Craving something rich, garlicky, and loaded with flavor but short on time? These Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles are a game changer. In just 15 minutes, you get tender steak, buttery noodles, and bold garlic flavor all in one satisfying bowl. Chef Lucas Benette crafted this dish for busy food lovers who still want something bold, gourmet, and deeply comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your average noodle dish. It’s fast. It’s rich. It’s loaded with umami. And the best part? It only takes 15 minutes to make from start to finish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, late night cravings, or even an impressive lunch idea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steak (ribeye or sirloin) | 200-250g | Thinly sliced against the grain |
| Garlic cloves | 4, finely chopped | Use fresh for maximum flavor |
| Butter | 3 tbsp | Unsalted preferred |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp | Low sodium recommended |
| Oyster sauce | 1 tbsp | Adds depth and richness |
| Brown sugar | 1 tsp | Balances out the salt |
| Cooked egg noodles | 2 servings (200g) | Or substitute with ramen or soba |
| Green onions | 2 stalks, sliced | For garnish |
| Sesame oil (optional) | 1 tsp | Adds a toasted finish |
| Chili flakes (optional) | To taste | For a bit of heat |
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Slice the steak thinly and season lightly with salt and pepper. Chop the garlic and slice the green onions.
Chef Tip: “For extra tenderness, freeze the steak for 15 minutes before slicing it’ll help you get clean, thin cuts.”
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
If you’re not using precooked noodles, boil and drain your noodles first. Set aside and drizzle with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat a pan or wok over high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and sear the steak slices for 1-2 minutes until browned but still juicy. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
In the same pan, lower heat and add the butter. Once melted, toss in the garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant don’t burn it!
Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Stir everything together.
Step 5: Toss in Noodles & Steak
Add the noodles into the pan and toss to coat with the sauce. Return the steak to the pan, add sesame oil and chili flakes if using. Mix gently and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot and garnish with:
- Sliced green onions
- Extra chili flakes
- Toasted sesame seeds
- A squeeze of lime (optional, for brightness)
Pairs well with: a simple cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or even garlic toast for fusion vibes.
Why “Lightning” Noodles?
The name says it all they’re lightning fast to prepare but still incredibly rich in flavor. It’s Chef Lucas Benette’s go to recipe when guests drop by unexpectedly or when he’s craving something fast yet indulgent.
Chef Lucas Benette’s Pro Tips
- Use high heat when searing steak it locks in the juices.
- Balance saltiness: The combo of soy and oyster sauce is rich, so taste before adding extra salt.
- Add mushrooms or bok choy to bulk it up without meat.
- Fresh garlic only no jarred substitutes here.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~540 kcal |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Sodium | 850mg |
Estimated values using ribeye steak and egg noodles
FAQs – Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles
Q1: What cut of meat is a butter steak?
“Butter steak” typically refers to a tender, well marbled cut like ribeye, sirloin, or even striploin, seared and finished with butter. The richness of the butter complements the juicy texture of these cuts perfectly, making them ideal for quick skillet meals like this one.
Q2: What goes with garlic butter noodles?
Garlic butter noodles pair well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh green salad. You can also serve them with steamed broccoli, pan seared mushrooms, or pickled cucumbers to balance the richness of the butter.
Q3: Can you cook steak in garlic butter?
Absolutely! Cooking steak in garlic butter enhances both flavor and tenderness. Add butter and chopped garlic in the last few minutes of cooking to create a flavorful baste. It’s a common technique used by chefs for richer, more aromatic steak.
Q4: Where did garlic butter noodles come from?
Garlic butter noodles are inspired by a blend of Asian stir fried noodle dishes and Western comfort food techniques. They gained popularity through food trucks and online recipe creators, with many versions originating from fusion cooking trends in the U.S. West Coast and Southeast Asia.
Final Thoughts
These Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles prove that fast food doesn’t have to be boring. In under 15 minutes, you can enjoy a restaurant quality meal bursting with bold, buttery, garlicky flavor. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or an indulgent solo meal, this dish has everything you want and nothing you don’t.
Thanks to Chef Lucas Benette’s signature method, it’s never been easier to make gourmet comfort food at home. So heat that pan, slice that steak, and let your taste buds thank you later.
