If you are craving a meal that feels both indulgent and fresh, I cannot wait to share my favorite Garlic Butter Steak with Egg Noodles and Spinach Salad Recipe. This dish brings together tender, juicy slices of steak bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfectly paired with comforting egg noodles and a vibrant, crisp spinach salad. Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors and textures that make it feel like a true celebration at your dinner table, yet it is simple enough to whip up any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Garlic Butter Steak with Egg Noodles and Spinach Salad Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, but each one plays an essential role. From the savory steak and creamy butter to the fresh veggies and tangy balsamic, they combine for a balanced, mouthwatering meal.
- 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced: Choose a well-marbled cut for tenderness and flavor that makes all the difference.
- 8 oz egg noodles: They soak up the garlic butter sauce beautifully and add a delightfully soft texture.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: This creates the luscious garlic butter sauce that brings everything together.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that elevates both the steak and noodles.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for searing the steak and dressing the salad with a silky finish.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple but vital for seasoning every component perfectly.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes as a garnish.
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach: Provides a vibrant, crisp base for the refreshing salad.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: Brings just the right amount of sharpness and crunch.
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursts of juicy sweetness balance the savory elements.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Adds tang and depth to the salad dressing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for dressing): Balances the acidity and brings everything together smoothly.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak with Egg Noodles and Spinach Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will infuse the noodles with just the right amount of seasoning as they cook. Then, follow the package instructions to cook the egg noodles until they are perfectly al dente, tender but with a slight bite, which makes them an ideal partner for the rich sauce waiting to coat them.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
While your noodles are cooking, season the sliced sirloin steak generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—this high temperature is key for getting a beautiful sear on the meat. Cook the steak slices for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust and reach your preferred doneness level. Then, transfer the steak to a plate and set it aside to rest, locking in those juicy flavors.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter along with the minced garlic. Let the garlic sizzle gently for about a minute until fragrant—this step fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Then, return the cooked steak to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic butter sauce so each slice gets luxuriously coated. This step infuses the meat with that classic rich flavor that’s simply unforgettable.
Step 4: Combine Steak and Egg Noodles
Now it’s time for the magic. Add the cooked egg noodles directly into the skillet with the steak and garlic butter sauce. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the noodles are fully coated and mingled with those delicious steak slices. This combination creates a hearty yet elegant base that is as comforting as it is flavorful. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and color.
Step 5: Prepare the Spinach Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby spinach, thinly sliced red onions, and halved cherry tomatoes. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a simple but lively dressing. Drizzle this over the salad and toss everything gently. The tangy dressing perfectly balances the richness of the steak and noodles, bringing brightness and crunch to every bite.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak with Egg Noodles and Spinach Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning final touch, garnish your dish with extra chopped fresh parsley. Not only will that vibrant green color make the plate pop, but the subtle herbaceous notes enhance the garlic butter flavor beautifully. A small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the salad just before serving can also add a silky finish and glossy look.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Steak with Egg Noodles and Spinach Salad Recipe stands excellently on its own, but if you want to add more variety, consider serving with a warm, crusty baguette to mop up every delicious drop of garlic butter. Alternatively, a light and tangy cucumber salad can add an extra crunch and refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, plate the steak and noodles neatly on one side of the dish and place the spinach salad artfully on the other side. Use a ring mold for the noodles to create a tidy spiral shape. Scatter some toasted pine nuts over the salad for added texture and a nutty flavor twist. A small wedge of lemon on the side invites guests to add a zesty pop if they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the garlic butter steak with egg noodles and spinach salad separately in airtight containers. The noodles and steak should be refrigerated and kept for up to three days for optimal freshness. The spinach salad is best eaten fresh but can be stored separately for up to one day without dressing.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh to preserve the texture of the steak and the salad’s crispness, so freezing is not recommended. However, you can freeze the cooked steak slices alone for up to two months; just thaw and reheat carefully to avoid overcooking.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the steak and noodles in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little butter or olive oil if needed to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the steak tender and the noodles intact. Dress the spinach salad freshly before serving to maintain its vibrant flavor and crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is a great choice for tenderness and flavor, flank steak or ribeye can also work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking thinner or fattier cuts.
What if I don’t have egg noodles? What are good substitutes?
Feel free to swap egg noodles with pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or even wide ribbon noodles. The key is to choose a pasta that will hold up well tossed with the garlic butter sauce.
Can I make the spinach salad ahead of time?
You can prep the salad ingredients in advance, but toss them with the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! Cook the steak and noodles, and store them separately from the salad dressing and greens. Combine and dress just before eating for the best taste and texture.
How do I know when the steak is cooked perfectly?
Cook steak slices for 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat, depending on thickness. If you prefer medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature around 130°F (54°C). Resting the steak after cooking helps redistribute the juices for a succulent bite.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this Garlic Butter Steak with Egg Noodles and Spinach Salad Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those meals that feels like a treat but comes together easily with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends, this dish promises to be a delicious crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table every time.
Print
Garlic Butter Steak with Egg Noodles and Spinach Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak with Egg Noodles and Spinach Salad is a flavorful, quick-to-make dinner perfect for weeknights. Tender sirloin steak slices are cooked to perfection in a savory garlic butter sauce and tossed with al dente egg noodles. Served alongside a fresh, vibrant spinach salad dressed with tangy balsamic vinaigrette, this dish balances richness with freshness for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Ingredients
For the Steak and Noodles
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 8 oz (225g) egg noodles
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Spinach Salad
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Egg Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Steak: Season the thinly sliced sirloin steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak slices and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute. Return the cooked steak to the skillet and toss to coat the meat evenly with the garlic butter sauce. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Combine with Egg Noodles: Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet with the steak and garlic butter sauce. Toss everything together gently until the noodles and steak are well coated with the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Prepare the Spinach Salad: In a large bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach, thinly sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Plate the garlic butter steak and egg noodles alongside the fresh spinach salad. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Use sirloin steak for tenderness; you can substitute with ribeye or flank steak if preferred.
- Make sure not to overcook the steak slices to keep them juicy and tender.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color and flavor, but it’s optional.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
