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If you’re on the lookout for a meal that feels both indulgent and fresh, the Garlic Butter Steak with Egg Noodles and Spinach Salad Recipe hits every note perfectly. Combining tender, garlicky steak with buttery egg noodles and a crisp, vibrant spinach salad, this dish offers a wonderful balance of rich flavors and refreshing textures that will quickly become a weeknight favorite or a special occasion go-to. It’s simple yet elegant, packing bold tastes in every bite without needing hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to be one you crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor while keeping the recipe straightforward and approachable. From the juicy sirloin steak to the fresh baby spinach, each component adds an essential element that makes this dish stand out both in taste and presentation.
- 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced: Perfectly tender and cooks quickly, ideal for soaking up the garlic butter sauce.
- 8 oz egg noodles: Their soft, silky texture complements the steak and sauce beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that luscious garlic butter coating.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with bright, aromatic flavor that’s utterly irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for searing the steak to a perfect crust.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh pop of green color and herbal brightness as a garnish.
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach: The base of the salad, adding vibrant color and a crisp, healthy bite.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a mild, tangy crunch that balances the richness of the steak.
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweet bursts of flavor and a lovely splash of color on the plate.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the spinach salad dressing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to emulsify the dressing and keep the salad fresh and vibrant.
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 rolling boil. Cooking the egg noodles al dente according to the package instructions ensures they’ll have just the right bite and won’t get mushy. Once done, drain and set them aside to be incorporated later with the steak and garlic butter sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
Season your thinly sliced sirloin steak generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the steak slices. Cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until nicely browned and cooked to your liking. Remove the steak and set it aside—this step builds a savory, caramelized crust that’s key for flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Using the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté just until the garlic becomes fragrant, about one minute—watch carefully to avoid burning. This garlicky butter is the heart of the dish, imparting rich aroma and silkiness that ties everything together.
Step 4: Combine Steak and Sauce
Return the cooked steak slices to the skillet and toss them in the warm garlic butter. This final step coats each piece in luscious flavor, making every bite indulgent and satisfying. Once well mixed, remove the skillet from heat to preserve the sauce’s fresh, buttery taste.
Step 5: Mix in the Egg Noodles
Add the cooked egg noodles straight into the skillet with the steak and garlic butter sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly so the noodles are evenly coated with all those beautiful flavors. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley at this stage adds a fresh herbal tone and bright color that makes the dish look as wonderful as it tastes.
Step 6: Prepare the Spinach Salad
While the noodles and steak take center stage, mix up your fresh spinach salad. In a large bowl, combine baby spinach leaves with thinly sliced red onions and juicy halved cherry tomatoes. For the dressing, whisk balsamic vinegar together with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then drizzle over the salad. Toss everything so the flavors meld and the greens stay crisp and bright.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak with Egg Noodles and Spinach Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A final touch of chopped fresh parsley sprinkled over the steak and noodles not only enhances the visual appeal but adds a burst of fresh flavor. You could also add a few lemon wedges on the side if you want an optional citrusy lift that pairs beautifully with the richness of the garlic butter.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite complete on its own, but if you want to elevate the meal, consider serving it alongside some crusty garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette for sopping up the luscious sauce. A light soup starter, like a tomato bisque or vegetable broth, would also complement the meal without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the steak and noodles on warm plates with the spinach salad artistically arranged on the side. Layer the noodles in a small mound topped with steak slices and parsley, and drizzle a bit of extra garlic butter from the skillet over the top. This creates a restaurant-quality visual that’s sure to wow family and guests alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Garlic Butter Steak with Egg Noodles and Spinach Salad Recipe, store the steak and noodles separately from the salad to preserve freshness and texture. Use airtight containers and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Freezing
The steak and noodles freeze well if packed properly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Be sure to cool them completely before freezing. The salad is best prepared fresh and should not be frozen, as the greens will wilt and the tomatoes become soggy.
Reheating
Reheat the steak and noodles gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a tiny splash of water or butter if necessary to keep the noodles moist. Toss occasionally to warm evenly. Serve the spinach salad fresh to retain its crispness and vibrant flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, other quick-cooking cuts like ribeye or flank steak can also work well. Just be mindful of cooking times to avoid overcooking.
What if I don’t have egg noodles on hand?
Feel free to substitute with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or even wide noodles. They’ll all soak up the garlic butter sauce beautifully and complement the steak.
Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead but it’s best to cook the garlic briefly just before serving to maintain its fresh flavor and avoid bitterness.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the egg noodles for a gluten-free pasta or serve the steak and garlic butter sauce with sautéed vegetables or spiralized zucchini noodles for a fresh alternative.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and centers on buttery garlic and fresh herbs. If you want a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce while cooking for a subtle kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Garlic Butter Steak with Egg Noodles and Spinach Salad Recipe that makes it feel both comforting and gourmet. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor every bite, and share good food with good company. Give it a try soon—you might just find a new favorite to cook on repeat!
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Garlic Butter Steak with Egg Noodles and Spinach Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and hearty Garlic Butter Steak served over tender egg noodles, paired with a fresh and vibrant spinach salad dressed in tangy balsamic vinaigrette. This quick and easy meal combines savory flavors and fresh ingredients for a satisfying dinner perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Steak with Egg 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. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Cook the Steak: Season the 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 level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Return the cooked steak to the skillet and toss to coat it thoroughly 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 to ensure the noodles and steak are well coated with the flavorful sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped 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 freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the salad and toss to combine evenly.
- Serve: Plate the garlic butter steak and egg noodles alongside the fresh spinach salad. Serve immediately and enjoy your balanced and flavorful meal!
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the garlic butter sauce.
- Adjust the steak cooking time depending on your preferred doneness (e.g., rare, medium, well done).
- For a low-fat alternative, reduce the butter or substitute with olive oil in the sauce.
- Make sure to salt the pasta water well to enhance the flavor of the noodles.
- If you prefer, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the salad for an extra fresh zing.
