Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Lemon Zucchini Noodles Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Lemon Zucchini Noodles Recipe

Seared garlic butter steak bites dance across a bed of vibrant zucchini noodles, creating a low-carb symphony of flavors.

Culinary magic happens when tender meat meets spiralized vegetables in this quick weeknight meal.

Zesty lemon adds a bright punch to each succulent bite.

Protein-packed and incredibly satisfying, this dish proves healthy eating can be deliciously indulgent.

Crisp zucchini noodles provide the perfect canvas for juicy, perfectly seasoned steak morsels.

Salt and pepper work their simple charm, while garlic butter brings richness to every forkful.

Savor each mouthwatering combination and let your taste buds celebrate this effortless gourmet experience.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Zoodles Overview

  • Swap traditional pasta for zucchini noodles, creating a lighter, veggie-packed alternative that's both nutritious and satisfying for health-conscious eaters.
  • Combine tender, seasoned steak bites with garlic butter and zesty lemon zucchini noodles for a mouthwatering dish that delivers bold, restaurant-style flavors at home.
  • Easily adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe work for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Zoodles

Main Protein:
  • Steak Cubes: Tender beef pieces that cook quickly and get a beautiful golden-brown sear, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. Choose a well-marbled cut like sirloin or ribeye for maximum tenderness.
Seasoning Group:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that add depth, heat, and color to the steak. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor and adjust the red pepper flakes based on spice preference.
Cooking Fat and Aromatics:
  • Olive Oil, Garlic: Creates a flavorful base for cooking and adds rich, aromatic notes to the dish. Choose extra virgin olive oil for the best taste and fresh garlic for maximum punch.

Cooking Garlic Steak Bites and Lemon Zoodles

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a hot foundation for your culinary masterpiece.

Step 2: Season and Sear Steak

Place steak cubes in the skillet and generously coat with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Red pepper flakes

Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until a gorgeous golden-brown crust forms. Transfer the seared steak to a separate plate, keeping it warm and ready for the next delicious phase.

Step 3: Create Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and add:
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley)

Swirl the ingredients together, allowing the butter to become fragrant and golden.

Step 4: Reunite Steak with Sauce

Return steak cubes to the skillet, tossing them gently in the luxurious garlic butter until evenly coated and heated through.

Step 5: Prepare Zucchini Noodles

Spiralize zucchini into delicate noodles using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler.

Step 6: Quick Zucchini Sauté

In a separate pan, briefly sauté zucchini noodles with:
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon zest
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Cook for 1-2 minutes to maintain a crisp texture.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Arrange zucchini noodles on a plate and top with garlic butter steak bites. Sprinkle with:
  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Extra lemon zest

Serve immediately and enjoy your restaurant-quality meal!

Tips to Get Your Garlic Steak Bites Just Right

  • Choose High-Quality Beef: Select well-marbled, tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye for maximum flavor and juiciness in your steak bites.
  • Control Cooking Temperature: Use medium-high heat to achieve a perfect sear without overcooking, creating a crispy exterior and tender interior.
  • Maximize Zucchini Noodle Texture: Avoid overcooking zucchini noodles to prevent them from becoming watery; quickly sauté for 1-2 minutes to maintain a slight crunch.
  • Balance Seasoning Carefully: Adjust salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences, ensuring each bite is well-seasoned but not overwhelming.
  • Prep Ingredients in Advance: Slice steak and zucchini noodles beforehand to streamline cooking and ensure everything cooks evenly and quickly.

Leftover Tips for Garlic Butter Steak with Zoodles

  • Store leftover steak bites and zucchini noodles in separate airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Allow the dish to reach room temperature before sealing containers to prevent moisture buildup and maintain texture.
  • Warm steak bites gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving to keep meat tender.
  • Quickly sauté zucchini noodles for 30-60 seconds to refresh their texture and prevent sogginess. Serve immediately after reheating to enjoy the best flavor and consistency.

Serving Suggestions for Steak Bites & Zucchini Noodles

  • Match the rich, savory steak bites with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the meat's robust taste and cuts through its richness.
  • Select a Sauvignon Blanc to balance the garlicky butter and provide a bright, zesty contrast to the hearty steak.
  • Serve roasted asparagus or grilled vegetables alongside the zucchini noodles to add extra texture and depth to the meal.
  • Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil over the dish to introduce a light, aromatic element that elevates the overall flavor profile.

Fun Spins on Garlic Steak with Zoodles

  • Low-Carb Classic: Replace zucchini noodles with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative that maintains the dish's flavor profile and nutritional balance.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Substitute steak cubes with firm tofu or portobello mushroom chunks, marinating them in the same seasonings for a plant-based protein option.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut oil instead of butter and replace butter with dairy-free margarine or olive oil to create a lactose-free version of the recipe.
  • Keto-Friendly Version: Keep the original recipe intact, ensuring high fat content by using grass-fed butter and choosing a fattier cut of steak like ribeye for optimal ketogenic macronutrients.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Zoodles FAQs

  • Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Yes, you can use sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin. Choose a tender cut that’s easy to cut into bite-sized pieces and cooks quickly.

  • How do I get a perfect sear on the steak bites?

Pat the steak dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture. Use a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure each piece browns evenly.

  • Is this recipe low-carb friendly?

Absolutely! The zucchini noodles make this dish low-carb and keto-friendly. It’s a great alternative to traditional pasta-based meals for those watching their carbohydrate intake.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients in advance. Cut the steak and zucchini noodles beforehand and store separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

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Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Lemon Zucchini Noodles Recipe

Garlic Butter Steak Bites With Lemon Zucchini Noodles Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent garlic butter steak bites dance with zesty lemon zucchini noodles in this irresistible culinary creation. Savory and light, this dish promises a delightful dinner that satisfies hunger while delighting taste buds with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Zucchini Noodles:

  • 3 medium zucchini, spiralized
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat a spacious cast-iron skillet over medium-high temperature, drizzling olive oil across the surface to create an even, glistening layer.
  2. Gently introduce seasoned steak cubes into the sizzling pan, ensuring each piece is generously coated with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, smoky paprika, and fiery red pepper flakes.
  3. Allow the meat to develop a rich, caramelized exterior by searing for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, creating a tantalizing golden-brown crust that locks in robust flavors.
  4. Transfer the perfectly cooked steak bites to a waiting plate, preserving their succulent texture and warmth.
  5. In the same skillet, melt butter until it becomes a fragrant, golden liquid, incorporating minced garlic and stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  6. Introduce spiralized zucchini noodles to the aromatic butter, tossing them gently to coat and allowing them to become slightly tender yet maintain a crisp texture.
  7. Sprinkle fresh lemon zest over the zucchini noodles, infusing them with bright, citrusy notes.
  8. Reunite the seared steak bites with the garlic-butter zucchini noodles, gently mixing to ensure even distribution of flavors.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately, presenting a vibrant, low-carb meal bursting with Mediterranean-inspired zest.

Notes

  • Choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye for the most succulent steak bites, ensuring they remain juicy and flavorful when quickly seared.
  • Pat the steak cubes completely dry with paper towels before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, replace zucchini noodles with cauliflower rice or simply serve the steak bites over a crisp green salad.
  • Swap butter with ghee or coconut oil for dairy-free diets, maintaining the rich, satisfying flavor profile of the original recipe while accommodating different nutritional needs.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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