Introduction

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini is a quick and flavorful low-carb dinner that combines tender, seared steak with garlicky butter and sautéed zucchini. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and easy to prepare.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini – Easy Low Carb Dinner Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 lb sirloin, New York strip, or ribeye beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 medium fresh zucchinis, sliced into half-moons or quarter-moons
3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Coarse sea salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, for searing

Instructions

Step 1: Remove the steak from the fridge about 15-20 minutes before cooking and pat dry with paper towels. Season generously with sea salt and black pepper. Optionally, sprinkle with onion powder and smoked paprika.
Step 2: Chop the zucchini into uniform, bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic finely.
Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive or avocado oil.
Step 4: Add half of the steak bites to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Sear for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Transfer cooked steak to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Step 5: Repeat the searing process with the remaining steak bites, adding more oil if needed.
Step 6: With the pan still hot, add another tablespoon of oil and toss in the zucchini. Sauté for 4-6 minutes until tender-crisp and slightly browned.
Step 7: Push the zucchini to one side of the pan. Add the butter and minced garlic to the empty space. Let the butter melt and the garlic become fragrant, stirring constantly for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Step 8: Return all the cooked steak bites to the pan with the zucchini and garlic butter. Gently toss everything together to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 9: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or chives before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

Use a cast iron skillet for better searing and flavor development.
Swap zucchini for other low-carb veggies like bell peppers or asparagus for variation.
For extra flavor, marinate the steak cubes briefly in garlic and herbs before cooking.
If you prefer less butter, reduce it or substitute with olive oil for a lighter dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the steak’s tenderness and prevent the zucchini from becoming mushy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?

Yes, sirloin, New York strip, and ribeye all work well. Choose cuts that are tender and well-marbled for the best flavor and texture.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. It reheats well and makes a great protein-packed meal for busy days. Just keep the steak and vegetables refrigerated and reheat gently to maintain quality.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini – Easy Low Carb Dinner Recipe

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Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini is a quick and easy low-carb dinner featuring tender seared steak cubes sautéed with fresh zucchini in a fragrant garlic butter sauce. This recipe offers rich, savory flavors with minimal ingredients and is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale

Steak

1 pound sirloin, New York strip, or ribeye beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
Coarse sea salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
1–2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (for searing)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2–3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced

Vegetables

2 medium fresh zucchinis, sliced into half-moons or quarter-moons

Optional Seasonings

Onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon (optional)

For Garnish

Fresh chopped parsley or chives, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Steak: Take the steak out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season generously with coarse sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper (and optional onion powder or smoked paprika if using) to enhance flavor.
Prep the Vegetables and Garlic: Chop the zucchinis into uniform bite-sized half-moons or quarter-moons to ensure even cooking. Finely mince the fresh garlic cloves, which will add a fragrant punch to the dish.
Heat the Pan: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil to the hot pan, ready for searing the steak bites.
Sear the Steak Bites (Batch 1): Add half of the steak cubes to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd the surface. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes until the pieces are nicely browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove and transfer to a plate, tenting with foil to retain heat.
Sear Remaining Steak Bites (Batch 2): Repeat searing with the remaining steak bites, adding more oil to the skillet if necessary. This ensures even caramelization without steaming.
Sauté the Zucchini: With the skillet still hot, add another tablespoon of oil and toss in the chopped zucchini. Sauté for approximately 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender-crisp with slight browning for enhanced flavor.
Add Garlic Butter: Push the cooked zucchini to one side of the pan. In the empty space, add the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Allow the butter to melt and the garlic to become fragrant, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute to avoid burning.
Combine Steak with Zucchini and Garlic Butter: Return all the cooked steak bites to the skillet with the garlic butter and zucchini. Gently toss to coat everything evenly and warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the dish before serving to add a fresh herbal finish and a pop of color.

Notes

Bringing the steak to room temperature before cooking ensures more even searing and better flavor.
Do not overcrowd the pan when searing the steak to allow proper browning instead of steaming.
Use avocado oil or olive oil for searing as they have a higher smoke point suitable for high heat.
You can substitute zucchinis with yellow squash or other low-carb vegetables.
Adjust garlic amount according to preference; adding it late prevents bitterness.
For a richer taste, use grass-fed butter.

Keywords: steak bites, garlic butter steak, low carb dinner, zucchini recipe, easy steak recipe, keto dinner