Name: Garlic Butter Steak Noodles 5 Secrets to Mouthwatering Perfection
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound sirloin steak (¾ to 1 inch thick); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided); 6 cloves garlic, minced fine; ¼ cup beef broth (low-sodium); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 12 ounces wide egg noodles; 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

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Garlic Butter Steak Noodles saved my weeknight dinners after I nearly gave up on cooking restaurant-quality meals at home.

I’m Jack from Cooks Foody, and let me tell you about the evening that changed everything.

After another exhausting workday, I stood in my kitchen staring at a package of sirloin and leftover egg noodles, too tired to order takeout yet craving something truly satisfying. What I created that night tender steak strips bathed in golden garlic butter, tossed with perfectly cooked noodles became my most-requested recipe. My family now asks for this dish weekly, and friends who taste it always demand the secret.

Tired of dry, flavorless steak dinners that take hours to prepare? This Garlic Butter Steak Noodles recipe delivers steakhouse-quality results in under 30 minutes, with tender meat that practically melts into buttery noodles infused with aromatic garlic.

As someone who’s spent years developing recipes at Cooks Foody, I’ve perfected every element: selecting the right steak cut for quick cooking, creating that restaurant-style garlic butter sauce without breaking it, and timing the noodles to achieve ideal texture.

You’ll discover why certain beef cuts work better than others, my foolproof method for perfectly medium-rare steak every time, temperature tips that guarantee success, and storage tricks for meal prep. This dish transforms simple ingredients into comfort food that rivals any steakhouse and you’ll have it on the table faster than delivery arrives.

Why This Garlic Butter Steak Noodles Recipe Works

This Garlic Butter Steak Noodles recipe succeeds because it combines restaurant techniques with home-kitchen practicality. After testing dozens of variations, I’ve identified the exact elements that make this dish irresistible.

Uses affordable sirloin or flank steak cuts No need for expensive ribeye; these cuts deliver incredible flavor when cooked properly and sliced thin
Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish Faster than ordering takeout, with minimal active cooking time and simple one-pan preparation
Perfect for busy weeknights or impressive date nights Scales easily from 2 to 6 servings without additional complexity or specialized equipment
Garlic butter sauce brings restaurant elegance The compound butter technique creates rich, glossy coating that clings to every noodle and steak piece
Meal-prep friendly with excellent reheating Make double batches on Sunday; the flavors actually deepen after a day in the refrigerator

Choosing the Right Meat for Garlic Butter Steak Noodles

Selecting the proper beef cut makes the difference between tender, flavorful Garlic Butter Steak Noodles and chewy disappointment. Not all steaks work equally well in this quick-cooking preparation.

Best Cuts for This Garlic Butter Steak Noodles Recipe

Sirloin steak delivers the ideal balance of tenderness, flavor, and affordability for this dish. Look for top sirloin specifically it’s more tender than bottom sirloin and costs significantly less than premium cuts. Flank steak works beautifully when sliced thinly against the grain, offering robust beef flavor with a slight chew that holds up well to the butter sauce. Strip steak (New York strip) elevates this dish to special-occasion status with its buttery texture and rich marbling. Avoid tough cuts like round steak or chuck, which require long, slow cooking to become tender.

Buying Tips for Garlic Butter Steak Noodles Success

Visit the butcher counter for the freshest cuts rather than purchasing pre-packaged meat from refrigerated cases. Look for bright cherry-red color without any brown or gray patches, which indicate oxidation. The meat should feel firm and cold to the touch, never sticky or slimy. Choose steaks about ¾ to 1 inch thick thinner cuts cook too quickly and become tough, while thicker cuts won’t cook evenly in this quick preparation. Ask your butcher to cut steaks to your preferred thickness if necessary. Check the marbling: thin white lines of fat throughout the meat mean more flavor and tenderness.

Meat Substitutions in Garlic Butter Steak Noodles

Swap sirloin for flank steak at a 1:1 ratio, but remember to slice flank steak extra thin (⅛ inch strips) against the grain after cooking. Skirt steak works similarly to flank steak with slightly more tenderness. For a budget option, use flat iron steak it’s incredibly tender despite its lower price point. Chicken thighs can replace beef for a lighter version; increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes and ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature. Ground beef (85/15) creates a completely different but equally delicious version brown it first, drain excess fat, then proceed with the garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients & Prep for Garlic Butter Steak Noodles

Proper preparation ensures your Garlic Butter Steak Noodles come together seamlessly. Organization is everything when working with quick-cooking proteins and pasta timing.

Meat Prep Essentials for Garlic Butter Steak Noodles

Remove steak from refrigeration 20 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature this ensures even cooking throughout. Pat the meat completely dry with paper towels; surface moisture prevents proper browning and that coveted caramelized crust. Season generously on both sides with salt and freshly cracked black pepper at least 10 minutes before cooking. The salt draws out moisture initially, then the meat reabsorbs it along with the seasoning, creating deeper flavor. Trim any large sections of external fat (leaving thin marbling intact) to prevent excessive smoke during high-heat cooking.

Sauce Components for Garlic Butter Steak Noodles

For the Steak:

1 pound sirloin steak (¾ to 1 inch thick)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (high smoke point)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
6 cloves garlic, minced fine
¼ cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (adds umami depth)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional heat)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Noodles:

12 ounces egg noodles (wide cut preferred)
1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
2 tablespoons butter (for tossing noodles)

Pantry Staples for Garlic Butter Steak Noodles

Keep these essentials stocked for spontaneous cooking: high-quality beef broth adds depth without overpowering the garlic butter, soy sauce provides umami richness and helps the sauce cling to noodles, and Worcestershire sauce contributes complex savory notes. Use unsalted butter so you control sodium levels precisely. Fresh garlic is absolutely non-negotiable pre-minced jarred garlic lacks the pungent, aromatic punch needed. Olive oil with its higher smoke point handles the high heat required for proper steak searing. Fresh parsley brightens the rich dish, but dried Italian seasoning works in a pinch.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Garlic Butter Steak Noodles

Follow these precise steps to achieve perfect Garlic Butter Steak Noodles every single time. Timing coordination between steak and pasta is crucial for hot, fresh results.

Pre-Cooking Prep for Garlic Butter Steak Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the noodles this takes 10-15 minutes, so start it first. Remove steak from refrigerator and pat completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, then let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, mince garlic finely and chop parsley. Measure out all sauce ingredients and place near the stove. Set up your workstation: cutting board for slicing cooked steak, tongs for flipping, meat thermometer, and a plate tented with foil for resting.

Cooking Method for Garlic Butter Steak Noodles

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat for 3-4 minutes until smoking hot. Add olive oil and swirl to coat. Carefully lay steak in the pan away from you to avoid oil splatter it should sizzle aggressively. Sear without moving for 3-4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip once and cook another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare. During the last minute, add 2 tablespoons of butter and baste the steak continuously. While steak cooks, drop noodles into boiling water and cook according to package directions (usually 6-8 minutes) until al dente.

Doneness Check for Garlic Butter Steak Noodles

Use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak: 125-130°F for medium-rare (recommended), 135-140°F for medium, 145-150°F for medium-well. The steak will continue cooking 5 degrees as it rests, so remove it from heat slightly before your target temperature. Press the steak with your finger it should feel like the fleshy part of your palm below the thumb when making a gentle fist. For noodles, taste one strand; it should be tender but still have slight resistance at the center.

Resting and Assembly for Garlic Butter Steak Noodles

Transfer steak to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes this allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat rather than running out when sliced. Never skip resting or you’ll lose precious moisture. While steak rests, reduce heat to medium and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the same pan. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Drain noodles, add to the sauce along with 2 tablespoons butter, and toss to coat. Slice steak thinly against the grain, add to noodles, sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Steak Noodles

These insider techniques elevate your Garlic Butter Steak Noodles from good to extraordinary. I’ve learned these secrets through years of recipe testing at Cooks Foody.

Avoiding Tough, Dry Steak in Garlic Butter Steak Noodles

Never cook steak straight from the refrigerator cold meat contracts when it hits high heat, creating tough texture. Pat meat completely dry before seasoning; moisture creates steam instead of the crust that locks in juices. Don’t press down on the steak while cooking; this squeezes out valuable moisture. Resist the urge to flip multiple times one flip is sufficient for even cooking. Always slice against the grain (perpendicular to the muscle fibers) in thin strips; this shortens the fibers mechanically, making every bite tender even if you slightly overcook the meat.

Essential Tools for Garlic Butter Steak Noodles Success

Invest in a reliable instant-read meat thermometer ($20-30) to eliminate guesswork it’s the single most important tool for perfect steak. Use a heavy cast-iron skillet or stainless steel pan that can withstand high heat without warping. Thin pans create hot spots and uneven cooking. Keep long-handled tongs nearby for safe flipping without piercing the meat (forks create holes that release juices). A sharp chef’s knife is crucial for slicing cooked steak cleanly; dull knives tear the meat and make presentation sloppy. Invest in a large pasta pot (at least 6 quarts) so noodles have room to move freely without sticking.

Storage and Reheating Garlic Butter Steak Noodles

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The steak and noodles can be stored together the flavors marry beautifully overnight. To reheat, add 2 tablespoons of beef broth or water to a skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover steak noodles and toss gently for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Microwave reheating works but creates rubbery steak; if you must use it, add a tablespoon of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. For meal prep, store cooked sliced steak and noodles separately, then combine when reheating for better texture control.

Flavor Variations for Garlic Butter Steak Noodles

This versatile Garlic Butter Steak Noodles recipe adapts beautifully to different flavor profiles and dietary preferences without losing its essential comfort-food character.

Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Noodles

Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for gentle warmth that builds gradually. For more aggressive heat, include 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or sambal oelek when adding the beef broth. Fresh jalapeños (seeded and minced) sautéed with the garlic create bright, vegetal heat. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (1-2 teaspoons, finely chopped) add smoky heat that complements the beef beautifully. Top finished dish with sliced fresh Thai chilies for those who want extra fire.

Keto-Friendly Garlic Butter Steak Noodles

Replace egg noodles with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles to create a low-carb version. Spiralize 3 medium zucchini and sauté them in 1 tablespoon of butter for just 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp overcooking creates watery noodles. Shirataki noodles require rinsing thoroughly and dry-roasting in a hot pan for 2 minutes to remove excess moisture. The steak and garlic butter sauce remain unchanged. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a completely grain-free option. This adaptation keeps net carbs under 10g per serving.

Global-Inspired Garlic Butter Steak Noodles

Asian fusion version adds 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger (minced with the garlic), and garnishes with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Italian-style adaptation uses linguine instead of egg noodles, adds ½ cup heavy cream to the sauce, and finishes with fresh basil and grated Parmesan. Cajun twist incorporates 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning rubbed on the steak before cooking, with diced bell peppers sautéed in the garlic butter sauce. French-inspired version uses cognac to deglaze the pan (flambé for drama) and adds fresh thyme to the butter sauce.

Garlic Butter Steak Noodles Variation Comparison Table

Variation	Key Additions	Flavor Profile	Cooking Time Change
Classic Original	Traditional garlic butter, parsley	Rich, savory, comforting	25 minutes total
Spicy Kick	Red pepper flakes, sriracha, jalapeños	Bold heat with savory depth	25 minutes total
Keto-Friendly	Zucchini noodles, coconut aminos	Light, low-carb, fresh	23 minutes (faster noodles)
Asian Fusion	Sesame oil, ginger, green onions	Umami-rich, aromatic	27 minutes (extra aromatics)
Italian Cream	Heavy cream, Parmesan, fresh basil	Decadent, luxurious, herbal	28 minutes (cream reduction)
Cajun Style	Cajun spice blend, bell peppers	Spicy, smoky, Southern	29 minutes (pepper sauté)

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Steak Noodles

Present your Garlic Butter Steak Noodles with complementary sides and beverages that enhance this rich, satisfying dish without overwhelming its balanced flavors.

Serve immediately in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the glossy noodles and beautifully sliced steak. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra umami. Pair with simple sides that won’t compete: roasted asparagus with lemon, sautéed green beans with almonds, or a crisp Caesar salad. For a heartier meal, add garlic bread to soak up extra butter sauce. A light cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing provides refreshing contrast to the rich noodles.

For beverages, medium-bodied red wines like Merlot or Côtes du Rhône complement the beef without overpowering the garlic butter. If you prefer lighter options, try a crisp Pinot Noir that won’t clash with the butter sauce. Beer lovers should reach for amber ales or brown ales that match the dish’s richness. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lemon, iced black tea (unsweetened), or a robust ginger beer that cuts through the butter. This dish also works beautifully as part of a steakhouse-themed dinner alongside roasted Brussels sprouts and twice-baked potatoes.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Steak Noodles

Can I use frozen steak in my Garlic Butter Steak Noodles?

Yes, but thaw it completely first for even cooking. Place frozen steak in the refrigerator 24 hours before cooking—never thaw at room temperature, which promotes bacterial growth. If you’re short on time, seal the steak in a waterproof bag and submerge in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed (2-3 hours for 1-pound steak). Never cook steak from frozen in this high-heat preparation; the exterior will overcook before the interior thaws, resulting in tough, unevenly cooked meat.

How do I fix overcooked steak in Garlic Butter Steak Noodles?

Unfortunately, you cannot reverse overcooking the proteins have already contracted and expelled moisture. However, you can minimize damage: slice the overcooked steak extra thin against the grain to mechanically shorten tough fibers. Toss it immediately with the garlic butter sauce while both are hot; the fat provides some moisture compensation. Add an extra tablespoon of butter and 2 tablespoons of beef broth to create more sauce coating. Serve quickly while everything is hot cold overcooked steak is even tougher.

Is this Garlic Butter Steak Noodles recipe safe for pregnant women?

Yes, this recipe is safe during pregnancy when the steak reaches proper internal temperature. Cook to at least 145°F (medium) to kill any harmful bacteria like toxoplasma or salmonella. Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness—visual cues alone are unreliable. Pregnant women should avoid rare or medium-rare steak (below 145°F) despite how tempting it looks. The soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce are pasteurized and safe in these amounts. Ensure all ingredients are fresh and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Can I make Garlic Butter Steak Noodles ahead of time?

You can prep components ahead, but final assembly should happen just before serving for best results. Slice raw steak, season it, and refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours. Mince garlic and measure sauce ingredients up to 1 day ahead. Cook noodles al dente, toss with a little oil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days reheat in the garlic butter sauce. However, seared steak tastes best cooked fresh. If you must make everything ahead, undercook the steak slightly, refrigerate it whole, then slice and rewarm gently in the sauce.

What type of noodles work best in Garlic Butter Steak Noodles?

Wide egg noodles are ideal their broad surface area catches maximum garlic butter sauce, and their tender texture complements the steak perfectly. Fettuccine or pappardelle work beautifully as Italian alternatives with similar width and thickness. Avoid angel hair or thin spaghetti, which become mushy and don’t hold sauce well. Rice noodles create a gluten-free version but require careful timing—they overcook quickly. Lo mein noodles offer an Asian twist with chewier texture. Whatever noodles you choose, cook them al dente since they’ll continue absorbing sauce after draining.

Can I use a different cooking method for the steak in Garlic Butter Steak Noodles?

Yes, though pan-searing creates the best crust. Grill the steak over direct high heat (450-500°F) for 4-5 minutes per side, then slice and add to the garlic butter noodles. Broiling works well position the rack 4 inches from the heating element and broil 4-5 minutes per side. Sous vide delivers perfectly even doneness: cook at 130°F for 2 hours, then quick-sear in a smoking-hot pan for 1 minute per side for crust. Avoid slow cookers or instant pots for this preparation tender cuts like sirloin become mushy with long, moist cooking methods.

Conclusion

Transform your weeknight dinners tonight with this incredible Garlic Butter Steak Noodles recipe your family will request it on repeat! The combination of tender, perfectly cooked steak and buttery garlic noodles delivers restaurant-quality comfort food in your own kitchen. Join over 5,000 home cooks at Cooks Foody who’ve made this their go-to recipe for impressing guests and satisfying weeknight cravings.

Garlic Butter Steak Noodles 5 Secrets to Mouthwatering Perfection