How To Cook The Best Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe
If you’ve ever yearned for a dinner that’s equal parts comfort and excitement, let me introduce you to your new obsession: How To Cook The Best Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles. This dish is a wild ride of buttery noodles, juicy steak, and a garlicky sauce that will have you swooning at first bite. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a treat but comes together in a flash, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave something truly special. Imagine slurpy noodles, melt-in-your-mouth steak, and a punchy, aromatic sauce—all ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about How To Cook The Best Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles is how a handful of everyday ingredients can combine to make something absolutely unforgettable. Each component brings its own magic, from the silky noodles to the rich, savory sauce.
- Rice noodles or thin egg noodles (8 oz): These are your canvas—choose rice noodles for a bouncy chew or egg noodles for a richer bite.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Helps you achieve that perfect steak sear and keeps the noodles from sticking.
- Flank steak or sirloin (8 oz, thinly sliced): Make sure to slice against the grain for the most tender, flavorful bites.
- Salt and black pepper: A quick seasoning brings out the natural depth of the beef.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): The heart of the sauce—rich, creamy, and irresistible when paired with garlic.
- Garlic cloves (6, minced): The star of the show, lending an incredible aroma and punchy flavor.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings umami and saltiness, making the noodles deeply savory.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a glossy finish and a subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
- Dark soy sauce (1 tablespoon, optional): For richer color and depth—totally worth it if you have some on hand.
- Brown sugar (1 teaspoon): A tiny bit goes a long way to balance out the salt and brighten the sauce.
- Chili flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick—add more or less depending on your spice preference.
- Green onions (2, sliced): A fresh, crisp finish that makes every bite pop.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Bring a little nutty crunch to the party and make the dish look gorgeous.
How to Make How To Cook The Best Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by getting your noodles ready—after all, they’re the backbone of this dish! Cook them according to the package instructions, whether you’re using rice noodles or egg noodles, then drain well and set aside. It’s important to slightly undercook them if you like a firmer bite, since they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat up a large skillet or wok over high heat and add the vegetable oil. Season your thinly sliced steak generously with salt and black pepper. When the pan is almost smoking, lay the steak slices in a single layer and sear for just 1 to 2 minutes on each side—you’re looking for that beautiful brown crust without overcooking. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside; it will finish up in the final toss.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and, in the same pan, melt the unsalted butter. Toss in all that glorious minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning. The kitchen will smell heavenly! Next, stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), brown sugar, and chili flakes. Let the mixture simmer for about 30 seconds so all those savory, sweet, and spicy notes can mingle.
Step 4: Toss Noodles in Sauce
Add your cooked noodles directly into the pan and give them a thorough toss to coat every strand in that luscious garlic butter sauce. The noodles should soak up the flavors like a sponge, turning glossy and deeply aromatic.
Step 5: Finish with Steak and Garnishes
Return the seared steak to the pan and toss everything together for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until the steak is warmed through and the noodles are piping hot. Remove from heat, then shower the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for the final touch. Serve immediately to enjoy How To Cook The Best Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles at their absolute best!
How to Serve How To Cook The Best Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles
Garnishes
A sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds isn’t just for looks—they add crunch, freshness, and a little nutty something that elevates every forkful. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of chili oil or a squeeze of lime can provide an extra flavor boost.
Side Dishes
While How To Cook The Best Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles are a meal in themselves, they pair beautifully with light sides. Think crisp cucumber salad, steamed bok choy, or a simple miso soup. These sides balance out the richness and keep things feeling fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your lightning noodles in deep bowls for ultimate slurping satisfaction, or pile them high on a platter and let everyone dig in family-style. For a special touch, top each serving with a fried egg or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts. If you’re hosting, mini noodle cups make a fabulous appetizer!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The noodles and steak will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors only deepen as they sit!
Freezing
While the noodles are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Be aware the texture may soften slightly upon reheating, but the taste will remain delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, simply toss the noodles and steak in a hot skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until heated through. You can also microwave, but the skillet method preserves the texture best.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of steak?
Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, or even tofu work wonderfully in How To Cook The Best Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles. Just adjust the cooking time to make sure your protein is cooked through but still tender.
What type Main Course
Both rice noodles and thin egg noodles shine here. Rice noodles give a chewy, gluten-free option, while egg noodles are rich and springy. Feel free to use your favorite or whatever you have in the pantry.
Is it very spicy with the chili flakes?
Not at all—unless you want it to be! The recipe calls for a modest amount, but you can easily dial it up or down depending on your heat preference. Or skip them entirely for a milder version.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based butter substitute or even a bit more oil. The result will still be flavorful and satisfying, with all the garlicky goodness intact.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Keep your heat at medium when adding the garlic, and stir constantly. Garlic cooks quickly and can go from golden to burnt in seconds, so keep a close eye and add your sauces as soon as it’s fragrant and just starting to color.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen, you simply must try How To Cook The Best Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles. It’s quick, full of flavor, and guaranteed to become a repeat request. Give it a go—you’ll be hooked from the very first twirl!
Print
How To Cook The Best Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles recipe is a quick and delicious Asian fusion dish featuring tender flank steak, buttery garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked rice noodles. It combines savory flavors with a hint of sweetness and spice, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Noodles and Meat
- 8 oz rice noodles or thin egg noodles
- 8 oz flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional for color)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the rice or egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Sear Steak: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Season the thinly sliced steak with salt and black pepper. Sear the steak slices for 1 to 2 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter in the same pan. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burned.
- Add Sauces and Seasonings: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), brown sugar, and chili flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 30 seconds to blend the flavors well.
- Toss Noodles in Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss thoroughly to coat every strand in the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Combine Steak and Noodles: Return the seared steak slices to the pan with noodles. Toss gently and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream or top with a fried egg before serving.
- You can substitute chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of steak to suit your preference.
- Using wide rice noodles will give a chewier texture if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
