Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While flank steak, sirloin, and ribeye work best, you can use skirt steak, strip steak, or even beef tenderloin. The key is slicing thin against the grain for maximum tenderness.

What noodles work best for this recipe?

Fresh udon noodles are my favorite, but ramen noodles, lo mein noodles, or even spaghetti work wonderfully. Rice noodles are great for a gluten-free option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prep the steak marinade and sauce ingredients ahead of time. The cooked dish keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days – just reheat gently with a splash of broth.

How do I prevent the steak from becoming tough?

The secrets are: slice against the grain, don't overcook (aim for medium-rare), and marinate with cornstarch which helps keep it tender. Also, make sure your pan is hot before adding the steak.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with plant-based butter or add more vegetable oil. The dish will still be incredibly flavorful thanks to all the other seasonings.

What if I don't have hoisin sauce?

You can substitute with an extra tablespoon of soy sauce mixed with a teaspoon of brown sugar, or use teriyaki sauce as a replacement.

Ultimate Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles: Incredible Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye (thinly sliced against the grain)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
8 oz fresh or dried noodles (udon, ramen, or spaghetti)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon grated ginger
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
¼ cup beef broth or water
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

In a bowl, mix steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let marinate 10–15 minutes.
Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and reserve ¼ cup of water.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet. Sear steak 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add remaining oil and butter. Once melted, sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, broth, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return steak to skillet, add noodles, and toss until evenly coated and heated through.
Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds, green onions, chili slices, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

Slice steak thinly against the grain and prep all ingredients beforehand for the best lightning-fast results.

Author: Alexandra Roa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 610
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 19g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: garlic butter steak, lightning noodles, 30-minute dinner, Asian noodles, quick steak recipe