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
Scale
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.
