Description
This Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini recipe combines tender, thinly sliced flank steak with perfectly cooked rotini pasta, all coated in a luscious, sticky honey garlic sauce. With a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, this dish is simple yet impressive, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or casual dinner with friends. Garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and optional red pepper flakes, it’s a delightful Asian-inspired pasta entrée that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for depth)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
Optional Garnish
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Marinate the Steak: In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to tenderize and develop flavor.
- Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak slices in a single layer, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes per side to achieve a nice brown sear while keeping the meat juicy. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, combine ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup honey, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and hoisin sauce if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
- Toss Steak and Pasta in Sauce: Return the cooked steak to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sticky sauce. Add the cooked rotini pasta and stir well until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to heat everything through.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the honey garlic steak and rotini hot, garnished with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the steak with chicken breast, tofu, or your preferred protein for customization.
- Adding steamed broccoli, snap peas, or other vegetables can make this a more balanced and colorful meal.
- Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by varying the honey and soy sauce quantities according to taste.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and gluten-free pasta.
