If you’re craving a mouthwatering, low-carb dinner that feels indulgent without the guilt, you’re going to adore this Keto Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Zucchini Noodles Recipe. Imagine juicy, tender steak bites bathed in rich garlic butter paired with fresh, tender zucchini noodles that soak up all those buttery, savory flavors. It’s a quick, one-skillet wonder that brings big flavor to your plate in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something cozy, satisfying, and totally keto-friendly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each contributing a burst of flavor or perfect texture. From perfectly seared steak cubes to vibrant zucchini noodles, every component plays a key role in making this recipe shine.
- 1½ lb sirloin steak or ribeye: Choose a well-marbled cut for juicy, tender steak bites that melt in your mouth.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps achieve a beautiful sear on the steak, adding a subtle fruity undertone.
- 3 tbsp butter, divided: The star of the show for rich, garlicky goodness that coats every bite.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant herbaceous note that complements the beef perfectly.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika: Brings smoky depth and a hint of warmth to the seasoning mix.
- Salt & black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of your steak.
- Optional red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat if you like a little kick.
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized: These tender noodles are a fresh, low-carb base that soaks up all the buttery steak goodness.
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil: Used to lightly sauté the zucchini noodles without making them soggy.
- Optional grated Parmesan: Sprinkled on top, it adds a salty, nutty finish that’s hard to resist.
How to Make Keto Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Zucchini Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Steak
Start by patting your steak dry with paper towels—this step is crucial because removing moisture helps you get that gorgeous crust when you sear the meat. Generously season the cubes with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. This combo gives your steak bites a flavorful foundation that will sing when cooked.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is shimmering hot, add the steak cubes in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan, as you want each piece to get a good sear. Cook the steak bites 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful brown crust and reach your desired doneness. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside to rest.
Step 3: Make Garlic Butter
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant—but be careful not to let the garlic brown as it can turn bitter. This step infuses the butter with that irresistible garlic aroma that will coat the steak bites beautifully.
Step 4: Combine the Steak with Garlic Butter
Return the seared steak bites to the pan and toss them gently with the garlic butter. For a hint of spicy heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if you like. Remove the skillet from the heat to prevent the garlic from overcooking and to keep the steak perfectly juicy and tender.
Step 5: Cook the Zucchini Noodles
In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini noodles and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté for just 2 to 3 minutes until the noodles become slightly tender but still retain a bit of bite. Avoid overcooking to prevent watery, soggy zoodles and maintain that fresh texture.
Step 6: Serve the Dish
Plate the zucchini noodles as your base, then top with those luscious garlic butter steak bites. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the top to add extra flavor. If you’re a Parmesan fan, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over everything for an irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Keto Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Zucchini Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives adds a lively green pop and fresh flavor that complements the rich garlic butter. If you love a zingy contrast, a light squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top brings brightness and balances the richness exceptionally well.
Side Dishes
While this recipe stands beautifully on its own, feel free to round out the meal with a fresh mixed green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. For extra indulgence, roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic butter asparagus make excellent low-carb sides that harmonize perfectly with the steak bites and zoodles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, nestle the zucchini noodles into small bundles on each plate and arrange the steak bites artfully around them. Alternatively, serve everything family-style on a large platter, allowing guests to help themselves to the savory, garlicky goodness. Adding a small ramekin of garlic herb butter on the side can amp up the indulgence factor during serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover steak bites and zucchini noodles into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. They’ll remain delicious for up to 3 days. Keep the garlic butter separate when possible to prevent the zucchini noodles from becoming soggy as it stores.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze leftovers, store the steak bites alone in a freezer-safe container. Zucchini noodles tend to release water and lose texture when thawed, so avoid freezing them if you want to keep the best quality.
Reheating
Reheat the steak bites gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to retain their juicy texture. Warm the zucchini noodles separately over low heat or quickly in the microwave for just 30 seconds. Avoid overheating to preserve the fresh bite and prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Definitely! Sirloin and ribeye are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, but you can use strip steak or filet mignon as well. Just be sure to cut them into uniform cubes for even cooking.
How do I prevent zucchini noodles from becoming watery?
Dry the spiralized zucchini thoroughly with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture. Also, cook them briefly over medium heat to avoid releasing too much water.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! The steps are straightforward, and the one-skillet method makes it easy to manage. Plus, the instructions keep things simple without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet with the steak bites?
You could, but since zucchini noodles cook quickly and separately, it’s best to keep the process streamlined. However, roasting or sautéing veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers on the side is a great way to add extra nutrients.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
While fresh garlic gives the best flavor and aroma, garlic powder can be used in a pinch. Just use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder during the garlic butter step, but fresh is definitely recommended for this recipe’s punch.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Zucchini Noodles Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen. It’s packed with flavor, texture, and that cozy, home-cooked vibe we all crave. Whether you’re on a keto journey or just love a delicious low-carb meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your skillet and get ready to dive into this buttery, garlicky, tender steak and zoodle feast—you won’t regret it!
Print
Keto Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Zucchini Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Juicy and buttery steak bites paired with tender zucchini noodles, this keto-friendly, low-carb dinner is quick to prepare, bursting with garlic and herb flavors, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites
- 1½ lb sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, to taste
For the Zucchini Noodles
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Steak: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning to infuse the meat with robust flavor.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove steak bites from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Make Garlic Butter: Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant but not browned to create a rich garlic butter sauce.
- Combine: Return the seared steak bites to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat evenly. Add optional red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired. Remove the skillet from heat to keep steak tender.
- Cook Zoodles: In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini noodles, season lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until just tender, being careful not to overcook to prevent sogginess.
- Serve: Plate the zucchini noodles and top with the garlic butter steak bites. Spoon any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the dish. Optionally, finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing steak bites to ensure a proper crust forms.
- Dry zucchini noodles thoroughly before cooking to avoid watery, soggy results.
- For extra richness and brightness, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pat of butter just before serving.
- Steak can be cooked to preferred doneness, but medium-rare to medium maintains optimal tenderness.
- Use a high smoke point oil like olive oil for searing to prevent burning.
