Description
This dish features juicy, perfectly seared steak slices coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over soft, flavorful noodles. The dish is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal. It combines the best of tender steak and silky noodles with a savory butter sauce.
Origin
Garlic butter steak and noodles is a modern, American-inspired fusion dish that combines two classic favorites — steak and pasta. It’s an easy way to elevate a simple noodle dish with rich, steakhouse-worthy flavors.
Ingredients with Quantities
For the Garlic Butter Steak:
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak (or your favorite cut)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Lightning Noodles:
- 8 oz spaghetti or any long pasta (linguine or fettuccine works well)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for depth of flavor)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed for sauce consistency)
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tsp honey (for a touch of sweetness)
- Sautéed mushrooms (for extra umami flavor)
- Sliced scallions or fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the steak:
Pat the steak dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the steak and sear it for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it reaches your desired level of doneness (medium-rare is around 130°F). Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. - Cook the noodles:
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. - Make the garlic butter sauce:
In the same skillet you cooked the steak in, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the thyme or rosemary (if using), and let it infuse into the butter for another minute. Remove from heat and set aside. - Prepare the lightning noodles:
In another pan or large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and chili flakes. Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, slightly saucy consistency. If you want the noodles creamier, add grated Parmesan cheese. - Assemble the dish:
Once the noodles are well coated, transfer them to serving plates. Top with the sliced steak, spoon over the garlic butter sauce from the skillet, and garnish with fresh parsley. For extra flavor, drizzle a little bit of honey over the steak and noodles.
Tips for Success
- For the steak, let it rest after cooking to ensure the juices stay inside. This will make the steak tender and juicy.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce based on your preference for saltiness and depth of flavor.
- If you want an extra kick, increase the chili flakes or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the noodles.
- Use a good quality steak to ensure the best texture and flavor in the dish.
Recommendations
Pair with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or sautéed greens like spinach or kale. A crisp, refreshing white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs nicely with this rich, savory dish. For a more indulgent meal, serve with garlic bread or crispy roasted potatoes on the side.
Nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings, approximate)
Calories: 540
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 700mg
This Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles recipe is a guaranteed hit for steak lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike. The steak brings richness and the noodles add a silky smoothness, while the garlic butter sauce ties it all together beautifully!
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