If you want something that’s decadent but always quick to throw together, Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles are your recipe. Think juicy pieces of steak, cooked to perfection and combined with smooth noodles that are all covered in a delicious buttery and garlicky sauce. It’s a dish that’s equally at home on a hectic weeknight dinner table as it is at a festive gathering with friends. And the best part? It’s ready in just 20 minutes. Now let’s break down this magical, irresistible recipe.
Ingredients For Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles
And here is everything you will need to make this tasty dish:
- 8 oz flank steak, thinly sliced for fast, tender cooking.
- 8 oz egg or ramen noodles, ideally cooked al dente.
- 2 tablespoons butter, because who doesn’t want everything to taste a little more creamy and rich?
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for searing the shit out of the steak.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced for that flavor-packed punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), for a little bit of heat.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, because the umami never hurts.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, which gave the sauce extra depth.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce brings a bit of tang and savoriness.
- 1 teaspoon honey, a savory note with a touch of sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste.
- 1/4 cup diced green onions for a cool garnish.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional), for texture and nutty flavor.
Substitutions and Additions
This recipe is adaptable to the extreme, so make it your own depending on your dietary needs or preferences!
- Protein swaps: Not into steak? Swap in chicken, shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Noodle alternatives: For low-carb, try it over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. If you don’t have egg noodles on hand, spaghetti, fettuccine or rice noodles are all good substitutes.
- Veggie boosts: Add a handful of spinach, bell pepper or snap peas for color and a few more nutrients.
Why Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe Works
These Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles are a quick and easy dinner with a great gourmet taste! It’s delicious, satisfying and simple to make so it’s great for beginners and chefs alike. Feeding the family or impressing your dinner guests or simply spoiling yourself after a long day – this dish is that good.
Featuring tender steak, fragrant garlic and a buttery sauce that coats every noodle, this recipe is indulgent without being fussy or messy. And the awesome thing about it is the very making of it can be solely your own; spice it up, sweeten it or protein-fy it to adjust to your tastes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles are an easy, lightening fast comfort food classic that’s ready in 30 minutes and it’s so creamy, hearty, and rich with layers of flavors! The end result? This is a perfect dish – you’ve got amazingly juicy steak, tender noodles and a luscious garlic butter sauce that your kitchen will smell absolutely WONDERFUL when you’re making. Here’s how to do it:
Preparation of Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles
Before we cook, here’s how to set ourselves up for success:
- Warm up your skillet: Turn your skillet on to medium-high as you want it to be hot to sear the steak perfectly. A hot skillet enables you to sear the meat to a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Slice the steak thin: With a sharp knife, sliver your flank steak into thin pieces, being sure to cut against the grain for the most tender cut.
- Cook the noodles: Boil your egg noodles or ramen noodles according to package instructions. Be sure to keep them a little al dente — they will cook further later, in the garlic butter sauce. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the Steak
The steak is the hero in this dish and getting it right is crucial as it’s a way to ensure it will be tender and tasty. Here’s how to do it:
- Fry olive oil: Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the ready skillet. Swirl it so it even covers the pan.
- Sear the steak: Place the thin strips of steak in the skillet, in a single layer. Brown and caramelize each side, about 2 – 3 minutes per side.
- Rest the steak: Transfer the cooked steak to a platter and let it rest while you prepare the sauce. And letting it rest gives the juices time to settle, so the steak is more flavorful and tender.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
It’s time to make the heart of this dish now — the beautiful, rich, garlicky butter sauce that brings the whole dish together.
- Melt the butter: In the same skillet (don’t bother washing it — the steak drippings have lots of flavor!), melt the butter., melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Cook the garlic: Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. The smell of garlic browning in butter will immediately transport you to a cozy bistro.
- Give it a touch of heat: Stir in ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using) for a subtle spicy heat that balances out the buttery richness.
- Mix in the sauces: Add 1 tablespoon each of soy sauce, oyster sauce and Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon honey. The ingredients make for the most exciting combination of savory, sweet, and umami flavors.
- Season to Taste: Add black pepper and salt, 1/2 teaspoon each. Taste and reseason if needed to desired taste.
Combining Steak and Noodles
This is where the magic occurs. The steak and noodles also are tossed in a delicious garlic butter sauce that ensures every bite is flavorful.
- Introduce the noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and make sure that they’re coated with the garlic butter sauce. Gently mix everything together with tongs or a large spoon.
- Return the steak: Place the seared steak slices back in the skillet. Allow the steak and noodles to simmer for approximately two minutes, so the aromas can blend nicely together.
- Pro Tip: Scrape the bottom of the skillet gently while tossing the noodles to catch all the flavor-packed caramelized bits from the steak and garlic butter sauce.
Finishing Touches
The last section covers the little things that make this dish go from great to unforgettable.
- Garnish freely: Garnish the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh, nutty crunch. The scallions provide that nice pop of color and brightness that offsets the bold richness of the sauce.
- Optional additions: If you feel like indulging, grate some Parmesan cheese on the top. The cheese melts into the noodles, providing a creamy and savory layer.
Serving Suggestions
Speaking of Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles, what I love about it is it can be enjoyed for any occasion. If it’s a weeknight dinner in, a friends around dish, or an intimate night in- this recipe gives the right amount of comfort and a touch of “we so fancy.
Occasions and Pairings
- Weeknight Dinner Delight: Want a fast, satisfying meal after your busiest day? This dish is your friend. It tastes rich, with flavors that make it feel like a special-occasion luxury, yet with a method so easy it’s almost stress-free.
- For Gatherings: It’s a piece of cake — and as elegant. Pair it with a few people-pleasing sides (population number five) and you’ll have a dinner table full of smiling faces.
- Date Nights, Special and Otherwise: There’s something decadent but also very accessible about the mix of juicy steak and buttery noodles, just the ticket for a romantic dinner at home.
Pair it With:
- Crusty Bread: Great for sopping up the garlic butter sauce! You’ll lick the bowl clean.
- Fresh Salad: Lighten up with a fresh, zippy salad of arugula, cherry tomatoes and lemon vinaigrette — it adds brightness and balance to rich flavors.
- Roasted Veggies: Soft mushy noodles and rich sauce really benefit from the addition of caramelized zucchinis, broccoli or carrots.
Presentation Ideas
How you serve this dish can take it another notch. A couple of considerate touches can mean the world:
- Spoon into shallow bowls to display the glossy noodles and slivers of juicy steak.
- Top with plenty of sesame seeds for smoky crunch and a sprinkle of sliced green onions for some excitement.
- And if you want to get really fancy, you can serve a lemon wedge or a little drizzle of chili oil on the side, so your guests can customize their plates to taste.
Cooking Tips
- Achieving Tender Steak: Tender Steak Slice against the grain. This can break up the muscle fibers so the piece is more tender when you bite into it.
- No More Sticky Noodles: Drizzle the warm, drained noodles with a little olive oil and toss well to keep them from sticking together when they are mixed into this spicy sriracha sauce. This prevents them from sticking together.
Troubleshooting
- Too Salty Sauce? : No problem! Add a touch of cream, a squeeze of lemon, or some water to adjust flavors/files.
- Overcooked Noodles? :It’s OK — throw them in the skillet with more sauce to reintroduce some moisture and flavor.
Substitutions
- Protein Options: Replace steak with chicken, shrimp or tofu for a new twist on this recipe.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the steak completely and add your favorite vegetables instead, such as mushrooms, bell peppers or spinach.
Storage and Reheating
If by some miracle you have leftover crêpes (which, honestly, you won’t), here’s the best way to store and subsequently reheat them, preserving their deliciousness.
Storage Tips
- Keep any remaining in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors improve after a day, enough so that you can make it ahead for a next-day meal.
- For maximum tastiness, eat within 2 days to avoid everything tasting stale.
Reheating and Serving
- Reheat gently (so you don’t lose the lusciousness) and serve:
- Melt a little butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Transfer the noodles and steak to the skillet and stir occasionally to warm through.
Conclusion
And there you have it — Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles, a dish that is sure to be a star in your kitchen. Featuring succulent steak, silky noodles and buttery garlic sauce, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between flavor and effort. Whether you’re entertaining company, cooking for your loved ones, or taking care of yourself, this dish is going to give you some smiles and full tummies.