Garlic Butter Steak Noodles – A Rich, Savory, and Irresistible Delight!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 large skillet of steak noodles 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Noodles dish is the perfect combination of tender, juicy steak and buttery, garlicky noodles. The rich and savory flavors make it an irresistible meal that comes together in just 30 minutes! It’s a quick and easy dinner recipe that’s both comforting and satisfying. Serve it with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak (or ribeye), cut into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or spaghetti noodles
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup beef broth (or pasta water)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set the noodles aside.
-
Prepare the Steak: In a bowl, toss the steak strips with soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
-
Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the pan and set aside.
-
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, then sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Combine the Ingredients: Add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth (or reserved pasta water), salt, and black pepper. Stir well, then toss in the cooked noodles, mixing until coated in the garlic butter sauce.
-
Add the Steak: Return the cooked steak to the pan, tossing everything together for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
-
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Calories: ~600 kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 35g
Imagine tender, juicy steak slices nestled in a bed of buttery, garlicky noodles, with every bite bursting with rich, savory goodness. Garlic butter steak noodles is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary—without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and surprisingly simple to prepare.
This dish combines the best of both worlds: the deep, caramelized richness of a perfectly seared steak and the luxurious, velvety texture of garlic butter-coated noodles. The balance of umami-packed soy sauce, fragrant garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes makes it irresistible. Best of all, you can customize it to suit your taste—switch up the pasta type, add vegetables, or incorporate a spicy kick.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making the ultimate garlic butter steak noodles. We’ll cover the best ingredients to use, the ideal way to cook steak for the most tender results, and expert tips to ensure every strand of pasta is perfectly coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce.
Table of Contents
Essential Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Noodles
To achieve restaurant-quality results, selecting the right ingredients is key. Each component in this recipe plays a crucial role in enhancing flavor and texture.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank) | 1 lb | Choose a well-marbled cut for tenderness |
| Butter | 4 tbsp | Unsalted allows better control of seasoning |
| Garlic (minced) | 5 cloves | Freshly minced for the best aroma |
| Noodles (linguine, fettuccine, or ramen) | 12 oz | Choose a pasta type that holds sauce well |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp | Provides umami depth |
| Red pepper flakes | ½ tsp | Adds a subtle heat |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup | Optional, for extra creaminess |
| Parsley (chopped) | 2 tbsp | For garnish and freshness |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For searing the steak |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Enhances flavor |
How to Cook the Perfect Steak for Garlic Butter Steak Noodles
Cooking the steak correctly is what makes this dish shine. Here’s how to get a beautifully seared, tender steak every time.
Step 1: Preparing the Steak
Begin by selecting a high-quality cut. Sirloin and ribeye are excellent choices for their marbling, which enhances juiciness and flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, flank steak works well, but it requires proper slicing against the grain for tenderness.
Before cooking, remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This ensures even cooking and prevents toughness. Pat the steak dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Step 2: Searing the Steak
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once the pan is hot, place the steak in the skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will prevent proper browning.
Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping only once. The goal is to achieve a deep golden crust. For an extra boost of richness, add a tablespoon of butter during the last minute of cooking. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter over the steak to infuse it with flavor.
If you love steak recipes, you might also enjoy this steak with bourbon cream sauce, which offers another decadent take on beef.
Step 3: Resting and Slicing
After cooking, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender bite. Slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Cooking the Garlic Butter Sauce and Noodles
While the steak is resting, it’s time to prepare the sauce and noodles.
Step 1: Cooking the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
Step 2: Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet used for the steak, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce and red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
Step 3: Combining Everything
Once the garlic butter sauce is ready, add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add small amounts of reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency.
At this point, you can sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess. To finish, top with the sliced steak and gently mix everything together.
For a deep dive into different types of pasta that work well with this dish, check out this guide to pasta varieties, which can help you pick the best option for your personal taste.
Bringing It All Together
Now that everything is cooked and combined, it’s time to serve up this mouthwatering dish. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. For added texture, consider topping it with crispy fried garlic or toasted breadcrumbs.
Pro Tips & Variations for Garlic Butter Steak Noodles
To elevate your garlic butter steak noodles from good to great, consider these expert tips and variations. Whether you want to add a spicy twist, lighten up the dish, or make it even more indulgent, there’s a customization for everyone.
Tip 1: Choose the Right Cut of Steak
The best steak for this dish is one that balances tenderness and flavor. Ribeye is rich and juicy, while sirloin offers a leaner option. Flank steak works well too, but it must be sliced against the grain for tenderness. If you prefer a budget-friendly alternative, try using skirt steak or even thinly sliced beef chuck.
Tip 2: Enhance the Garlic Butter Sauce
For a deeper garlic flavor, roast the garlic beforehand. Simply wrap a few cloves in foil with olive oil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Once softened, mash them into the butter before sautéing for a rich, caramelized taste.
Tip 3: Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrition
While this dish is already packed with flavor, adding vegetables can enhance its nutritional value. Try tossing in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers. They soak up the garlic butter sauce beautifully while adding color and texture.
Tip 4: Make It Spicy
If you love heat, add a dash of Sriracha or extra red pepper flakes. Alternatively, stir in some chili crisp for a bold, spicy kick that complements the buttery noodles.
Variation 1: Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Noodles
For a richer, creamier version, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream along with the garlic butter sauce. This adds a velvety texture and pairs beautifully with the steak.
Variation 2: Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Option
To keep it low-carb, swap the noodles for zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or shirataki noodles. The garlic butter sauce still coats these alternatives well, keeping the dish flavorful without the extra carbs.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Garlic Butter Steak Noodles
Where did garlic butter noodles come from?
Garlic butter noodles have roots in both Italian and Asian cuisines. The Italian version, often called aglio e olio, features a simple mix of garlic, olive oil, and pasta. Meanwhile, Asian variations include garlic-infused butter sauces combined with soy sauce and other umami-rich ingredients.
Is garlic butter good to eat?
Yes! Garlic butter enhances the flavor of many dishes while offering potential health benefits. Garlic contains antioxidants and may support heart health, while butter provides richness and depth to the dish.
Are butter steaks good?
Absolutely! Cooking steak with butter adds an extra layer of richness and enhances the meat’s natural juiciness. Many steakhouses use a butter basting technique to maximize flavor.
Is garlic good for steak?
Yes, garlic and steak are a classic pairing. Garlic’s aromatic qualities complement the umami flavors of beef, creating a well-balanced dish.
What are the best side dishes for garlic butter steak noodles?
Great side dishes include roasted vegetables, a crisp Caesar salad, or garlic bread. For a lighter option, try serving with a fresh arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette.
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes! Chicken is a fantastic substitute for steak in this dish. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, and follow the same searing technique for juicy, flavorful results.
How can I store and reheat garlic butter steak noodles?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or butter to prevent drying out.
Conclusion
Garlic butter steak noodles is the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence. With its rich, buttery sauce and tender steak, this dish is easy to make yet packed with gourmet flavors. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this dish will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
By using high-quality ingredients and following the right cooking techniques, you can master this recipe and impress your family or guests with a restaurant-worthy meal. So next time you’re craving something savory, give these garlic butter steak noodles a try—you won’t be disappointed!