Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles a tender strips of steak tossed with buttery garlic noodles make for a quick and flavorful meal. This dish brings together rich, umami-packed flavors with minimal effort, perfect for a weeknight dinner when time is short but flavor is a priority.
Why I Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect meal for busy nights.
Incredibly Flavorful – The combination of garlic butter, soy sauce, and sesame oil gives the dish an irresistible taste.
Versatile – Works with rice noodles, spaghetti, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Restaurant-Quality – Tastes just as good (or better) than takeout but is made at home with fresh ingredients.
Minimal Cleanup – Made in one pan, so there’s less mess to deal with.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
8 oz rice noodles (or spaghetti)
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)
2 green onions, chopped
1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions
Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
Add the sliced steak and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium, then add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Return the steak to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 more minutes.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Variations
Spicy Kick – Increase the red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha for more heat.
Vegetarian Option – Swap the steak for mushrooms or tofu for a plant-based version.
Extra Crunch – Toss in some sautéed bell peppers or shredded carrots.
Different Protein – Use chicken, shrimp, or even ground beef instead of steak.
Gluten-Free Option – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the steak from becoming tough.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the noodles can become mushy when thawed.
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FAQs
How can I make this dish even faster?
I like to prep everything ahead—slice the steak, mince the garlic, and chop the green onions beforehand. This cuts down cooking time significantly.
What’s the best cut of steak to use?
Flank steak works great, but I’ve also used sirloin and ribeye with great results. The key is slicing it thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes! I’ve made this with spaghetti, ramen, and even udon noodles. Each gives a slightly different texture but works well with the sauce.
Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?
If I’m out of oyster sauce, I use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar for a similar depth of flavor.
Can I make this in advance?
While it’s best fresh, I sometimes prep the sauce and steak ahead of time. Then, when I’m ready to eat, I just cook the noodles and toss everything together.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles are the ultimate quick-fix meal—savory, buttery, and packed with flavor. Whether I’m making a speedy dinner or craving something indulgent without the hassle of takeout, this recipe always delivers. With simple ingredients and endless variations, it’s a go-to dish that never disappoints.
📖 Recipe:
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Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
Tender strips of steak are tossed with buttery garlic noodles in this quick and flavorful dish. Ready in just 20 minutes, these Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles bring together rich umami flavors with minimal effort—perfect for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
8 oz rice noodles (or spaghetti)
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)
2 green onions, chopped
1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add the sliced steak and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, then add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Return the steak to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 more minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
For a spicier version, add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
Swap steak for tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
