It is 6pm and your family is hungry. You need a meal that is fast and satisfying. This Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and rotini is the perfect solution for busy fall nights.
This dish delivers a restaurant-quality glaze right in your own kitchen. It is sweet, savory, and perfectly tender. Your kids will love the fun spiral pasta and the sticky, golden sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total winner for several reasons. It takes only 30 minutes from start to finish. You likely have most of the sauce ingredients in your pantry right now.
The combination of honey and garlic creates a flavor that everyone enjoys. It is perfect for busy weeknights when you are short on time. You get protein and carbs in one delicious, easy-to-clean skillet.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making this dish is very straightforward and beginner-friendly. You will boil the pasta while you sear the steak bites. The sauce thickens quickly right in the same pan.
Even if you are new to cooking steak, this method is completely foolproof. Small steak cubes cook fast and stay juicy. You simply toss everything together at the end for a glossy finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fresh ingredients make this simple dish shine. Using fresh ginger and garlic adds a wonderful aroma to your kitchen.
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Directions
- Cook rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Season steak cubes with salt and black pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Sear the steak cubes in batches until browned on all sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per batch, then remove from skillet and set aside.
- Wipe out excess oil and melt butter in the same skillet.
- Pour the honey-soy mixture into the skillet and simmer over medium heat until the sauce begins to thicken, about 2 minutes.
- Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the glaze.
- Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet, tossing until the rotini is evenly coated and the sauce is sticky.
- Garnish with red pepper flakes and sliced green onions before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this meal in big, warm bowls for the ultimate comfort. The glossy sauce clings perfectly to every spiral of the rotini. It looks beautiful on the table with the bright green onion garnish.
Pair it with a simple side of steamed broccoli or a crisp salad. This helps balance the sweetness of the honey glaze. Gather your family around the table and enjoy this hearty, homemade meal together.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers store very well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. This makes a fantastic office lunch the next day.
To reheat, add a tiny splash of water to the pan. This helps loosen the sticky sauce without drying out the steak. Warm it gently over medium-low heat until heated through.
Tips for Best Results
- Do not crowd the skillet when searing the steak bites.
- Sear in batches to get a perfect golden crust on the meat.
- Use a microplane to grate your ginger easily and finely.
- Whisk the cornstarch thoroughly so the sauce is completely smooth.
- Add more red pepper flakes if your family loves a little heat.
- Double the sauce if you like your pasta extra saucy.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente so it stays firm.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Swap the steak for chicken breast for a lighter version.
- Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce to suit dietary needs.
- Stir in some fresh snap peas during the last minute of cooking.
- Try using rice noodles for a different texture and feel.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice for a bright, citrusy kick.
Quick Answers
What is the best cut of steak to use?
Sirloin is excellent because it is lean and tender. You could also use ribeye or New York strip for a richer flavor. Just ensure you cut the meat into uniform bite-sized pieces.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can whisk the sauce ingredients together a day in advance. However, the steak tastes best when freshly seared and served immediately. It only takes 15 minutes to cook!
Is this recipe too spicy for kids?
The red pepper flakes are only for garnish at the end. If your kids are sensitive to heat, simply leave them off. The main sauce is sweet and mild.
I hope this sticky honey garlic steak becomes a new favorite in your home. It is the perfect way to bring everyone together after a long day. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini
Ingredients
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1/2 cup hone y
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger , grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarc h
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butte r
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions , sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Season steak cubes with salt and black pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Sear the steak cubes in batches until browned on all sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per batch, then remove from skillet and set aside.
- Wipe out excess oil and melt butter in the same skillet.
- Pour the honey-soy mixture into the skillet and simmer over medium heat until the sauce begins to thicken, about 2 minutes.
- Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the glaze.
- Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet, tossing until the rotini is evenly coated and the sauce is sticky.
- Garnish with red pepper flakes and sliced green onions before serving.
