This Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini is packed with bold flavors, combining tender steak, sweet honey garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for an easy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
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1 lb sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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1 tbsp olive oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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⅓ cup honey
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For the Pasta:
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8 oz rotini pasta
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2 cups beef broth
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½ cup water
For Garnish:
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2 tbsp green onions, sliced
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1 tsp sesame seeds
Directions
Prepare the Steak:
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In a bowl, toss steak slices with soy sauce, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch. Let sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Pasta:
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In the same skillet, pour in beef broth and water. Bring to a boil.
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Add rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and absorbs some of the broth.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
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Reduce heat to medium-low and melt butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine & Serve:
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Return steak to the skillet and toss to coat in sauce. Stir in cooked rotini pasta.
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Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!
Time & Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4
Tips for the Best Sticky Honey Garlic Steak Pasta
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Use fresh garlic – Freshly minced garlic brings the best flavor.
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Thinly slice the steak – Cutting against the grain makes it more tender.
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Marinate longer for more flavor – Letting the steak sit in the seasoning for 15-30 minutes makes a big difference.
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Use a hot skillet – A high-heat sear gives a better crust on the steak.
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Cornstarch makes it tender – It helps lock in moisture and gives the meat a silky texture.
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Don’t overcook the steak – It should be slightly pink inside for the juiciest results.
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Deglaze with broth – Scrape up the browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
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Add pasta directly to the sauce – This allows it to absorb more flavor.
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Use low-sodium soy sauce – Helps control the saltiness of the dish.
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Balance the sweetness – If it’s too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or more soy sauce.
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Let the sauce simmer – Thickening it slightly helps coat the pasta better.
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Add vegetables – Bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms go great in this dish.
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Use sesame oil for extra flavor – A drizzle at the end enhances the taste.
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Garnish with extra sesame seeds – Adds a subtle crunch.
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Make it spicier – Add sriracha, chili flakes, or hot honey.
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Use chicken or shrimp instead – The sauce works well with different proteins.
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Make it creamier – Stir in a little cream or coconut milk for a richer sauce.
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Serve with a side – Steamed broccoli or a fresh salad pairs well.
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Save some pasta water – A splash can help loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
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Don’t rinse the pasta – Keeping the starch on the noodles helps the sauce cling better.
Variations to Try
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Bacon Upgrade – Add crispy bacon bits for extra crunch.
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Mushroom Twist – Toss in sautéed mushrooms for an umami boost.
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Spicy Kick – Double the red pepper flakes or add sriracha.
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Veggie-Packed – Add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli.
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Citrusy Touch – A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish.
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Cheesy Version – Stir in Parmesan or mozzarella for a cheesy twist.
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Different Cuts of Steak – Try ribeye or New York strip for more richness.
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Herb Infused – Fresh basil or cilantro adds a unique taste.
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Noodle Swap – Substitute lo mein noodles or egg noodles instead of rotini.
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Asian-Inspired – Add a dash of hoisin sauce for a deeper flavor.
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Refreshing Crunch – Top with julienned cucumbers or shredded carrots.
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Sweet and Savory – Add roasted sweet potatoes for a twist.
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Potato Swap – Serve the steak and sauce over mashed potatoes instead of pasta.
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Nutty Version – Toss in toasted cashews or peanuts for texture.
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Seafood Option – Swap steak for shrimp or scallops.
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Plant-Based – Use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
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Smoky Flavor – Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
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Bread on the Side – Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal.
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Teriyaki Blend – Mix in teriyaki sauce for a deeper umami taste.
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Holiday Special – Add cranberries and rosemary for a festive twist.
20 FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! Flank steak, ribeye, or sirloin all work well.
2. Can I use chicken instead?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast work great.
3. What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can leave it out or replace it with Worcestershire sauce.
4. How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer longer or mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir in.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and pasta.
6. Can I meal prep this?
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
7. How do I reheat leftovers?
Heat on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
8. Can I make it dairy-free?
Swap butter for olive oil or a vegan alternative.
9. Can I freeze it?
The sauce can be frozen, but pasta is best made fresh.
10. How do I make it less sweet?
Use less honey or balance with more soy sauce.
11. What wine pairs well with this?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
12. Can I add more garlic?
Always! You can double it if you love garlic.