Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini – Easy Low Carb Dinner Recipe
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini recipe is a simple, flavorful, and low-carb dinner option perfect for busy weeknights. Tender cubes of sirloin, New York strip, or ribeye steak are seared to perfection and combined with sautéed zucchini and aromatic garlic butter, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that comes together quickly with minimal ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Bites
- 1 lb sirloin, New York strip, or ribeye beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Coarse sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or avocado oil, 2-3 tbsp (for searing)
- Onion powder (optional), 1/2 tsp
- Smoked paprika (optional), 1/2 tsp
Zucchini & Garlic Butter
- 2 medium fresh zucchinis, sliced into half-moons or quarter-moons (about 3 cups)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Remove the steak cubes from the fridge 15-20 minutes before cooking to come to room temperature. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season generously with coarse sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and if using, sprinkle onion powder and smoked paprika evenly over the cubes.
- Prep Zucchini and Garlic: Slice the zucchinis into uniform half-moons or quarter-moons ensuring even cooking. Finely mince the fresh garlic cloves and set aside.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add one tablespoon of olive or avocado oil. Let the oil heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sear the First Batch of Steak Bites: Add half of the steak cubes to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until each piece is evenly browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from pan and transfer to a plate, tenting loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Sear the Remaining Steak Bites: Add additional oil if needed to the skillet and repeat the searing process with the remaining steak cubes. Once cooked, remove and keep warm with the first batch.
- Sauté the Zucchini: With the skillet still hot, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the chopped zucchini and sauté for 4-6 minutes until they turn tender-crisp and develop a slight golden brown color.
- Create Garlic Butter: Push the zucchini to one side of the skillet. Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the empty side. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the butter melts fully and the garlic becomes fragrant without burning.
- Combine Steak with Zucchini and Garlic Butter: Return all the cooked steak bites to the pan with the zucchini and garlic butter. Gently toss everything together to coat the steak and vegetables evenly in the garlic butter sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top for a fresh, herbal finish. Serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Patting the steak dry before searing ensures a better crust and browning.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while searing; cook steak bites in batches for even cooking.
- Use a high smoke point oil like avocado or olive oil to prevent burning during searing.
- Adjust cook time for steak doneness preference; 1-2 minutes per side works well for medium-rare to medium.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a bright finish but are optional.
- Optional spices like smoked paprika and onion powder enhance flavor but can be omitted for simplicity.
Keywords: Garlic butter steak bites, zucchini sauté, low carb dinner, easy steak recipe, skillet steak, quick dinner
