Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles are a fast, flavor-packed dish that combines tender steak strips with garlicky butter sauce and quick-cooked noodles. This recipe is perfect for when I want something bold and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The noodles soak up all that buttery goodness while the steak adds a hearty, savory bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how quick and delicious this meal is. It’s done in about 20 minutes but tastes like something I’d order from a high-end restaurant. The garlic butter sauce is rich and indulgent, while the steak adds the perfect chew and umami depth. It’s my go-to when I need something fast, comforting, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
Steak (sirloin or ribeye), thinly sliced
-
Noodles (ramen, rice noodles, or lo mein-style)
-
Garlic, finely minced
-
Butter
-
Soy sauce
-
Oyster sauce
-
Brown sugar
-
Green onions, chopped
-
Sesame oil
-
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
-
Vegetable oil for cooking
Directions
-
I start by boiling the noodles according to the package directions, then draining and setting them aside.
-
In a hot pan or wok, I add vegetable oil and quickly sear the steak slices until browned and cooked through. I remove them and set aside.
-
In the same pan, I melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant but not browned.
-
I stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, a little brown sugar, and a splash of sesame oil, creating a rich, glossy sauce.
-
I toss the cooked noodles into the sauce, mixing until evenly coated.
-
Then I return the steak to the pan and stir everything together over medium heat for a minute.
-
I garnish with chopped green onions and, if I’m in the mood for heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 2 generous servings and takes just 20–25 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Variations
-
I sometimes use chicken or tofu instead of steak when I want a lighter option.
-
Adding veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas gives it a nice crunch and extra color.
-
I swap out soy sauce for tamari if I want to keep it gluten-free.
-
For a creamy twist, I mix in a spoonful of peanut butter or tahini into the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I use a skillet over low heat and add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. It can also be microwaved in short bursts, stirring between each to avoid drying out.
FAQs
What’s the best steak cut for this recipe?
I usually use sirloin or ribeye because they cook quickly and stay tender, but flank steak also works well if sliced thin.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, I often add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to give it some heat.
Are these noodles like stir-fry or more saucy?
They’re somewhere in between—coated with a buttery, garlicky glaze rather than swimming in sauce.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Absolutely. I cook the steak and sauce ahead of time, then just boil noodles and combine everything when I’m ready.
What noodles work best?
I like using quick-cooking noodles like ramen, lo mein, or even linguine if I don’t have Asian-style noodles on hand.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles are a fast, fiery, and flavorful dish that always satisfies my cravings. With bold garlic flavor, juicy steak, and a silky sauce that clings to every bite, it’s a dish I can make anytime without the fuss. Perfect for busy days when I still want something unforgettable on the plate.
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner, Noodles
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired, Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles recipe delivers big flavor in under 25 minutes. With tender steak, rich garlic butter sauce, and perfectly coated noodles, it’s a quick and satisfying weeknight meal that tastes like restaurant-quality takeout. Perfect for noodle lovers and steak fans alike.
Ingredients
- 8 oz steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), thinly sliced
- 6 oz noodles (ramen, rice noodles, or lo mein-style)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
Instructions
-
Cook noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.
-
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Sear steak slices until browned; remove and set aside.
-
Lower heat to medium, add butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
-
Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil; simmer for 1 minute.
-
Add cooked noodles to the sauce, tossing to coat.
-
Return steak to the pan and stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
-
Garnish with green onions and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Swap steak with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein.
- For added crunch, stir-fry vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli with the steak.
- Tamari can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- A spoonful of peanut butter or tahini adds creaminess and richness.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *