The Best Surf and Turf Garlic Noodles Recipe
The Best Surf and Turf Garlic Noodles Recipe is a delicious mix of tender noodles tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with juicy pieces of steak and succulent…
Tip: save now, cook later.The Best Surf and Turf Garlic Noodles Recipe is a delicious mix of tender noodles tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with juicy pieces of steak and succulent shrimp. The combination of flavors and textures makes every bite so satisfying, with the noodles soaking up all that garlicky goodness and the surf and turf adding a special touch of heartiness.
I love making this dish when I want something a little special but still straightforward. The garlic sauce is simple yet full of flavor, and the steak and shrimp cook quickly, so you aren’t stuck in the kitchen forever. One tip I always follow is to make sure the garlic doesn’t burn when cooking – that really makes a big difference in flavor!
This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or when friends come over. I usually serve it with some fresh green veggies or a crisp salad to balance out the richness. It’s one of those dishes that everyone seems to enjoy and asks for again, which makes it a favorite in my house.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: Fresh egg noodles work best because they soak up the sauce nicely and stay tender. If you can’t find fresh, cooked dry egg noodles or even spaghetti make good substitutes.
Steak: Sirloin or flank steak is tender and flavorful. You can swap for ribeye or skirt steak if you prefer. For a leaner option, try chicken breast or mushrooms.
Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp for quick cooking and easy eating. Frozen shrimp works well too—just thaw before cooking.
Garlic & Butter: These give the dish its rich, fragrant base. Use unsalted butter to control saltiness. Garlic powder can be a backup but fresh garlic is best for flavor.
Sauces (Soy, Oyster, Fish): These build the umami flavor. If you don’t have oyster sauce, hoisin or mushroom sauce are okay substitutes. Fish sauce adds depth but can be left out.
Green Onions & Chili: Green onions add freshness at the end. Adjust chili flakes or sriracha to your heat preference or skip for a milder dish.
How Do You Get Perfect Garlic Flavor Without Burning It?
Garlic burns easily and turns bitter, so it’s important to cook it just right.
- Melt butter over medium heat and add minced garlic.
- Stir constantly and watch closely. Garlic should become golden and fragrant in about 1-2 minutes, not brown or black.
- If your pan gets too hot, reduce the heat—the goal is gentle sautéing.
- Add the sauces quickly after garlic softens to prevent burning.
Taking your time with the garlic step is what makes the sauce taste full and delicious. It’s worth the gentle care!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – perfect for searing steak and shrimp and tossing noodles evenly in sauce.
- Pot for boiling noodles – you’ll cook noodles until tender and easy to mix with the sauce.
- Sharp knife – essential for cutting steak into bite-sized pieces quickly and safely.
- Wooden spoon or tongs – great for stirring the noodles and mixing ingredients without breaking them.
- Measuring spoons – helps you get the soy sauce and other seasonings just right for balanced flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap steak for thinly sliced chicken breast for a lighter, milder meat option.
- Use scallops instead of shrimp to add a sweet, tender shellfish twist.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies and texture.
- Mix in a handful of chopped fresh basil or cilantro after cooking for a fresh herbal note.
The Best Surf and Turf Garlic Noodles Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Noodles and Sauce:
- 8 oz fresh egg noodles or cooked Asian-style noodles
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional for extra umami)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or neutral cooking oil
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp chili flakes or sriracha for heat
Surf and Turf:
- 8 oz sirloin or flank steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 10-12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 25 minutes total. About 10 minutes to prep and cook the steak and shrimp, 10 minutes to prepare the noodles and garlic sauce, and 5 minutes to combine everything for the final toss and garnish. It’s quick enough for a weekday dinner but special enough to impress.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking your noodles according to the package if using dried types. Drain them well and set aside. Fresh noodles usually just need a quick boil or soak to soften.
2. Sear the Steak:
Season steak pieces with a pinch of black pepper. Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add half a tablespoon of oil. Place the steak pieces in and cook them until nicely browned and cooked through—about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them to a plate once done.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the steak.
4. Make the Garlic Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the pan. When melted, add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it’s golden and aromatic but not burnt. Then stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce (if you’re using it), and sugar. Mix well.
5. Combine Noodles and Proteins:
Add the cooked noodles to the pan with the garlic sauce. Toss them well so every noodle is coated in that delicious garlicky sauce. Then return the steak and shrimp to the pan and gently mix everything together. Heat just long enough to warm through all the ingredients.
6. Final Touches and Serving:
Give the dish a taste and add more soy sauce or pepper if you want. Remove from heat, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top, and add chili flakes or sriracha if you enjoy a bit of heat. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect surf and turf garlic noodles!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works great! Just thaw them completely in the fridge overnight or quickly in cold water before cooking. Pat them dry to avoid extra moisture in the pan.
What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or mushroom soy sauce as a substitute. Keep in mind the flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or butter to revive the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the steak and shrimp with mushrooms, tofu, or your favorite vegetables. Use vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce to keep the umami flavor.