Buttered Noodles with Seared Beef Strips

After a long week, sometimes all you crave is comfort, simplicity, and a dish that feels like a warm hug. For my family, that’s often where Buttered Noodles with Seared Beef Strips comes in. It’s become our go-to when we want something satisfying and quick, yet feels a little bit special. The kids love the buttery, tender noodles, and my husband and I adore the savory richness of the perfectly seared beef. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser, even for the pickiest eaters, and honestly, it’s become a dish I can whip up without even thinking – perfect for those nights when inspiration is running low but hunger is high!

Ingredients

• Egg Noodles: (1 pound) The star of the dish, providing a comforting and satisfying base. Look for wide egg noodles for a heartier texture.
• Beef Sirloin or Ribeye: (1 pound) Choose a tender cut of beef, like sirloin or ribeye, for quick searing and maximum flavor. Cut into thin strips against the grain for tenderness.
• Butter: (½ cup, unsalted) The magic ingredient that coats the noodles in rich, creamy flavor. Unsalted allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Olive Oil: (2 tablespoons) Used for searing the beef, providing a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
• Garlic: (2-3 cloves) Fresh garlic, minced, adds a pungent and aromatic layer to the dish, complementing both the beef and butter.
• Fresh Parsley: (¼ cup, chopped) Adds a pop of freshness, color, and a slightly peppery note to balance the richness.
• Salt: (To taste) Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Kosher salt is recommended for its consistent grain size.
• Black Pepper: (Freshly ground, to taste) Adds a bit of spice and depth of flavor. Freshly ground is always preferred for its brighter taste.
• Optional: Beef Broth or Dry White Wine: (¼ cup) For deglazing the pan after searing the beef, adding extra flavor to the sauce.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: Begin by preparing your beef. Take your pound of sirloin or ribeye and pat it dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Excess moisture will steam the beef instead of searing it. Once dry, slice the beef into thin strips, about ¼ inch thick, cutting against the grain. Cutting against the grain ensures the beef is more tender when cooked. Season the beef strips generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s the foundation of the beef’s flavor.
2. Cook the Noodles: While preparing the beef, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt to the water seasons the noodles from the inside out, enhancing their flavor. Once boiling, add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, and it indicates that the noodles should be cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked noodles can become mushy, which is undesirable. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and set aside. It’s important to drain them promptly to prevent them from continuing to cook in the hot water.
3. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot before you add the beef to ensure a good sear. You’ll know the oil is hot enough when it shimmers or a drop of water flicked into the pan sizzles immediately. Add the seasoned beef strips to the hot pan in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the pan temperature and cause the beef to steam instead of sear. If necessary, sear the beef in batches. Sear the beef for about 1-2 minutes per side, until nicely browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium, it’s 135-140°F (57-60°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy if you prefer. Remove the seared beef from the pan and set aside, keeping it warm.
4. Sauté the Garlic (Optional Deglazing): Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. If you want to deglaze the pan and add an extra layer of flavor, now is the time. Pour in the beef broth or dry white wine into the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a spatula. These browned bits, called fond, are packed with flavor. Simmer the liquid for a minute or two, allowing it to reduce slightly and create a light sauce. This deglazing step is optional but highly recommended for enhancing the sauce.
5. Butter the Noodles: In the same pan (or a separate large pot if preferred), melt the butter over low heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly sizzling, add the drained egg noodles. Toss the noodles in the melted butter until they are evenly coated and glistening. The butter should fully coat each noodle strand, creating a rich and luxurious texture. Season the buttered noodles with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that you have already seasoned the beef, so taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
6. Combine and Serve: Add the seared beef strips back to the pan with the buttered noodles. Gently toss everything together to combine, ensuring the beef is evenly distributed throughout the noodles and warmed through. Finally, stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and color. Serve immediately while hot. Garnish with extra fresh parsley, if desired, and perhaps a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch of savory flavor, although traditionally this dish is served without cheese to let the buttery beef flavor shine.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, approximate, based on 4 servings)

• Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
• Calories: 650-750 kcal
• Protein: 35-40g
• Iron: 4-5mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

This Buttered Noodles with Seared Beef Strips recipe is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Most of the time is spent searing the beef and cooking the noodles, both of which are relatively fast processes. The minimal prep work and straightforward instructions mean you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under 40 minutes.

How to Serve

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can enhance your meal with these serving suggestions:

• Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the buttered noodles and beef. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a healthy and flavorful side dish. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables.
• Garlic Bread: For an extra indulgent meal, serve with warm garlic bread to soak up any extra buttery sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: While traditionally served without cheese, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can add a salty and savory note if desired. Offer it on the side so guests can choose.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle spicy kick.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for mopping up the delicious buttery sauce.

Additional Tips

1. Quality Beef Matters: Invest in a good quality cut of beef like sirloin or ribeye. The tenderness and flavor of the beef are crucial to the success of this simple dish. Higher quality beef will sear better and taste richer.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the beef, ensure you don’t overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing, resulting in less flavorful and less tender beef. Sear in batches if necessary.
3. Pat the Beef Dry: Before searing, pat the beef strips thoroughly dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture and helps achieve a beautiful, brown sear.
4. Salt the Noodle Water Generously: Don’t underestimate the importance of salting the water for cooking the noodles. It seasons the noodles from within and enhances their overall flavor. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of salt per gallon of water.
5. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is far superior in flavor to pre-minced garlic. It provides a brighter and more pungent aroma that complements the butter and beef beautifully.
6. Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles al dente, according to package directions. Overcooked noodles become mushy and less appealing.
7. Melt Butter Gently: Melt the butter over low heat to prevent it from browning or burning. You want it to be melted and slightly sizzling but not overheated.
8. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust the seasoning of the noodles and beef before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of garlic powder if needed to achieve your desired flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use a different type of noodle?
A1: While egg noodles are traditional and highly recommended for their texture and flavor, you can experiment with other types of noodles like fettuccine, linguine, or even spaghetti. However, egg noodles provide a unique richness and chewiness that works exceptionally well with the buttery sauce and seared beef.

Q2: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A2: Yes, you can use other tender cuts of beef such as flank steak, skirt steak, or even tenderloin. Just ensure you slice them thinly against the grain for tenderness. Cheaper cuts like round steak might be too tough for quick searing and are not recommended for this recipe.

Q3: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A3: Absolutely! You can easily add vegetables to this dish to make it a more complete meal. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or spinach. Sauté the vegetables before or after searing the beef, or add them to the pan when you sauté the garlic.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A4: It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh for optimal texture and flavor. However, you can prepare the components ahead of time. You can sear the beef and cook the noodles separately and then combine them just before serving. Reheating the assembled dish might make the noodles slightly softer and the beef less perfectly seared, but it will still be enjoyable.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover Buttered Noodles with Seared Beef Strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a little extra butter or broth if needed to moisten the noodles.

Q6: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A6: To make this dish dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with a high-quality olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Look for plant-based butters that are designed for cooking and have a rich, buttery flavor. The taste will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q7: What kind of wine pairs well with this dish?
A7: A light to medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc would pair nicely with Buttered Noodles with Seared Beef Strips. The wine should complement the richness of the butter and the savory beef without overpowering it.

Q8: Can I add cheese to this recipe?
A8: While traditionally Buttered Noodles with Seared Beef Strips are served without cheese, you can certainly add some if you like. Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano, or even a sprinkle of Gruyere would complement the dish. Add grated cheese at the end, just before serving, or offer it on the side for guests to add as desired.

This Buttered Noodles with Seared Beef Strips recipe is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create a truly satisfying and delicious meal. It’s a dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. The combination of tender beef, rich buttery noodles, and aromatic garlic is simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try, and I’m confident it will become a new family favorite in your home, just as it has in mine. Enjoy the comforting simplicity and delicious flavors!

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