
Whenever I want something tasty that doesn't take forever after a busy workday, I whip up these garlic butter steak lightning noodles. Juicy beef, loads of buttery garlic, and silky egg noodles all mix together for a super speedy meal that'll make everyone at the table happy.
This dish completely changed my evenings. Now my family's already asking for lightning noodles with garlic steak by lunchtime. They can't get enough of that smell wafting through the house.
Essential Ingredients
- Ribeye or rump steak: Pat dry well for the best flavor. Go for marbled cuts to keep things juicy.
- Egg noodles: Cook them al dente. They soak up the sauce perfectly. Chilled noodles from the fridge section make them extra silky.
- Unsalted butter: Makes things creamy and soaks the tastes together. Don't swap it for margarine.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Chop them fine for serious punch. Use firm bulbs with no green bits.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors—sea salt's especially tasty.
- Cracked black pepper: Delivers that mellow heat. Buy it whole and grind it right before you start.
- Fresh parsley: Chop some for a garnish—it'll add color and a little zing. Flat-leaf is best for flavor.
- Lemon juice: Totally optional, but a squeeze at the end keeps things bright and light. Use an organic lemon if you can.
Easy How-To
- Prep the steak:
- Blot it dry, salt and pepper both sides, then let it chill out at room temp for 15 to 20 minutes so it cooks evenly.
- Sear the steak:
- Heat a heavy pan until it's super hot, add some oil, toss in the steak, and don't fuss with it—three to four minutes each side gets you a gorgeous crust.
- Let steak rest:
- Pull it out of the pan, lay it on a cutting board, punch a bit of foil on top, and chill for 5 to 7 minutes for the juiciest results.
- Make garlic butter:
- With the pan set to medium, melt butter, toss in garlic, stir for about a minute, and don't let it go brown—just until your kitchen smells awesome.
- Toss noodles in butter:
- Drop the cooked noodles into the garlicky butter. Gently mix with tongs so they grab every drop of goodness.
- Slice the steak:
- Cut across the grain into thin strips to keep it tender and easy to mix in with the noodles.
- Combine everything:
- Add the steak plus those tasty jus back to the pan. Give it all a quick toss so the flavors mingle.
- Plate and finish:
- Right away, pile everything onto a big dish. Sprinkle parsley over and, if you want, give it a little splash of lemon for a final fresh touch.

Good to Know
Loaded with protein, these noodles really fill you up and keep you powered through the day.
You can prep it ahead and quickly reheat when you're in a hurry.
Surprisingly, the kiddos usually dig it. The buttery noodles win them over.
My little trick is always using the freshest garlic. My daughter even helps chop and gets excited when the butter hits the pan. We often make this after family outings since it's so easygoing.

Keeping Extras
Leftovers store best in an airtight box for up to two days in the fridge. Warm them in the microwave or in a hot pan with a splash of water so the noodles stay moist and the steak stays tender.
Ingredient Swaps
These lightning noodles are also tasty with chicken breast or salmon. Not a beef fan? Try pan-seared mushrooms or tofu. Whatever protein you pick, stick to good quality for the best base flavor.
How to Serve
I usually just bring it to the table as is, but it's great with crispy greens or some oven veggies. If you like heat or cheese, sprinkle on some chili flakes or grated parmesan for extra kick.
A Quick Backstory
Steak and noodles together make for real comfort food, and it's a favorite in lots of modern German home kitchens. It's inspired by zippy Asian noodle bowls but with a richer, buttery steak twist for a German spin.
Recipe FAQs
- → What's the best cut of steak to use?
Go for ribeye or rump—they stay soft and taste awesome.
- → How do I keep the steak juicy?
Let it rest for a bit, covered, right after cooking. It helps the juices spread out.
- → Can I switch up the type of pasta?
Yep! Spaghetti or fettuccine are great, just cook 'em so they're still a little firm.
- → How do I make the garlic butter extra tasty?
Use fresh garlic and fry it barely, just until it smells good—don’t let it brown, so the taste stays gentle.
- → Can I add more herbs on top?
Totally—chopped parsley or even basil will give it a burst of green and freshness.