use High-Quality Steak: For the best flavor and tenderness, choose a good-quality cut of steak such as ribeye or sirloin.
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Be sure to sauté the garlic just until fragrant to avoid it becoming bitter.
- Pasta Alternatives: You can use any type of pasta for this recipe, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti, depending on your preference.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey, or if you like it less sweet, reduce the honey.
- Make the Sauce Creamy: For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk after simmering the honey and soy sauce.
How to Serve
Serve the Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini in a large bowl or plate, topped with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color. This dish is perfect on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for an extra nutritional boost. A side of garlic bread would also complement the meal beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Be sure to keep the pasta and steak separate from any extra sauce to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the steak and pasta separately for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop and add fresh sauce.
Reheating
Reheat the leftovers on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure the steak and pasta heat evenly.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes, you can substitute the steak with chicken breast or thighs. Cook the chicken in the same way and then slice it thinly for the dish.
2. Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Rotini is a great option because it holds the sauce well, but feel free to experiment.
3. Is this dish spicy?
The dish can be made spicy by adding red pepper flakes or chili sauce. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli to the dish for extra flavor and texture.
5. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and make sure the soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari as a substitute.
6. How do I prevent the steak from getting tough?
Be sure not to overcook the steak, and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it to retain its juices and tenderness.
7. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to use, simply heat it up and toss with the pasta and steak.
8. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.
9. How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, and avoid overcooking it. If storing, be sure to toss the pasta with the sauce just before serving.
10. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, replace the steak with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of the soy sauce for a rich, savory flavor.
Conclusion
The Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The sweet and savory honey garlic sauce brings out the best in the tender steak, while the rotini pasta soaks up all that delicious flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite. With simple ingredients and a short prep time, you can enjoy a gourmet meal at home that’s both comforting and full of bold flavors!
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Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender steak with a sweet, savory honey garlic sauce, served over hearty rotini pasta. This dish is perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner that will impress anyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak, thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ginger, grated (optional for added flavor)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1/2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Steak:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the steak slices with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the steak to the skillet in batches, if necessary, and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- To thicken the sauce further, whisk in the cornstarch mixture (cornstarch mixed with water). Stir and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce becomes sticky and coats the back of a spoon.
- Combine the Steak and Pasta:
- Add the cooked steak slices back into the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat evenly.
- Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta in the honey garlic sauce.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Serve the Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini in bowls or on plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and color.
Notes
- Steak Variations: You can use different cuts of steak such as sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak. Flank steak is a great option because it’s tender when sliced thinly against the grain.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach to the dish for extra nutrition and color.
- Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a few drops of sriracha to the sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet, Stove-top
- Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion