Name: Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz dried lo mein noodles or spaghetti; 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoon neutral oil, divided; 4 tablespoon unsalted butter; 6 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more to taste; ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice; ⅓ cup beef broth or water, plus more as needed; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 4 scallions, thinly sliced, whites and greens divided; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or cilantro, optional; Lemon wedges, for serving, optional; Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Absolutely dreamy, ultra-savory, and lightning-fast. These Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles bring glossy, garlicky strands of noodles together with juicy seared steak in a silky butter sauce that tastes like a steakhouse met your favorite noodle shop.

It is a must-try because you get big flavor with minimal effort. One skillet, pantry-friendly sauce, and dinner hits the table in 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight family favorite or when you want something special without the fuss.

I first fell in love with this combo after a late-night noodle bar run and recreated it at home with simple ingredients. Now it is our hands-down fastest crowd-pleaser.

Delicious Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Bold steakhouse flavor meets slurpable noodles in just 30 minutes
Tender, perfectly seared steak every time with easy pro tips
One-pan sauce that is buttery, garlicky, and deeply savory
Flexible base that welcomes veggies, heat, or gluten-free swaps

Key Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Sirloin or Flank Steak

This is your juicy, beefy centerpiece. Choose sirloin, flank, or ribeye for tenderness and flavor. Slice thinly against the grain so it stays tender and cooks in minutes. Pat the steak dry and toss with a little cornstarch to help it sear and stay glossy in the sauce. If you swap in skirt steak, trim excess fat and cook very quickly to avoid chewiness. Chicken or shrimp also work and will cook even faster.

Lo Mein Noodles or Spaghetti

Noodles carry the sauce and provide that satisfying slurp. Dried lo mein or spaghetti both cook to an ideal bite, and you can use fresh stir-fry noodles for an even faster option. Cook just to al dente, then reserve a little cooking water to help the sauce cling. For gluten-free, choose rice noodles and reduce cooking time to prevent breakage.

Garlic

Garlic is the flavor backbone. Use fresh cloves for the sweetest, most aromatic results. Mince or microplane for a strong garlic presence that melts into the butter. If you are sensitive to sharp garlic, slice it thinly so it toasts gently and turns nutty. Jarred minced garlic works in a pinch but tastes a bit milder.

Butter

Butter makes the sauce plush and steakhouse-rich. Choose unsalted so you can control the salt level. Let it foam and lightly brown around the garlic for a deeper, nutty flavor. Ghee is a great swap if you want higher heat tolerance, and a knob of plant-based butter can make this dairy-free.

Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce

These pantry staples pack umami and balance the richness of the butter. Use low-sodium soy so the dish does not turn too salty, and oyster sauce adds body and a touch of sweetness. Tamari is a gluten-free option, and vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin can stand in if you are avoiding shellfish. A splash of rice vinegar brightens everything at the end.

Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles cooking process

Instructions for Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Steak

Pat the sliced steak very dry with paper towels. Toss with cornstarch, half the salt, and the black pepper until evenly coated. This helps the edges crisp and the sauce cling later.

Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles to just shy of al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy cooking water, then drain and set aside. Toss with a few drops of oil to prevent sticking.

Sear the Steak

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Add half the steak in a single layer and sear 1 to 2 minutes per side until browned with pink in the center. Do not crowd the pan. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining oil and steak. Keep warm.

Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. When it foams, stir in minced garlic, scallion whites, and red pepper flakes. Cook 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and broth. Simmer 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.

Toss and Finish

Add noodles to the pan and toss to coat, loosening with a splash of reserved noodle water as needed until saucy and silky. Return steak with any juices. Cook 1 minute to warm through. Turn off heat and stir in sesame oil and half the scallion greens. Taste and adjust salt, vinegar, or heat.

Plate and Garnish

Twirl noodles into bowls, top with steak, and shower with remaining scallion greens, sesame seeds, and herbs. Serve with lemon wedges if you like a bright finish.

Recipe Variations

Give It a Kick

Stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons chili crisp or a spoonful of sambal with the garlic for a deeper heat and crunchy bits. You can also finish with a drizzle of sriracha for a clean, spicy pop.

Veggie-Loaded Noodles

Add quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas, shredded carrots, or thin broccoli florets. Toss them into the pan after the garlic and cook 2 to 3 minutes before adding the sauces.

Gluten-Free Swap

Use wide rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti and replace soy sauce with tamari. Choose a gluten-free oyster sauce or sub hoisin if needed. Keep the noodles slightly undercooked to avoid breakage.

Creamy Miso Butter

Whisk 1 tablespoon white miso into the butter once it melts for a luxurious, lightly creamy sauce with extra umami. Skip the brown sugar or reduce it since miso adds depth and subtle sweetness.

Surf and Turf

Add 8 ounces of peeled shrimp after searing the steak. Sear shrimp 1 minute per side, then remove and return with the steak at the end for a restaurant-worthy bowl.

Serving Suggestions

Round out the meal with blistered sesame green beans, a crunchy cucumber salad with rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar, or a simple side of steamed edamame. Garnish bowls with scallion greens, toasted sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lemon. A crisp lager or iced green tea pairs perfectly with the buttery, garlicky sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, tossing until hot. You can microwave in 45-second bursts, stirring between intervals. Freezing is possible for up to 2 months, but noodles may soften. For best texture, freeze the cooked steak and sauce separately and cook fresh noodles when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles (FAQ)

Q: What is the best cut of steak for Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles?

A: Sirloin is the best balance of tenderness and price. Flank and ribeye also work well. Slice thinly against the grain and cook hot and fast for a tender bite.

Q: Can I use different noodles like ramen or rice noodles?

A: Yes. Dried lo mein, spaghetti, fresh stir-fry noodles, ramen, or rice noodles all work. Adjust cook time so they are just al dente and reserve cooking water to help the sauce cling.

Q: How do I keep the steak tender and not overcooked?

A: Use high heat, do not crowd the pan, and sear in batches. Pull the steak while still a touch pink because it will finish gently when tossed with the hot noodles and sauce.

Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

A: You can prep the steak, chop aromatics, and whisk the sauce in advance. Cook noodles and sear steak right before serving for the best texture. If prepping fully, undercook the noodles slightly and add a splash of water when reheating.

These Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles are rich, fast, and wildly satisfying. Give them a try tonight, then come back and leave a rating or comment so others can find their new favorite weeknight dinner too.