Delicious Garlic Butter Steak Noodles : Easy 5 Steps Recipe

This isn’t just another noodle dish; it’s an explosion of flavor that comes together faster than you can believe. Forget complicated recipes with endless steps; this dish is designed for maximum deliciousness with minimal effort, often using just one pan for the core components. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent and satisfying but is secretly simple enough for any weeknight. Ready to transform your dinner routine? Try these Garlic Butter Steak Noodles tonight—you won’t believe how simple achieving flavor perfection can be! It’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredible Garlic Butter Steak Noodles dish:

• Steak:
  • 1 lb Flank Steak or Sirloin Steak: Thinly sliced against the grain. Why these cuts? They cook quickly and remain tender when sliced properly. Flank steak offers great beefy flavor, while sirloin provides a good balance of tenderness and taste. For optimal tenderness and flavor based on marbling, you can consult resources like the USDA Steak Grading Guide. Aim for a cut that’s about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick before slicing.
  • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce (or Tamari for Gluten-Free): For marinating the steak, adding umami depth.
  • 1 tsp Cornstarch: Helps to tenderize the steak slightly and creates a light coating that helps the sauce cling.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: For searing the steak. Choose an oil with a relatively high smoke point.
• Noodles:
  • 8 oz Instant Ramen Noodles (discard seasoning packets) or Udon Noodles: Cooked according to package directions just until al dente. Ramen cooks fast and grabs sauce well. Udon offers a satisfyingly chewy texture. Really, any long noodle like spaghetti or linguine works in a pinch! For details on different noodle types, check Nutritional Information for Noodles.
• Garlic Butter Sauce:
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter: The star of the sauce! Unsalted allows you to control the final saltiness.
  • 6-8 Cloves Garlic: Minced finely. Yes, it sounds like a lot, but this is Garlic Butter Steak Noodles! Adjust to your preference, but don’t skimp too much!
  • 1/4 cup Low-Sodium Beef Broth or Chicken Broth: Adds liquid volume and depth to the sauce.
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (or Tamari): More umami and seasoning for the sauce.
  • 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce (Optional but Recommended): Adds a savory, slightly sweet complexity.
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil: For a nutty, aromatic finish. Add it at the end to preserve its flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a touch of heat. Adjust to your liking.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Remember the soy sauce adds saltiness.
• Garnish (Optional):
  • 2 Scallions: Thinly sliced, green parts mostly.
  • 1 tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds: Adds texture and nutty flavor.

User/General Tips:

• For extra richness: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream into the sauce until melted and smooth. (User-provided style tip)
• Salt your pasta water like the ocean: Even for quick-cooking ramen, well-salted water seasons the noodles from the inside out.
• Use freshly minced garlic: It provides a much brighter, more potent flavor than pre-minced jarred garlic for these Garlic Butter Steak Noodles.
• Prep ahead: Slice the steak and mince the garlic beforehand to make the cooking process truly “lightning” fast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for perfect Garlic Butter Steak Noodles every time:

1. Marinate the Steak: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced steak, 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari), and 1 tsp cornstarch. Toss well to coat evenly. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes (or up to 30 minutes) at room temperature while you prep other ingredients. Why marinate? This step tenderizes the beef slightly and adds a base layer of flavor. The cornstarch also helps achieve a better sear.
2. Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add your chosen noodles (ramen or udon) and cook according to package directions, usually just 2-4 minutes for instant ramen. Aim for al dente (slightly firm to the bite), as they will cook a little more when tossed in the sauce. Why al dente? This prevents mushy noodles in the final dish. Drain the noodles immediately and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside. You can toss them with a tiny bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking if desired.
3. Sear the Steak: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once shimmering hot (but not smoking), add the marinated steak in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan! Work in batches if necessary. Why sear in batches? Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature, causing the steak to steam instead of developing a flavorful brown crust. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your preference and steak thickness. Use tongs to flip the pieces. Ensure you cook the beef to a safe internal temperature; refer to Food Safety Tips for Cooking Beef for guidelines. Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
4. Build the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the 4 tbsp of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic (and red pepper flakes, if using). Sauté for about 30-60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic turns bitter and ruins the sauce.
5. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth (or chicken broth), 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari), and optional oyster sauce. Whisk constantly, scraping up any delicious browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan left by the steak. Why deglaze? Those browned bits are packed with flavor and form the foundation of your sauce. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained noodles to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss well using tongs to coat every strand evenly. Let the noodles heat through in the sauce for about a minute.
7. Return Steak and Finish: Add the cooked steak (along with any accumulated juices from the plate) back into the skillet with the noodles. Toss gently to combine everything. Remove the skillet from the heat.
8. Final Touches: Stir in the 1 tsp of sesame oil. Taste the Garlic Butter Steak Noodles and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or soy sauce as needed.
9. Serve: Divide the Garlic Butter Steak Noodles among bowls. Garnish generously with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible flavors!

Serving Ideas

Serving your Garlic Butter Steak Noodles is all about enhancing their already fantastic flavor and presentation. These noodles are hearty enough to be a complete meal, but pairing them with simple sides can elevate the experience. Consider serving alongside lightly steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli florets, bok choy, or snap peas. Their freshness and slight crunch provide a lovely contrast to the rich noodles and steak. A simple Asian-inspired cucumber salad, dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil, also offers a refreshing counterpoint.

For plating, serve the Garlic Butter Steak Noodles in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the glistening noodles and tender steak. Ensure you get a good distribution of steak strips throughout the noodles. Garnish is key! A generous sprinkle of vibrant green sliced scallions and nutty toasted sesame seeds adds visual appeal and textural contrast.

A small drizzle of sriracha or chili oil can add an extra kick for those who like heat. Pair this dish with a crisp lager, a glass of Riesling, or even refreshing iced green tea to cut through the richness of the garlic butter sauce. If you enjoy exploring different flavor combinations, consider serving smaller portions alongside other dishes, perhaps even alongside some zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops for a delightful surf-and-turf experience.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Garlic Butter Steak Noodles:

• What is the absolute best cut of steak for Garlic Butter Steak Noodles?

  While flank steak and sirloin are excellent choices due to their quick cooking time and tenderness when sliced thin against the grain, other cuts work too! Skirt steak offers intense beefy flavor but needs very quick, high-heat cooking and careful slicing against its prominent grain. Ribeye, known for its marbling and richness, can be fantastic but is more indulgent and expensive; slice it thinly. Even tenderloin could work, though it’s leaner. The key is choosing a relatively tender cut that cooks fast and slicing it thinly against the grain. Consulting a resource like the USDA Steak Grading Guide can help understand marbling’s role in tenderness.

• Can I use different types of noodles?

  Absolutely! While instant ramen or udon are recommended for their texture and speed (“lightning” fast!), feel free to substitute. Spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or even egg noodles would be delicious coated in the garlic butter sauce. Just cook them according to their package directions until al dente. For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash could work, but add them at the very end just to heat through, as they release water and can become mushy. You can explore nutritional aspects via the Noodle Nutrition database.

• How can I make my Garlic Butter Steak Noodles spicier?

  Easy! The simplest way is to increase the amount of red pepper flakes added with the garlic. You could also add a teaspoon or two of sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or gochujang (Korean chili paste) into the sauce along with the broth and soy sauce for a different heat profile. A drizzle of chili oil over the finished dish is another great option. Start small and add more to reach your desired heat level.

• Can I add vegetables to this dish?

  Definitely! This dish is very adaptable. Quick-cooking vegetables work best. Consider adding sliced bell peppers (any color), broccoli florets (blanch them briefly first or add with the broth to steam-cook), sliced mushrooms, snow peas, or chopped bok choy stems. Sauté heartier vegetables like peppers or broccoli stems for a few minutes after searing the steak and before making the sauce. Add leafy greens like spinach or bok choy leaves at the very end, tossing just until wilted.

• What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

  Store leftover Garlic Butter Steak Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating is best done gently on the stovetop. Add the noodles and steak to a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or beef broth to help loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Toss gently until heated through. Microwaving can work in a pinch, but it may sometimes overcook the steak and make the noodles slightly gummy. Use short intervals and stir in between.

• How do I ensure my steak is tender and not chewy?

  Three key things: Choose a suitable cut (like flank or sirloin), slice it thinly (about 1/4 inch), and most importantly, slice against the grain. Look for the direction the muscle fibers run in the steak, and cut perpendicular to them. Marinating with soy sauce and cornstarch also helps. Finally, don’t overcook the steak! A quick sear on medium-high heat is all it needs.

Conclusion

These Garlic Butter Steak Noodles are more than just a quick meal; they are a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly spectacular. The rich, savory garlic butter sauce clinging to perfectly cooked noodles and tender strips of steak is a flavor combination that’s hard to beat. It’s incredibly satisfying, impressively fast, and uses techniques that are easy for any home cook to master. Whether you need a reliable weeknight dinner hero or something delicious to whip up on a whim, this recipe delivers every single time. It has certainly become a favorite in my kitchen!

Pro Tip: For an even deeper flavor, let your steak marinate for a full 30 minutes at room temperature before cooking. This allows the soy sauce and cornstarch to work their magic.

Pro Tip: Don’t rinse your noodles too much after cooking. A quick rinse stops the cooking, but leaving a little starch helps the glorious garlic butter sauce adhere better to each strand.

For variations, try adding a handful of sautéed mushrooms along with the garlic for an earthier flavor profile. If you’re out of steak or want something different, thinly sliced chicken breast or peeled shrimp work beautifully as substitutes – just adjust cooking times accordingly. If you enjoyed the ease and flavor of this dish, you might also love our popular Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta, which offers a similarly satisfying experience with chicken. Give these Garlic Butter Steak Noodles a try – you’ll be amazed at the results!

Delicious Garlic Butter Steak Noodles : Easy 5 Steps Recipe

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These Garlic Butter Steak Noodles are bold, buttery, and loaded with umami flavor, ready in less than 30 minutes. With tender steak strips, garlicky butter sauce, and slurp-worthy noodles, it’s the kind of lightning-fast meal that feels fancy but is totally weeknight-friendly.

• Author: Kiera
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner, Quick Meals
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired Fusion

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp olive or avocado oil
• 8 oz ramen or udon noodles, cooked al dente
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 scallions, sliced (optional garnish)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Marinate steak with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp cornstarch for 10–30 mins.
2. Cook noodles per package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak in batches 1–2 mins per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in same skillet. Sauté garlic (and red pepper flakes, if using) for 30–60 secs until fragrant.
5. Add broth, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Simmer 1–2 mins while scraping up browned bits.
6. Add cooked noodles to skillet. Toss to coat in sauce.
7. Return steak to skillet along with any juices. Toss gently to combine.
8. Stir in sesame oil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Serve garnished with scallions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Notes

Use a tender steak cut and slice thinly against the grain for best texture. Prep garlic and steak ahead for ultra-fast cooking. Try with veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 generous bowl
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 31g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: garlic butter noodles, steak noodles, easy stir-fry noodles, weeknight dinner