If you love tender, juicy steak and buttery, garlicky noodles, this Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles recipe is about to become your new favorite! This dish is quick, easy, and packed with bold flavorsβperfect for a 15-minute weeknight dinner or a hearty meal after a long day.
Letβs get cooking! π₯πβ¨
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
βοΈ Super Quick & Easy: Ready in 15 minutes with minimal effort.
βοΈ Juicy, Tender Steak: Seared to perfection with garlic butter flavor.
βοΈ Savory & Rich Noodles: Tossed in a buttery, umami-packed sauce.
βοΈ One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup = more time to enjoy!
βοΈ Customizable: Add veggies, spice, or different noodles for variety!
What Do They Taste Like? π€€
These lightning-fast noodles are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with hints of soy sauce, a touch of spice, and a slight sweetness. The tender, seared steak strips add a hearty, satisfying bite, making every forkful absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Steak:
- 12 oz steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), thinly sliced π₯©
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce π₯’ (adds umami flavor)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch π½ (keeps the steak tender)
- Β½ teaspoon black pepper πΏ
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil π’οΈ (for high-heat searing)
For the Garlic Butter Noodles:
- 8 oz noodles (spaghetti, ramen, or udon) π
- 3 tablespoons butter π§ (rich, flavorful sauce base)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced π§ (bold garlicky goodness)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce π₯’ (deepens the umami flavor)
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (or Worcestershire sauce) π¦ͺ (optional, adds depth)
- Β½ teaspoon red pepper flakes πΆοΈ (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar π― (balances the flavors)
- Β½ teaspoon sesame oil πΏ (for a nutty finish)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped π± (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds, for topping π° (optional)
Tools Youβll Need
βοΈ Large skillet or wok
βοΈ Tongs or spatula
βοΈ Pot for boiling noodles
βοΈ Cutting board & knife
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles
Step 1: Prep the Steak
1οΈβ£ Slice the steak thinly against the grain for tenderness.
2οΈβ£ In a bowl, toss the steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Set aside for 5 minutes while you prep the noodles.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
1οΈβ£ Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package instructions.
2οΈβ£ Drain and toss with Β½ teaspoon sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
1οΈβ£ Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
2οΈβ£ Add the steak slices in a single layer and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned.
3οΈβ£ Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
1οΈβ£ Reduce heat to medium, then add butter to the pan.
2οΈβ£ Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. SautΓ© for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3οΈβ£ Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
1οΈβ£ Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
2οΈβ£ Return the seared steak to the pan and stir to combine.
3οΈβ£ Cook for 1 more minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
1οΈβ£ Remove from heat and top with green onions and sesame seeds.
2οΈβ£ Serve hot and enjoy the best garlic butter steak noodles ever! ππ₯
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Steak Noodles
π₯ Cucumber Salad or Asian Slaw β A fresh, crunchy contrast.
π₯¬ Garlic SautΓ©ed Bok Choy β Light, garlicky greens complement the dish.
π Miso Soup or Egg Drop Soup β A warm, comforting side.
π· A Glass of Red Wine or Iced Green Tea β Perfect for pairing!
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Noodles
βοΈ Use High Heat for the Steak: This gives a beautiful sear while keeping the steak tender.
βοΈ Thinly Slice the Steak: Cuts against the grain = super tender beef.
βοΈ Donβt Overcook the Noodles: Slightly undercook them so they stay chewy when mixed with the sauce.
βοΈ Adjust the Spice Level: Add extra red pepper flakes or Sriracha if you love heat!
βοΈ Let the Sauce Thicken: Simmer the sauce for 30 seconds before adding noodles for a richer texture.
Variations & Fun Twists
π₯¦ Veggie Boost: Add broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas.
π₯ Extra Spicy: Drizzle with chili oil or hot sauce before serving.
π Swap the Protein: Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of steak.
π₯ Peanut Butter Twist: Add 1 tablespoon peanut butter for a nutty depth.
How to Store & Reheat
βοΈ Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
π₯ Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce.
π§ Freeze: Not recommended, as noodles can become mushy after freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles instead of wheat-based noodles.
2. Whatβs the best steak for this dish?
Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak work best because they are tender and cook quickly.
3. Can I use pre-cooked noodles?
Yes! Just rinse them under warm water before tossing them in the sauce.
4. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?
Toss them with a little sesame oil after draining.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the steak and sauce ahead of time, then quickly cook everything together before serving.
Wrapping It Up π₯©πβ¨
This Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles recipe is the perfect combination of bold, buttery flavors and tender, juicy steakβready in just 15 minutes! Whether you’re making a quick dinner, meal prepping, or satisfying a noodle craving, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
If you try this recipe, Iβd love to hear how it turned out! Share your photos and tag me on Pinterest or InstagramβI canβt wait to see your delicious noodles! πβ¨
More Quick & Easy Noodle Recipes to Try:
π Spicy Sesame Garlic Ramen
π₯‘ Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Noodles
π₯ Gochujang Beef Udon Noodles
Happy cooking, and enjoy every garlicky, buttery bite! πππ₯©