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If you are craving something savory, quick, and utterly comforting, let me introduce you to the Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe. This dish is pure magic in a bowl—tender slices of flank steak seared to perfection, perfectly coated rice noodles, and a rich garlic butter sauce bursting with layers of flavor. It’s a fantastic weeknight dinner that comes together faster than you can imagine, yet tastes like a special occasion meal. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, these garlic butter steak lightning noodles will soon become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up the Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe is a breeze because it relies on simple, flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a vital role, from the silky rice noodles providing the perfect texture to the soy and oyster sauces giving a luscious umami boost.
- 8 oz rice noodles (or spaghetti): Use rice noodles for authentic texture or spaghetti if you prefer a little more bite.
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced: Flank steak cooks quickly and offers great flavor when seared.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: The rich base that carries the garlic and ties the sauce together.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a fragrant, mouthwatering aroma and depth.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Essential for that classic savory umami punch.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Gives a nutty, toasted aroma that elevates the dish.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: A gentle heat and spice layer.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a bit of a kick.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Brightens the dish and adds freshness.
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds a pleasing crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Start by cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once tender and ready, drain them well and set aside. This sets the foundation for your dish with perfectly soft noodles ready to soak up the sauce.
Step 2: Sear the steak
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your thinly sliced flank steak and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until beautifully browned. This quick sear locks in the juices and creates flavorful caramelization. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté the garlic
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté briefly—about 30 seconds—until the garlic releases its fragrant aroma but before it browns. This buttery garlic base is what makes this dish sing.
Step 4: Build the sauce
Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Each ingredient melds together, creating a luscious sauce that clings to every strand of noodle and bite of steak, giving the Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe its signature taste.
Step 5: Combine noodles and sauce
Add the cooked noodles to your skillet and toss them well to coat completely with that delicious sauce. This step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and no noodle is left behind.
Step 6: Return steak and finish cooking
Put the seared steak back into the skillet and stir everything together. Let it all cook for 1 to 2 more minutes so the steak warms through and the flavors marry perfectly. This final step brings the dish together in harmony.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds generously over the noodles. These garnishes add freshness, crunch, and an irresistible finishing touch that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are your secret weapon to brighten and elevate the Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe every time. Nothing beats fresh green onions for a pop of color and mild bite. The nutty crunch of sesame seeds adds texture that plays beautifully with the silky noodles. If you want to amp it up, a squeeze of fresh lime or extra chili flakes can add zest and heat.
Side Dishes
Because this dish is packed with rich, bold flavors and protein, I love pairing it with lighter side dishes. A crisp cucumber salad or a simple steamed vegetable like bok choy or snap peas can provide a refreshing balance. If you want something heartier, a side of garlic sautéed greens or roasted Brussels sprouts works wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive twist, serve your noodles in individual bowls and garnish each with a soft boiled egg or a drizzle of chili oil. If you’re hosting a casual dinner, arrange the steak and noodles on a large platter and scatter the garnishes on top for a shareable feast vibe. It’s just as delicious warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or packed lunches too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the noodles and steak in an airtight container to retain moisture and flavor. The garlic butter sauce stays luscious and just needs a quick reheat.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the dish, separate the noodles and steak into freezer-safe containers, ideally without the garnishes. Frozen, the noodles last about 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the garlic butter sauce silky without drying out the steak. Adding a teaspoon of water or a splash of soy sauce while warming can revive the sauce. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain the dish’s texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles instead of rice noodles?
Absolutely! While rice noodles give a lovely lightness, you can use spaghetti or even udon for a chewier texture. Just adjust cooking times to keep them tender but not mushy.
Is flank steak the only cut I can use?
Flank steak is ideal for its quick cooking and flavor, but you can substitute skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye if you want a bit more marbling and richness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist on the Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe, swap the steak for mushrooms or tofu. Use vegetarian oyster sauce or extra soy sauce to maintain that savory depth.
How spicy is this dish?
The dish has a mild to moderate spice level depending on the red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust them or omit altogether if you’re sensitive to heat.
What can I do to make the steak more tender?
Thinly slicing the flank steak against the grain helps keep it tender. Marinating it briefly with a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil before cooking can also add extra tenderness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe is a wonderful weeknight hero that delivers amazing flavor with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make over and over, whether feeding yourself or sharing with loved ones. Dive in, savor every bite, and enjoy the warmth and comfort that only garlic butter and tender steak can bring to your kitchen table.
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Print
Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
A quick and flavorful garlic butter steak noodle dish featuring tender flank steak, aromatic garlic, and a savory blend of soy and oyster sauces tossed with rice noodles. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe combines rich umami flavors with a hint of spice, garnished with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
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: Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and sear it for 2-3 minutes on each side until it develops a nice brown crust. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Sauces and Seasoning: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet, combining well for a rich, balanced sauce.
- Toss Noodles in Sauce: Add the cooked noodles back into the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly with the garlic butter sauce.
- Combine Steak and Noodles: Return the seared steak to the skillet with the noodles, stirring gently to mix all ingredients. Cook together for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- Using thinly sliced flank steak helps in quick cooking and tender results.
- Rice noodles can be substituted with spaghetti for a similar texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for preferred spiciness or omit for a milder dish.
- Ensure garlic is sautéed just until fragrant to prevent bitterness.
- For extra flavor, marinate steak briefly in soy sauce before cooking.
