Surf and Turf Garlic Noodles

This Surf and Turf Garlic Noodles recipe is my go-to when I want to impress without too much effort. It’s a bold, satisfying dish that brings together juicy steak, buttery shrimp, and rich, garlicky noodles in one flavorful plate. The savory sauce clings to every strand of pasta while the tender surf and turf toppings take it to a whole new level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s like having restaurant-quality comfort food right in my own kitchen. The garlic noodles are packed with umami from soy, oyster, and fish sauce, and they pair perfectly with the seared steak and juicy shrimp. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to pull together. Whether I’m making it for guests or treating myself, it always hits the spot.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Garlic Noodles

• 8 oz. spaghetti or egg noodles
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional, but adds depth)
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• ¼ cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Surf & Turf

• 2 ribeye steaks (about 8 oz each) or sirloin
• ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

1. Cook the noodles
   I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook the noodles until al dente, then drain and reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water.
2. Prepare the steak
   I pat the steaks dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Then I heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. I sear the steaks for about 3–4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness, then let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
3. Cook the shrimp
   In the same skillet, I add the remaining olive oil and butter. I season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika, then cook them for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
4. Make the garlic noodles
   In a clean skillet, I melt 4 tbsp butter and sauté the minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant. I stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce (if using), brown sugar, and chicken broth or pasta water. I toss in the cooked noodles and coat them evenly, then stir in Parmesan and green onions.
5. Assemble
   I plate the garlic noodles and top them with sliced steak and shrimp. I garnish with extra green onions, a bit more Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 large servings or 3 moderate ones. I usually spend about 30–35 minutes from start to finish:

• Prep: 10 minutes
• Cooking: 20–25 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes swap the steak for grilled chicken or salmon for a lighter variation.
• For a spicy version, I add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
• If I want a creamier sauce, I stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end.
• I occasionally toss in sautéed mushrooms or bok choy to add more veggies to the plate.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm the noodles and toppings in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. I avoid microwaving the steak to keep it from drying out—instead, I reheat it gently in the skillet with the noodles.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, I sometimes use ramen noodles, lo mein, or linguine—anything that holds sauce well will work.

Do I need fish sauce for the garlic noodles?

No, but I love the depth it adds. If I skip it, I usually add a little extra soy sauce for more saltiness.

What cut of steak works best?

I prefer ribeye for its marbling and tenderness, but sirloin or NY strip work just as well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I can prep the garlic noodle sauce and marinate the steak ahead of time, but I like to cook everything fresh so the textures stay perfect.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes, I use plant-based butter and skip the Parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast to make it dairy-free.

Conclusion

Surf and Turf Garlic Noodles is one of those meals I turn to when I want a showstopper on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. With bold flavors, rich textures, and that perfect balance of savory, sweet, and garlicky goodness, it always feels like a treat. It’s my ultimate weeknight indulgence and a crowd-pleaser every time.

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