Can I make garlic butter steak lightning noodles ahead of time?

These noodles are best served fresh, when the steak is juicy and the sauce is glossy. If you need to prep ahead, cook the noodles and sear the steak, but keep them separate. Reheat gently in the garlic butter sauce when ready to serve, and slice the steak just before tossing everything together.

Can I swap the noodles for something gluten-free?

Absolutely. Rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti hold up well and soak in the sauce just like traditional noodles. Keep an eye on cook time, as gluten-free noodles can get soft quickly.

How can I make this dish extra saucy?

If you love your noodles swimming in sauce, double the garlic butter and pasta water when tossing everything together. A small splash of heavy cream or a dollop of miso paste can also add more body to the sauce, making it cling even better.

Can I add vegetables to the noodles?

Absolutely. Thinly sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or baby spinach tossed in at the end add color and crunch without slowing down the recipe. If you’re feeling a little French about it, some caramelized shallots wouldn’t hurt either.

Garlic butter steak lightning noodles

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

12 oz ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 garlic cloves, finely minced

2 tablespoons soy sauce

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped

Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the noodles: cook noodles in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.

2️⃣ Cook the steak: heat a heavy pan over high heat. Season steak with salt and pepper. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until caramelized and medium-rare. Let rest while you make the sauce.

3️⃣ Make the garlic butter sauce: in the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in soy sauce and a splash of pasta water. Whisk until glossy.

4️⃣ Toss and finish: add noodles to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce. Slice steak thin against the grain and arrange over the noodles. Spoon over any resting juices. Garnish with parsley, sesame seeds, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Pro oh là là tip: for extra richness, swirl in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of miso paste into the sauce before tossing the noodles. It adds a little oh là là that makes the dish feel restaurant-worthy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes