Description
This Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini recipe is a quick and comforting dish that combines tender, flavorful steak with al dente rotini pasta tossed in a luscious sticky honey garlic sauce. The savory umami of soy sauce balanced with the sweetness of honey and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes makes for an irresistible meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Steak (can be substituted with chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
- 8 oz Rotini pasta
Sauce & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 4 cloves Fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the rotini: Begin by boiling the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the other ingredients.
- Prepare the steak: Season the steak generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak for 4-5 minutes per side until it reaches your preferred doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Make the honey garlic sauce: Using the same skillet with the steak drippings, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Toss pasta in the sauce: Return the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss it thoroughly in the sticky honey garlic sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it and help it cling beautifully to the pasta.
- Combine steak and pasta: Add the sliced steak back into the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Toss for another 1-2 minutes allowing flavors to meld and steak to warm through.
- Garnish and serve: Plate the pasta and steak mixture, then sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Optionally, drizzle more honey or add extra red pepper flakes for sweetness or heat before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the steak with chicken, shrimp, or tofu to suit dietary preferences.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- If you prefer a milder sauce, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Adding reserved pasta water helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- Allowing the steak to rest before slicing ensures a tender texture.
