Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make in less than 30 minutes.

• Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have.

• A versatile recipe—you can switch up the noodles or toppings.

• Rich, garlicky, and buttery flavors with a hint of spice.

• Perfect for busy weeknights yet bold enough for a special dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the steak:

• 1 lb flank, sirloin, or ribeye steak (thinly sliced)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)

• 1 tsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp sesame oil

For the noodles:

• 8 oz noodles (udon, ramen, or spaghetti)

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)

For the garlic butter sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce

• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar

• 1/4 cup beef broth or water

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional toppings:

• Sesame seeds

• Green onions

• Red chili slices

• Fresh cilantro

Directions

1. Marinate the sliced steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes.

2. Cook the noodles until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. Heat half the oil in a pan and sear the marinated steak for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove from the pan.

4. In the same pan, add the remaining oil and butter. Once melted, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.

5. Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, broth, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Return the steak to the pan and add the noodles. Toss everything together until coated evenly.

7. Serve hot, topped with sesame seeds, green onions, chili slices, or cilantro.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 2–3 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of steak.

• Try soba, rice noodles, or egg noodles for a different texture.

• Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition.

• Make it spicy with extra chili flakes, sriracha, or chili oil.

• Swap hoisin with teriyaki or skip it for a lighter flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

• Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the steak from becoming tough.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the steak and sauce ahead of time, then cook the noodles and combine everything when ready to serve.

What kind of noodles work best?

Udon, ramen, or spaghetti are all great options, depending on your preference and what you have on hand.

Do I have to marinate the steak?

A short marinade helps tenderize and flavor the meat, but if you’re in a rush, you can cook it right away.

Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, chicken broth or even just water will work fine for the sauce.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace steak with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Is oyster sauce necessary?

No, it’s optional. It adds depth of flavor, but you can leave it out or replace it with extra soy sauce.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is mild if you only use the suggested amount of red pepper flakes. Add more chili flakes or chili oil if you like extra heat.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended because the noodles can become mushy when thawed.

What cut of steak is best?

Flank, sirloin, or ribeye work best because they are tender when sliced thinly and cook quickly.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?

Toss the cooked noodles with a little oil before adding them to the sauce to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Garlic butter steak lightning noodles are a fast, flavorful, and versatile recipe that delivers restaurant-quality taste at home. With tender steak, garlicky butter sauce, and noodles that soak up every drop of flavor, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding the family, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

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