If you are on the lookout for a quick yet incredibly flavorful meal to brighten up your dinner routine, the Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brings together tender, juicy flank steak and silky noodles that get luxuriously coated in a garlic butter sauce with a hint of soy and oyster sauce umami. It’s an absolute delight for your taste buds and comes together in just 20 minutes, packing a punch of comfort and elegance all on one plate. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to weeknight favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of the Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role. Fresh garlic gives it that aromatic punch, while butter adds richness, and the soy and oyster sauces build deep, savory layers of flavor. The flank steak provides satisfying protein and texture, and the green onions and sesame seeds add just the right fresh crunch and nutty finish.
- 8 oz rice noodles (or spaghetti): Choose fresh rice noodles for classic texture or spaghetti as a pantry standby, both soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced: Slice against the grain to keep the steak tender and perfect for quick searing.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Butter is key here—it delivers that creamy, luscious quality to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with bright, irresistible aroma and flavor.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: This brings a savory depth and balances saltiness throughout.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and notes of briny umami.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: A small splash creates a toasty, nutty undertone that’s iconic in Asian cooking.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Enhances all the flavors with gentle heat and earthiness.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little kick, these add a nice spicy edge.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Offer fresh, vibrant color and a mild onion crunch as garnish.
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish): Toasted sesame seeds top it off with extra nuttiness and a bit of texture.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Noodles
Begin by cooking the rice noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions until perfectly tender. Drain them well so they aren’t soggy, then set aside. The key is to have noodles that hold together without getting mushy once tossed in that luscious sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Steak to Perfection
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and sear it on each side for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s beautifully browned. Make sure your pan is hot to get that nice crust without overcooking the meat. Once done, remove the steak and set it aside.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the pan along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant—don’t let it burn! This step is where the entire dish starts coming alive with its signature aroma.
Step 4: Add the Flavors of Soy and Oyster Sauce
Now stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and if you like a little heat, throw in the red pepper flakes. These sauces are what give the noodles that rich, umami-packed sauce that clings to every strand.
Step 5: Toss the Noodles in the Sauce
Add the cooked noodles directly into your skillet and toss them gently but thoroughly so every noodle gets coated in that mouthwatering sauce. This step is crucial to ensure flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Step 6: Combine Steak and Noodles
Return the seared steak to the skillet and stir everything together. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes so the steak heats through and absorbs the sauce’s delicious essence.
Step 7: Final Touches
Before serving, garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds to add a fresh, nutty crunch and a splash of color that makes this dish impossible to resist.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds really elevates the presentation and flavor. The green onions brighten the dish with a fresh bite while the sesame seeds add an extra layer of delightful texture and nuttiness that complements the butter and garlic beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish stands wonderfully on its own, but you can pair it with crisp steamed vegetables, like broccoli or snap peas, for a balanced meal. A light cucumber salad or pickled vegetables also work beautifully to cut through the richness and keep things fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe in individual bowls topped with a soft boiled egg or a drizzle of chili oil for a bit more heat. You could even pile the noodles onto lettuce wraps for a hands-on, interactive meal experience perfect for sharing with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover noodles and steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce keeps the noodles flavorful even after chilling, though the texture may soften slightly.
Freezing
This dish isn’t ideal for freezing because the noodles tend to lose their texture once thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or reheated from the fridge within a couple of days.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through, and sprinkle on a few fresh green onions to revive the brightness.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While flank steak is perfect for quick searing and tender slices, you can use skirt steak or sirloin as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
What if I’m allergic to shellfish—can I skip oyster sauce?
You can substitute oyster sauce with a vegetarian mushroom sauce or extra soy sauce. This will slightly change the flavor but still keep the dish savory and delicious.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce, both of which are commonly available in specialty stores or online.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can easily make it mild or spicy depending on your preference. It’s very adaptable!
Can I use dry spaghetti instead of rice noodles?
Definitely. Dry spaghetti works well if rice noodles aren’t available, and it soaks up the sauce in its own uniquely satisfying way.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to make this Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe soon because it’s truly a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a dazzling meal. It’s fast, fuss-free, and bursting with those cozy, crave-worthy flavors that make dinner something to look forward to. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a recipe you keep coming back to again and again.
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender seared flank steak with buttery garlic noodles. This easy recipe features Asian-inspired sauces and a hint of spice, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz rice noodles (or spaghetti)
Steak and Sauce
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the rice noodles (or spaghetti) according to the package instructions until tender. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prepare the rest of the dish.
- Sear Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely browned but still tender. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Add Sauces and Seasonings: Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to combine and create a flavorful sauce base.
- Toss Noodles: Return the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat them in the garlic butter sauce, ensuring every strand is well-seasoned.
- Combine Steak and Noodles: Add the seared steak back into the skillet with the noodles. Stir gently to combine everything evenly. Cook together for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use rice noodles for a gluten-free option or spaghetti for convenience.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Flank steak can be substituted with skirt steak or sirloin for similar results.
- For more depth, marinate the steak briefly in soy sauce before cooking.
- Leftover noodles can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
