Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp Stir-Fried Noodles
A Flavor-Packed Asian-Inspired Meal That Comes Together in Just 30 Minutes
If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s indulgent, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, this Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp Stir-Fried Noodles dish will absolutely hit the spot. Think tender strips of seared steak, juicy shrimp, sautéed bell peppers, and chewy noodles — all tossed in a rich, savory garlic butter soy sauce. It’s like your favorite takeout, but made even better at home.
This recipe is the perfect example of a quick, restaurant-quality meal you can pull off in your own kitchen, even on a busy weeknight. With a balanced mix of protein, veggies, and carbs, it’s hearty enough to serve on its own — and the layers of flavor are incredible.
Ingredients:
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious one-pan dish:
- 8 oz (about 225g) sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 12 oz (340g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on or tail-off, your choice)
- 10 oz (280g) egg noodles or ramen noodles (fresh or dried — just make sure they’re cooked and drained)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil, like canola or avocado)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced into strips
- ½ cup soy sauce (you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, but adds great depth of flavor)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- Fresh chopped green onions, for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional, but recommended)
Prep Tips Before You Cook:
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure it’s tender and cooks quickly.
- Dry your shrimp well before cooking — this helps get a nice sear instead of steaming.
- Cook your noodles first, drain, and toss with a bit of oil to prevent sticking while you prep the rest of the dish.
- Use a large skillet or wok — a bigger surface area helps everything cook evenly and quickly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling your noodles according to the package instructions. Egg noodles usually take about 3–4 minutes if fresh or 6–8 minutes if dried. Drain well and set aside. Toss them lightly with a bit of oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the rest.
2. Sear the Steak
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the steak in a single layer. Let it sear without stirring for 1–2 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for another minute or two, until browned and just cooked through. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside. (Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — work in batches if needed.)
3. Sauté the Shrimp
Add another tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Toss in the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook — they’ll finish heating later when everything comes together. Remove from the pan and set aside with the steak.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until they soften just a bit but still retain a slight crunch. This adds texture to the dish. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant — careful not to burn it.
5. Build the Sauce
Push the veggies to the side of the skillet and add the butter to the center. Let it melt, then stir everything together. Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil (if using), and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes — this allows the flavors to come together and the sauce to slightly thicken.
6. Combine and Stir-Fry
Return the cooked steak and shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked noodles as well. Using tongs or a wooden spoon, gently toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the garlic butter soy sauce, and the meat and shrimp are well distributed. Stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes, just to heat everything through and let the sauce cling to the noodles.
7. Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat. Garnish your noodles with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot, and enjoy the amazing balance of garlicky, buttery, salty, and slightly spicy flavors.
Cooking Timeline:
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Serving Suggestions:
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with:
- A side of steamed or stir-fried broccoli
- A light cucumber salad with rice vinegar
- Fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the top
- Chili oil or sriracha for an extra heat boost
Storing & Reheating:
- To store: Let leftovers cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between each.
Variations:
- Make it spicy: Add more chili flakes or a spoon of chili garlic sauce.
- Vegetarian version: Swap the steak and shrimp for tofu or tempeh.
- Use different noodles: Udon, soba, rice noodles, or even spaghetti will work in a pinch.