If you’re craving a dinner that’s both satisfying and healthy, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite, Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini – Easy Low Carb Dinner Recipe. This dish is everything you want after a long day: tender, juicy steak bites seared to perfection, vibrant zucchini cooked just right, all enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a quick weeknight winner that feels indulgent but keeps things light, low carb, and amazingly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the key to this recipe’s incredible flavor and effortless prep. Each component plays a vital role, from the juicy steak providing hearty protein, to the fresh zucchini delivering color and crunch, while garlic and butter elevate every bite with rich aroma and taste.
- Sirloin, New York strip, or ribeye beef: Choose tender cuts and cut into 1-inch cubes for the perfect bite-size steak pieces.
- Fresh zucchini: Slice into half-moons or quarter-moons for a lovely tender-crisp texture that balances the dish.
- Fresh garlic: Finely minced to infuse the sauce with a fragrant, savory punch.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the pan creating a luscious garlic butter sauce that coats everything beautifully.
- Coarse sea salt: Essential for seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- Onion powder (optional): For a mild sweet note in the seasoning.
- Smoked paprika (optional): Introduces a wonderful smoky hint that complements the steak perfectly.
- Olive oil or avocado oil: Used for searing the steak and zucchini to get that irresistible caramelized crust.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini – Easy Low Carb Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season Your Steak
Start by taking the steak out of the fridge about 15 to 20 minutes before cooking. This allows it to come to room temperature for even cooking. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels—it’s an important step that helps achieve a beautiful sear. Generously season the meat with coarse sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, and if you like, add a sprinkle of onion powder and smoked paprika to elevate flavor complexity.
Step 2: Chop Zucchini and Mince Garlic
While your steak is resting, prep your veggies. Chop zucchini into uniform half or quarter moons so they cook evenly, and mince fresh garlic finely so the butter sauce becomes infused with its bold, aromatic flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive or avocado oil. Add half of your steak cubes, being careful not to overcrowd the pan—that’s crucial for getting a perfect crust. Let them sear for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Transfer the steak bites to a plate and tent with foil so they stay warm. Repeat with the remaining steak.
Step 4: Sauté the Zucchini
Using the same hot pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in your zucchini. Sauté for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the zucchini is tender-crisp and slightly browned, adding a lovely texture contrast to the soft steak.
Step 5: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
Push the zucchini to one side of the skillet. Add a generous pat of unsalted butter and your minced garlic to the empty space. Let the butter melt completely while stirring the garlic continuously for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. This step fills your kitchen with a heavenly aroma that signals the dish is nearly ready.
Step 6: Combine and Coat Everything
Return all the steak bites to the pan with the garlic butter and zucchini. Gently toss everything together so the steak, zucchini, and succulent buttery garlic sauce mingle perfectly. Taste at this stage and adjust salt or pepper if needed to balance the flavors beautifully.
Step 7: Final Touch
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top before serving, adding a pop of green and a burst of freshness that lifts the dish to the next level.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini – Easy Low Carb Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives are the perfect finishing touch—they add color and a hint of brightness to the rich dish. You can also toss in a few red pepper flakes if you love a bit of heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice to cut through the butteriness.
Side Dishes
This meal shines as a complete low carb dinner on its own, but if you want some extra sides, consider a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or steamed asparagus for texture and fresh tastes that complement the steak bites. Cauliflower rice is another great option that keeps the carb count low while adding a comforting element.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style on a large platter so everyone can help themselves—it creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. You can also plate the steak bites and zucchini over creamy mashed cauliflower or alongside a colorful medley of roasted vegetables for an impressive dinner presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini – Easy Low Carb Dinner Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the steak is fully cooled before storing to maintain its texture and flavor.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well. Portion the leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, avoid freezing the zucchini separately as it may become mushy; freezing the whole dish maintains a better texture upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low-medium heat until warmed through, adding a small dab of butter or oil to refresh the sauce and prevent the steak from drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, to keep the steak tender and the zucchini crisp.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin, New York strip, and ribeye are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, you can substitute with any steak suitable for quick searing, such as filet mignon or flank steak cut into bite-sized pieces.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, definitely. The steps are straightforward, requiring basic cooking techniques like searing and sautéing. Plus, the ingredients are simple, making it a perfect dish to build confidence in the kitchen.
How can I make the steak bites more flavorful?
Season generously with salt and pepper, and consider adding smoked paprika or onion powder for complexity. Letting the steak rest before cooking ensures better caramelization, and don’t forget the garlic butter sauce – that’s where the magic happens!
Can I substitute zucchini with other vegetables?
Sure thing! Vegetables like yellow squash, asparagus, or bell peppers work well. Just adjust cooking times slightly depending on how firm or tender the vegetable is to keep the perfect texture balance.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini – Easy Low Carb Dinner Recipe freezes well, especially if stored properly. Just be mindful that zucchini might lose some texture, so when possible, freeze in portions you plan to reheat soon.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and satisfying dinner that won’t derail your low carb goals, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini – Easy Low Carb Dinner Recipe is a winner every time. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a treat yet comes together quickly and effortlessly. Give it a try—you might just find your new weeknight favorite!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini – Easy Low Carb Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini recipe is a quick, easy low-carb dinner featuring tender seared steak cubes sautéed with fresh zucchini in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal packed with protein and veggies.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1.5 lbs sirloin, New York strip, or ribeye beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Coarse sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (for searing)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (additional, for searing)
Zucchini & Garlic Butter
- 2 medium fresh zucchinis, sliced into half-moons or quarter-moons
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- Onion powder (optional), 1/2 tsp
- Smoked paprika (optional), 1/2 tsp
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Steak: Remove steak from the fridge 15-20 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature. Pat dry with paper towels, then season generously with coarse sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper on all sides.
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the zucchini into uniform bite-sized half-moon or quarter-moon shapes. Finely mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat Pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering.
- Sear Steak (Batch 1): Add half of the steak cubes to the skillet without overcrowding. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Use tongs to turn them carefully. Transfer cooked steak bites to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Sear Steak (Batch 2): Add the remaining tablespoon of oil if needed, then sear the rest of the steak bites in the same manner. Transfer to the plate with the first batch and keep warm.
- Sauté Zucchini: With the pan still hot, add the chopped zucchini. Sauté for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender-crisp and slightly browned.
- Add Garlic Butter: Push the zucchini to one side of the pan. Add unsalted butter and minced garlic to the empty space. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the butter melts and garlic becomes fragrant. Optionally sprinkle onion powder and smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Combine & Coat: Return all cooked steak bites to the pan with zucchini and garlic butter. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the buttery garlic sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top, and serve immediately for a warm, flavorful low-carb dinner.
Notes
- Allowing steak to come to room temperature before cooking ensures even cooking and better searing.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing steak bites to get a good crust; cook in batches if needed.
- Use avocado oil or olive oil as both have a high smoke point suitable for searing.
- Optional spices like smoked paprika and onion powder add depth but can be omitted to keep it simple.
- Adjust the garlic amount to your taste preference.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal.
