Why Youโll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal. The tender, juicy steak bites are seared to perfection in garlic butter, creating a rich and savory taste. Paired with refreshing lemon zucchini noodles, this dish offers a low-carb, nutrient-packed alternative to traditional pasta. It’s a one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Zucchini, spiralized into noodles
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Season the steak bites with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sautรฉ until fragrant.
- Add the zucchini noodles and toss in the garlic butter for 1-2 minutes until just tender.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and return the steak bites to the skillet. Toss everything together.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Protein Swap:ย Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of steak.
- Veggie Boost:ย Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick:ย Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
- Herb Twist:ย Try fresh basil or thyme for a different herbal note.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:ย Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the zucchini noodles from becoming mushy.
FAQs
What cut of steak is best for this recipe?
Sirloin or ribeye work well due to their tenderness and flavor.
Can I use frozen zucchini noodles?
Yes, but thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
How do I prevent the steak from becoming tough?
Avoid overcooking; sear quickly over high heat for tender results.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and fits well within a keto diet.
How do I spiralize zucchini?
Use a spiralizer or a julienne peeler to create zucchini noodles.
Can I add other seasonings?
Absolutely. Experiment with smoked paprika, cumin, or Italian seasoning.
What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.
How do I prevent zucchini noodles from getting soggy?
Cook them briefly and avoid overcooking to maintain their texture.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but for the best texture, cook just before serving.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Lemon Zucchini Noodles is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish perfect for busy weeknights. Its rich, savory steak combined with fresh, zesty zucchini noodles makes it a satisfying meal that’s both low-carb and nutrient-dense. With easy variations and simple preparation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Lemon Zucchini Noodles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautรฉing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender, juicy steak bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, served with light and refreshing lemon zucchini noodles. This quick and flavorful low-carb meal is perfect for busy weeknights, packed with protein and vibrant, fresh flavors.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 1 1/2 lbs sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Lemon Zucchini Noodles:
- 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak Bites:
- Season the steak cubes generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the steak cubes in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
- Add the minced garlic and remaining 2 tbsp butter. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Set aside.
- Make the Lemon Zucchini Noodles:
- In the same pan, add 1 tbsp olive oil and the minced garlic. Sautรฉ for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the spiralized zucchini noodles and sautรฉ for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest, season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Optional: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Serve:
- Plate the lemon zucchini noodles and top with the garlic butter steak bites.
- Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon, if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak in olive oil, garlic, and a dash of soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your steak cubes and preferred doneness.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the zucchini noodles for a bit of heat.
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