If you are craving a meal that feels both indulgent and fresh, look no further than my beloved Garlic Butter Steak with Egg Noodles and Spinach Salad Recipe. This dish brings together tender, juicy strips of sirloin steak coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, perfectly twirled with silky egg noodles, and served with a bright, crisp spinach salad bursting with zing from balsamic dressing. It’s comfort and elegance on one plate, and every bite feels like a warm hug—you’re going to want to make this again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish just right is all about having simple, quality ingredients that each play a magical role in texture, flavor, and color. From the savory steak to the fresh salad, every element is essential for that perfect balance.
- 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced: Tender and full-flavored, it’s the star protein that makes this meal hearty and satisfying.
- 8 oz egg noodles: Their silky, broad ribbons soak up the garlic butter beautifully and add a comforting foundation.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates the rich, fragrant garlic butter sauce that coats the steak and noodles with irresistible flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of aromatic savoriness that takes this dish to the next level.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for cooking the steak to perfection and keeps everything luscious without being greasy.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, herbal garnish that adds freshness and a pop of green color at the end.
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach: The base for a crisp, vibrant salad that balances the richness of steak and butter.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a bit of sharpness and crunch to the salad.
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with juiciness and sweetness, they bring color and vitality to the plate.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Gives the spinach salad a tangy depth that complements the rich steak beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for salad): Lightly coats the salad ingredients, enhancing their natural flavors.
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 step is crucial because the salt enhances the noodles’ flavor as they cook. Toss in the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente—firm to the bite, perfect for tossing in the sauce later. Drain them carefully and set aside so they’re ready for the next steps.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
While the noodles cook, season your thinly sliced sirloin steak generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to really bring out its meaty flavor. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—it should shimmer but not smoke. Add the steak slices in a single layer and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous brown crust while remaining tender and juicy inside. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet, letting it melt slowly. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until the aroma fills your kitchen—about one minute—but watch closely so it doesn’t burn, as you want that mellow, garlicky sweetness. Return the cooked steak slices to the pan and toss them around gently to coat every piece in this fragrant, buttery sauce. It’s where all the magic happens!
Step 4: Combine Steak and Noodles
Now, add those cooked egg noodles directly into the skillet with your garlic butter steak. Toss everything together carefully so the noodles soak up all of that buttery, garlicky goodness. Once everything looks evenly coated and glossy, remove from heat and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley to add a fresh, herbal brightness to every bite.
Step 5: Prepare the Spinach Salad
For a refreshing contrast, toss the baby spinach, thinly sliced red onion, and juicy cherry tomatoes in a large bowl. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until the dressing is perfectly balanced between tangy and smooth. Drizzle it over your salad and toss right before serving so every leaf is lightly coated and bursting with flavor—a crisp, vibrant partner for the rich steak and noodles.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak with Egg Noodles and Spinach Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To make your dish look restaurant-worthy and bring an extra touch of taste, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the garlic butter steak and noodles. The green flecks brighten the plate visually and provide a subtle herbal note that lifts the richness. You could also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the salad for a bit more zing if you like, enhancing the overall contrast of flavors.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Steak with Egg Noodles and Spinach Salad Recipe is wonderfully complete on its own, but if you want a little extra, consider roasting some asparagus or serving a crusty garlic bread on the side. Both add delightful textures that complement the tender steak and silky noodles while keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming family dinner or a casual dinner party, plate the steak and noodles in a shallow bowl, topped with parsley. Serve the spinach salad in a separate vibrant bowl or on individual plates to keep the fresh colors popping. Alternatively, you can serve the noodles first, then lay the steak slices on top with the salad on the side, creating a composed, elegant dish that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, the garlic butter steak with egg noodles will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining its flavors without drying out – just keep the salad separate to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
This dish freezes best without the spinach salad. Place the garlic butter steak and noodles in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the noodles. This helps prevent drying out or burning the sauce. Microwave reheating is fine for convenience, but stirring halfway through will help heat evenly. Always keep the salad fresh by making it just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin works wonderfully for its balance of tenderness and flavor, you can use ribeye, flank, or even tenderloin slices—just adjust the cooking time to keep the steak juicy and tender.
What’s the best way to get the garlic flavor without it burning?
Cooking minced garlic over medium heat and stirring constantly for about one minute allows the garlic to release its aroma and sweet flavor without becoming bitter or burnt. Keep an eye on it—it cooks quickly!
Can I substitute the egg noodles with another pasta?
Yes, feel free to swap egg noodles for other pasta shapes like fettuccine or pappardelle. Just make sure to cook them al dente so they hold up well when tossed in the garlic butter sauce.
How do I keep the spinach salad from wilting?
Toss the salad in the dressing just before serving, and avoid overdressing it. Prepare your greens and vegetables separately until you’re ready to plate to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats beautifully and stores well. Just keep the salad separate and freshen it up when you’re ready to eat. This makes it a great option if you want a convenient, flavorful lunch or dinner through the week.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak with Egg Noodles and Spinach Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both luxurious and approachable, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to a hearty, satisfying meal. Whipping it up is straightforward, and the flavors will keep you dreaming of it long after the last bite. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with how perfectly everything comes together on your plate.
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 delicious and satisfying meal featuring tender sirloin steak cooked in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, served over perfectly cooked egg noodles, accompanied by a fresh and vibrant spinach salad with a balsamic dressing. It combines rich, savory flavors with fresh vegetables for a balanced and fulfilling dinner.
Ingredients
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)
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 to cook the egg noodles.
- Cook the Egg Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain Noodles: Drain the cooked egg noodles and set them aside for later use.
- Season the Steak: Season the thinly sliced sirloin steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Heat Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Steak: Add the seasoned steak slices to the skillet and cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Remove Steak: Take the cooked steak out of the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium, add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant for about 1 minute.
- Toss Steak in Sauce: Return the cooked steak slices to the skillet and toss them to coat thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce.
- Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet with the steak and sauce, tossing everything together until the noodles are well coated.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the steak and noodles with chopped fresh parsley.
- Prepare Spinach Salad: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of fresh baby spinach, thinly sliced half a red onion, and halved 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes.
- Make Salad Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the spinach mixture and toss well to combine.
- Serve: Plate the garlic butter steak and egg noodles alongside the fresh spinach salad and enjoy your meal!
Notes
- For best results, slice the steak thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- You can substitute sirloin steak with ribeye or flank steak depending on preference.
- Adjust the balsamic vinegar and olive oil ratio in the salad dressing to your taste.
- Use fresh garlic for the most aromatic garlic butter sauce.
- Leftover steak can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free egg noodles or substitute with zucchini noodles.
