Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
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Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to compromise on flavor.
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Restaurant-Quality Taste: The combination of juicy steak, garlic butter, and savory noodles rivals your favorite Asian-inspired dishes.
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Customizable: Add veggies, spices, or sauces to tailor it to your taste.
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One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes this dish as convenient as it is delicious.
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Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting guests, everyone will rave about this flavorful meal.
Ingredients
The secret to this dish lies in its simple yet bold ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Steak:
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1 lb flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye (thinly sliced against the grain)
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
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1 teaspoon cornstarch
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Noodles:
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8 oz fresh or dried noodles (udon, ramen, or spaghetti work well)
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 teaspoon grated ginger
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
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1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
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¼ cup beef broth or water
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¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Optional Toppings:
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Sesame seeds
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Green onions (chopped)
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Red chili slices
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Fresh cilantro
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
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Cook the Noodles: Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. If using fresh noodles, rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
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Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak and set aside.
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Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and the butter. Once the butter melts, add the garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey (or brown sugar), beef broth, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
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Combine Everything: Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Add the cooked noodles and toss everything together until the noodles are well-coated and heated through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
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Garnish and Serve: Transfer the noodles to bowls and garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, red chili slices, or fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
While the classic version is divine, here are some creative ways to switch things up:
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Add Veggies: Toss in snap peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby spinach for added nutrition and color.
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Spice It Up: Add sriracha, chili oil, or extra red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
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Protein Swap: Substitute the steak with chicken, shrimp, tofu, or pork for a different twist.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish suitable for dietary restrictions.
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Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a splash of beef broth or water and warm on the stovetop to avoid drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?
Yes, you can use flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye. Just make sure to slice the steak thinly against the grain for tenderness.
2. Can I substitute the noodles?
Absolutely! You can use any type of noodles, such as udon, ramen, or spaghetti, depending on your preference.
3. Is the oyster sauce necessary?
While it's optional, oyster sauce adds a unique depth of flavor. If you prefer not to use it, you can skip it or use an alternative like hoisin sauce.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, replace the steak with tofu or other plant-based proteins. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian version.
5. How can I make the dish spicier?
You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sriracha or chili oil for an extra spicy kick.
6. Can I use gluten-free noodles?
Yes, simply use gluten-free noodles and tamari sauce as a substitute for soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
7. Can I make this ahead of time?
For the best results, it's recommended to cook the steak and noodles fresh, but you can prepare the steak marinade and garlic butter sauce in advance.
8. What should I serve with this dish?
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a fuller meal.
9. How do I know when the steak is cooked properly?
Aim for medium-rare or medium to keep the steak juicy and flavorful. If you're unsure, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature (130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium).
10. Can I freeze this dish?
While the noodles and steak can be frozen, the texture may change after thawing. It's best to enjoy this dish fresh.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles is a quick, flavorful, and customizable dish that’s perfect for busy nights. With its combination of tender steak, savory noodles, and a rich garlic butter sauce, this recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.
Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles
Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles is a quick, flavorful dish combining juicy steak, savory noodles, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan recipe offers restaurant-quality taste and is easily customizable with your favorite veggies, proteins, and spice levels. Perfect for busy nights or family dinners, this dish will become a new go-to in your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet/Wok
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Steak:
1 lb flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye (thinly sliced against the grain)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp sesame oil
For the Noodles:
8 oz fresh or dried 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
¼ cup beef broth or water
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Optional Toppings:
Sesame seeds
Green onions (chopped)
Red chili slices
Fresh cilantro
Instructions
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Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes.
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Cook the Noodles: Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. If using fresh noodles, rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
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Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
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Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, heat the remaining vegetable oil and butter. Once melted, sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, beef broth, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
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Combine Everything: Return the steak to the skillet and add noodles. Toss until noodles are well-coated and heated through.
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Garnish and Serve: Serve the noodles in bowls, garnished with sesame seeds, green onions, chili slices, or cilantro. Enjoy!
Notes
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Make it Spicy: Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for heat.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari for soy sauce.
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to prevent drying.