Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles are the ultimate quick and satisfying meal, packed with tender steak, rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly coated noodles. This dish delivers bold flavors with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty and comforting. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Rich and Flavorful – The combination of garlic butter and juicy steak creates an irresistible taste.
- One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!
- Customizable – Works well with different noodle types and protein swaps.
- Better Than Takeout – Enjoy a homemade gourmet meal in less time than it takes to order out.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak)
- Noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or rice noodles)
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Brown sugar
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Directions
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Slice the steak into thin strips. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and sear the steak slices for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Cook for another minute until slightly thickened.
- Toss in the cooked noodles and mix well to coat them in the sauce.
- Return the steak to the pan and stir to combine everything. Cook for another minute to heat through.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, then serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add Sriracha or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option – Swap steak for tofu or mushrooms.
- Extra Veggies – Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added texture.
- Creamy Version – Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Gluten-Free – Use rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as noodles can become mushy upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Chicken, shrimp, or even ground beef work well in this dish.
What’s the best steak cut for this recipe?
Ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak are ideal since they cook quickly and stay tender.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Store the noodles and steak separately if making ahead.
Do I need to marinate the steak?
No, but you can marinate it in soy sauce and garlic for extra flavor.
What type of noodles work best?
Lo mein, spaghetti, or rice noodles all work well. Choose your favorite!
Can I make this dish less salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the amount of oyster sauce.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use whole wheat noodles and add extra vegetables.
Can I use frozen steak?
Yes, but thaw it completely before slicing for even cooking.
Is this dish spicy?
It can be! Add chili flakes or Sriracha if you like heat.
What side dishes pair well with this?
A simple cucumber salad, steamed broccoli, or miso soup complements this dish perfectly.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that combines rich flavors with minimal effort. Whether you need a quick dinner or a flavorful meal prep option, this recipe delivers every time. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
These Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles are a fast, flavor-packed dish featuring tender steak, buttery garlic sauce, and chewy noodles. This one-pan meal is ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Noodles & Steak:
- 8 oz noodles (lo mein, ramen, or fettuccine)
- 1 tablespoon oil (avocado or sesame)
- 8 oz flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles:
- Boil noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with 1 teaspoon oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Sear the Steak:
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced steak, season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce, and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1 minute.
- Toss Everything Together:
- Add the cooked noodles and steak back to the pan. Toss to coat everything in the garlic butter sauce.
- Squeeze in fresh lime juice and give it a final stir.
- Serve & Garnish:
- Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Noodle Choice: Lo mein, ramen, or fettuccine all work great!
- Protein Swap: Try shrimp, chicken, or tofu instead of steak.
- Extra Heat: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.