Garlic Butter Steak with Lightning Noodles
Garlic Butter Steak with Lightning Noodles is an irresistible dish that combines the rich flavors of seared steak with silky noodles coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce. It’s one of those meals that’s perfect for any night of the week, whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or impressing guests at a dinner party. I recall the first time I made this recipe; the aroma alone drew everyone into the kitchen, and the taste did not disappoint—an explosion of flavors that left us wanting more.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe truly stands out for several reasons. First, it’s quick and easy, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, it’s incredibly comforting, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option that can satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family. The combination of garlic, butter, and steak makes it feel indulgent yet is budget-friendly enough to prepare regularly. Plus, kids love slurping up those noodles!
“This dish is now a staple in our household! The flavors are incredible, and it’s quick to whip up. Perfect for busy weeknights!”
The cooking process explained
Making Garlic Butter Steak with Lightning Noodles is a breeze and doesn’t require any culinary wizardry. The entire dish is broken down into straightforward steps, ensuring that even novice cooks can navigate and succeed. You’ll start by cooking your noodles and searing the steak before combining them in a heavenly garlic butter sauce. The process is seamless, making it easy for you to enjoy a delectable meal without a fuss about the prep work or complicated techniques.
What you’ll need
Gather these key ingredients for a mouthwatering experience:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- 10 oz egg noodles or thin spaghetti
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional for creamy noodles)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional)
Feel free to swap out the steak for chicken or tempeh for a different flavor profile, or use whole wheat noodles for a healthier twist.
Step-by-step instructions
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Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Once done, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining and setting the noodles aside.
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While the noodles are cooking, season the thinly sliced steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional paprika.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the seasoned steak and sear for 2–3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Once ready, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
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Lower the heat to medium in the same skillet, then add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in the beef broth and add the heavy cream if you’re after a creamy version. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer.
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Stir in the Parmesan cheese and optional soy sauce, mixing until the sauce is smooth and flavorful.
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Toss in the noodles, ensuring they’re fully coated. Use a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
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Return the steak to the skillet and combine everything. Let it simmer for an additional 1–2 minutes for the flavors to meld.
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Garnish your creation with chopped parsley or green onions before serving hot.
Best ways to enjoy it
To beautifully plate Garlic Butter Steak with Lightning Noodles, consider twirling the noodles into thick nests and nestling the sliced steak on top. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds color and freshness. For sides, a simple mixed green salad or roasted vegetables provides a nice balance to the richness of the dish. A chilled glass of white wine also pairs splendidly, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage and reheating tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the dish on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or reserved pasta water to bring some moisture back into it. Freezing is not ideal for this dish due to the cream and noodle texture, but if you must, consider omitting the cream if you plan to freeze the sauce.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are some shortcuts and secrets to elevate your dish:
- Use high heat when searing the steak for a nice crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan!
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing to retain its juices.
- Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or broccoli, during the skillet stage for added nutrition.
Creative twists
Looking for some variations? Here are a few creative spins:
- For a kick, try incorporating red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chili.
- Swap out the egg noodles for zucchini noodles or rice noodles for a gluten-free dish.
- Experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese instead of Parmesan for unique flavor profiles.
Your questions answered
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How long does this dish take to prepare?
- It typically takes about 30 minutes from prep to plate.
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Can I make it without heavy cream?
- Absolutely! You can skip the cream for a lighter sauce and still achieve incredible flavor.
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What other meats can I use?
- Chicken, pork, or even plant-based meats work beautifully in this recipe.
Garlic Butter Steak with Lightning Noodles is more than just a meal; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and easy preparation that you and your loved ones will adore!
Garlic Butter Steak with Lightning Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining and setting the noodles aside.
- Season the thinly sliced steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional paprika.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat and sear the seasoned steak for 2–3 minutes until browned. Set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium in the same skillet and add the butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and add cream if making creamy noodles. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and optional soy sauce, mixing until the sauce is smooth.
- Toss in the noodles ensuring they're fully coated, using reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Return the steak to the skillet and combine everything. Let it simmer for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving hot.
