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If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold, savory flavors and comes together in under half an hour, this Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender slices of flank steak are seared to perfection and tossed with silky, garlicky butter sauce that clings beautifully to chewy egg noodles. The combination of umami-packed soy and oyster sauces, a hint of honey’s sweetness, and a subtle kick from red pepper flakes all marry to create a truly unforgettable dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your weeknight go-tos.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in bringing this dish to life. From the luscious butter that gives richness to the silky noodles, to the garlic which adds a fragrant punch, every component is essential for creating incredible depth of flavor and perfect texture.
- 8 oz flank steak, thinly sliced: Choose a tender cut and slice thinly for quick, even cooking.
- 8 oz egg noodles or ramen noodles, cooked: Fresh or dried noodles both work, but be sure not to overcook for the best bite.
- 2 tbsp butter: Provides richness and helps coat the noodles beautifully.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For searing the steak and adding a fruity undertone.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: The star flavor that makes the sauce unforgettable.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Amplifies the umami and adds a salty depth.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds tang and savory notes for balance.
- 1 tsp honey: Provides a touch of sweetness to round out the savory flavors.
- ½ tsp black pepper: For a mild spice and warmth.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced: Freshness and vibrant color to finish the dish.
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional): Adds a lovely nutty crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your thinly sliced flank steak and sear it quickly—about 2 to 3 minutes—until the edges develop a lovely golden-brown crust. This quick sear locks in the juices and flavor. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside; don’t clean the pan yet as those browned bits will add a ton of flavor to your sauce.
Step 2: Infuse Butter with Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant and golden, but not burnt. This step is crucial because the garlic-infused butter becomes the luscious base that ties the entire dish together.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Now stir in the red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything to combine and let it cook gently for about one minute. This stage allows the flavors to meld into a rich, glossy sauce that perfectly coats the noodles.
Step 4: Toss in the Noodles
Add your cooked noodles directly into the skillet, tossing gently to make sure every strand is luxuriantly coated in that garlicky butter sauce. The noodles soak up all the savory goodness, which makes them irresistibly flavorful.
Step 5: Bring Back the Steak
Return the seared steak slices to the skillet and stir gently to mix everything evenly. Let it all cook together for another two minutes so the steak warms through without losing its tenderness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top to impart a fresh, crunchy contrast. And then dive in—this Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe is ready to make your taste buds sing!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Adding thinly sliced green onions gives a crisp freshness that cuts through the richness, while toasted sesame seeds offer a lovely toasty crunch and a hint of nuttiness. You can also add a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a citrusy lift if you want to experiment.
Side Dishes
This dish is substantial on its own, but pairing it with a crisp, vibrant salad or steamed crunchy vegetables like broccoli or snap peas offers a welcome contrast. You can also serve it alongside a light cucumber salad or even simple roasted cauliflower to keep things balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, try serving these noodles nestled in a large bowl or plate and topped with a soft-boiled egg for extra richness. You could also plate them family-style allowing everyone to help themselves, garnished with extra scallions and sesame seeds for a casual feast vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of your Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles may soak up some sauce, but the flavors will only deepen overnight.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked steak and noodles separately in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to retain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the noodles and steak in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the noodles from getting too mushy and the steak juicy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking time, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin sliced thinly. Just adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.
What noodles work best for this recipe?
Egg noodles or ramen noodles are perfect due to their texture and ability to hold sauce. You can experiment with udon or even spaghetti if you don’t have these on hand, but cooking times and texture may vary.
Is the red pepper flakes’ heat adjustable?
Yes, they are entirely optional and can be adjusted to your heat preference. If you love spice, add a pinch more; if not, feel free to skip them altogether.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the steak for sautéed mushrooms or tofu and replace oyster sauce with vegetarian mushroom sauce or extra soy sauce. The garlic butter sauce remains delicious with these substitutes.
How important is the honey in the sauce?
The honey balances the savory and tangy elements with a touch of sweetness, making the sauce well-rounded. If you don’t have honey, a small amount of brown sugar or maple syrup works well too.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe truly hits all the right notes — it’s quick, indulgent, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy dinner or impressing friends with something quick yet impressive, it’s a fantastic dish to have in your culinary repertoire. Give it a go, and I promise, it will become a firm favorite for dinners to come!
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Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles recipe combines tender, thinly sliced flank steak with flavorful garlic butter sauce and a mix of savory sauces for a quick and satisfying dish. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner, it features a delicious combination of tender steak, savory noodles, and a burst of garlic flavor enhanced with soy, oyster, and Worcestershire sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for added crunch and freshness.
Ingredients
Protein and Noodles
- 8 oz flank steak, thinly sliced
- 8 oz egg noodles or ramen noodles, cooked
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Garnishes
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and sear for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add sauces and seasonings: Add the red pepper flakes (if using), soy sauce, oyster sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for about 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Toss noodles in sauce: Add the cooked egg or ramen noodles to the skillet. Toss them thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with the garlic butter sauce.
- Combine steak and noodles: Return the seared steak slices back into the skillet. Gently stir to combine all ingredients well without breaking the noodles.
- Heat through: Cook the combined noodles and steak for an additional 2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and flavors are well blended.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles!
Notes
- You can substitute flank steak with sirloin or ribeye for a different texture or flavor.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce saltiness if desired.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles.
- Leftover noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
