Name: Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 ounces rice noodles or lo mein noodles; 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional); 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 green onions, sliced; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; Chopped cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

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If you’re craving something both cozy and electrifying, the Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe is about to become your go-to weeknight knockout. Tender strips of steak, silky noodles, and a garlicky butter bath come together in minutes — each bite delivers a bolt of flavor that hits every craving at once. It’s a stir-fried sensation with the richness of steakhouse classics, a punch of savory Asian sauces, and the whimsy of noodles that soak up every drop. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry crowd or just yourself, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat!

Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe shines because every ingredient adds its own magic. You only need a handful of pantry staples and a couple of fresh accents, but the way these bits marry together—that’s where the fireworks happen!

Rice noodles or lo mein noodles (8 ounces): These are the perfect canvas for all those rich, saucy flavors to cling to—go for what you have or love most.
Flank steak or sirloin (1 pound), thinly sliced against the grain: Slicing steak thinly means zero chewiness and maximum tenderness in every bite.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): A quick toss in cornstarch makes the steak caramelize beautifully and helps thicken the sauce a touch.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Layers in the deep, unmistakable umami that ties everything together.
Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives that signature savory-sweetness and glossy finish.
Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds sweet depth and complexity to balance the umami powerhouses.
Fish sauce (1 tablespoon, optional): For a boost of funky, salty magic—use it if you love extra umami!
Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Just enough to amplify the savory notes with a hint of sweetness.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): The star of the “garlic butter” show, this makes the sauce outrageously rich and silky.
Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Essential for that bold, aromatic hit that permeates every forkful.
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Just a drizzle adds nutty, toasty flavor and luxurious aroma.
Green onions (2, sliced): Tossed in at the end for color and a burst of freshness.
Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): Give a gentle kick that keeps things exciting—add more if you like heat!
Salt and black pepper to taste: To fine-tune all those layered flavors.
Chopped cilantro and lime wedges (for garnish): These add brightness and zing at the very end—don’t skip!

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Noodles

Start by cooking your rice or lo mein noodles according to their package instructions. Once they’re perfectly tender, drain them well and set them aside. This way, they’ll be ready at a moment’s notice to soak up all that buttery, garlicky goodness later on.

Step 2: Season and Velvet the Steak

Toss your thinly sliced steak with the cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This quick trick, known as “velveting,” helps your steak sear to golden, flavor-locking perfection while also giving the finished dish a slightly thickened, glossy sauce.

Step 3: Make Your Lightning Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce (if you’re using it), and brown sugar. This smoky-sweet, deeply umami blend forms the flavor backbone of the entire Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe. Mix until smooth and set aside.

Step 4: Sear the Steak

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and melt in the butter. Once it’s bubbling, add the steak in a single layer. Sear for two to three minutes on each side until beautifully browned and just cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside—you’ll tumble it back in later.

Step 5: Bloom the Garlic

Lower the heat to medium and—without wiping out the pan—toss in the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about a minute until fragrant and golden. That sizzling garlic-butter aroma is the moment you know something epic is happening!

Step 6: Toss Noodles and Sauce

Add your cooked and drained noodles along with the sauce mixture to the skillet. Toss everything vigorously so the noodles get coated in garlicky, buttery magic. Make sure those little flavor strands pick up every bit of sauce simmering on the pan.

Step 7: Combine and Finish with Aromatics

Return your seared steak and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Drizzle in the sesame oil, sprinkle over the green onions and, if you want a little heat, the red pepper flakes. Toss everything together until piping hot and perfectly glossy.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe

Garnishes

This dish loves a pop of color and a touch of zing, so don’t be shy with the garnishes. Scatter generous handfuls of chopped cilantro over the noodles and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving. Not only do these toppings boost the flavors, but they also make your Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Because these lightning noodles are rich and bold, lighter sides complement them perfectly. Try serving them with lightly steamed broccoli, crisp snap peas, or a shredded carrot-cucumber salad. Even a bowl of miso soup or a simple cucumber salad can make this meal feel luxurious and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your noodle night by serving the Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe in wide shallow bowls or on a colorful platter family-style. For a playful touch, add extra lime wedges around the edges and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top. If you want to really impress, twirl a generous nest of noodles and steak onto each plate with tongs for that dramatic “restaurant tableside” effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe into an airtight container once they’ve cooled to room temperature. Pop them in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen and mellow overnight—making a lunch you’ll look forward to!

Freezing

This recipe freezes well for up to a month. Divide cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as possible. Label with the date and gently reheat straight from frozen whenever you need a quick lightning meal. The noodles may soften a bit but will still be delicious.

Reheating

For best results, lightly splash the noodles with a tablespoon of water before reheating—this helps revive their silky texture. Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave in short bursts, until hot throughout. Add an extra pat of butter or a drizzle of soy sauce to freshen up the flavors if you like.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein for this recipe?

Absolutely! The Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe is super versatile—swap in chicken or shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian take. Just adjust the cooking time so your chosen protein stays juicy and tender.

Which noodles work best?

Both rice noodles and lo mein noodles work beautifully. Rice noodles absorb the sauce for lighter, slicker noodles, while lo mein gives a chewier, hearty bite. Whichever you choose, make sure not to overcook so they remain springy.

Is there a dairy-free alternative?

Yes—simply use a neutral oil like avocado or canola instead of butter. You’ll still get plenty of flavor from the garlic, sauces, and aromatics, making this Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe totally dairy-free and delicious.

How spicy is this dish?

By default, it’s quite mild. The red pepper flakes and any optional chili can take the heat up a notch, so feel free to adjust to your own spice level. If you love fiery food, a drizzle of chili crisp on top at the end is divine.

Can I prep anything ahead of time?

Definitely! Slice your steak, chop the garlic and green onions, and stir together the sauce up to a day ahead of time. When it’s time to cook, you’ll fly through the recipe in no time—a true lightning meal!

Final Thoughts

If quick, flavor-packed dinners are your love language, you absolutely need to try the Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe. It’s buttery, boldly savory, and so satisfying—yet it comes together faster than takeout. Give it a spin and get ready for happy faces and empty plates all around!

Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles recipe combines tender slices of steak with flavorful Asian-inspired noodles tossed in a garlic butter sauce. Quick and easy to make, this dish is perfect for a delicious dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Noodles:

8 ounces rice noodles or lo mein noodles

Steak:

1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)

1 tablespoon brown sugar

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

6 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon sesame oil

2 green onions, sliced

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Chopped cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the noodles: Prepare the noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the steak: Toss the sliced steak with cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar.
Sear the steak: In a skillet, sear the steak until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, cook garlic until fragrant. Add cooked noodles and sauce mixture, then return the steak to the skillet.
Finish and serve: Drizzle with sesame oil, add green onions and red pepper flakes, mix well, and garnish with cilantro and lime.