If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet simple enough for a weeknight, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini – Easy Low Carb Dinner Recipe is your culinary jackpot. Tender, juicy steak bites seared to perfection mingle with crisp-tender zucchini bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, creating a delightful harmony of textures and tastes. Whether you’re following a low carb lifestyle or just craving a satisfying dinner, this recipe delivers hearty satisfaction without the fuss. Preparing this dish feels like a mini celebration of bold, fresh ingredients—and I can promise it won’t stay on your plate for long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward yet pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each one plays a starring role in making this dish bright and comforting—trust me, the garlic and butter alone will have you hooked!
- Steak (sirloin, New York strip, or ribeye): Choose a tender and flavorful cut to ensure juicy bites every time.
- Fresh zucchini: Adds a crunchy, vibrant balance to the rich steak and buttery sauce.
- Fresh garlic: Finely minced for an aromatic boost that infuses the entire dish.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a silky, rich sauce that binds the flavors beautifully without overpowering them.
- Coarse sea salt: For a natural seasoning punch that enhances all the ingredients.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: Provides just the right amount of spicy warmth to complement the meat.
- Onion powder (optional): A subtle depth that elevates the savory profile of the dish.
- Smoked paprika (optional): Adds a smoky undertone, perfect if you want an extra layer of flavor.
- Olive or avocado oil: Ideal for searing the steak and sautéing the vegetables without burning.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini – Easy Low Carb Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Steak
Start by taking the steak cubes out of the fridge about 15 to 20 minutes before cooking so they come to room temperature—this step helps cook them evenly. Pat the cubes dry with paper towels to ensure a great sear. Then, season generously with coarse sea salt and freshly cracked pepper. If you love a bit of extra flavor, sprinkle on some onion powder and smoked paprika now, but these are totally optional.
Step 2: Chop the Zucchini and Mince the Garlic
While the steak rests, chop your fresh zucchini into uniform half-moons or quarter-moons so they cook evenly and fit perfectly into each bite. Mince the garlic finely to release its fragrant oils when it hits the hot butter later.
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 bites, making sure there’s enough space so they don’t steam. Sear them for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until you get a beautiful brown crust and your preferred doneness. Once cooked, transfer the bites to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Repeat this process with the remaining steak, adding more oil if necessary.
Step 4: Sauté the Zucchini
With the pan still hot, add another tablespoon of oil and toss in the chopped zucchini. Sauté for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender-crisp and just starting to brown. This keeps the vegetable lively and fresh against the richness of the steak and butter.
Step 5: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce and Combine
Push the zucchini to one side of the skillet and drop in the unsalted butter along with the minced garlic. Stir constantly as the butter melts and the garlic releases its heavenly fragrance—this takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Then, return all the steak bites to the pan and gently toss everything together to coat evenly in the buttery garlic sauce. This final step ensures every bite shines. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For a fresh, colorful finish, sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the top. This little touch brightens the dish and adds a subtle herbal note, making it look just as amazing as it tastes.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini – Easy Low Carb Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped herbs—parsley, chives, or even a sprinkle of thyme—complement the hearty flavors perfectly. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add a zingy brightness that cuts through the richness if you want an added pop.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a standalone low carb meal, but if you want to round it out, serve it alongside a crisp salad or roasted cauliflower rice. A light, tangy cucumber salad or some garlic mashed cauliflower can also enhance the experience without detracting from the star ingredients.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the steak bites and zucchini over a bed of creamy mashed cauliflower or spiralized zucchini noodles for a fancier twist. You could also plate each element separately for a restaurant-style visual or serve family-style on a big platter for casual sharing. Whichever way you choose, this dish always looks inviting and feels like a gift on the dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The steak bites may firm up a bit, but the flavors only deepen, making it equally delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the steak bites and zucchini in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you do, it’s best to first cool the dish completely to avoid condensation, which can affect texture upon reheating.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat to bring back the buttery garlic flavors and keep the zucchini from getting mushy. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but be careful not to overcook or dry out the steak.
FAQs
Can I use other types of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin, ribeye, and New York strip are great options for tender, flavorful bites, you can use any cut that you enjoy. Just be mindful of cooking times, as some cuts may be tougher and need either more tenderizing or a different preparation method.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini – Easy Low Carb Dinner Recipe reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. Just store portions in separate containers for convenient grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
Can I substitute zucchini with other vegetables?
Definitely. Bell peppers, asparagus, or green beans all work well and keep the dish low carb. Just adjust cooking times as needed so the veggies stay crisp-tender and don’t overpower the steak bites.
How do I know when the steak bites are cooked perfectly?
Look for a nice brown crust on each side and cook to your preferred doneness, usually 1-2 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium with 1-inch cubes. If you prefer them more done, simply add a little more cooking time but be careful not to overcook and dry out the steak.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the unsalted butter for a dairy-free alternative like ghee or coconut oil. The flavor will be slightly different but still rich and delicious with the garlic infusion.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini – Easy Low Carb Dinner Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again because it nails that perfect balance of simplicity and extraordinary flavor. It’s fast, satisfying, and versatile, making it ideal whether you’re cooking for family night or a cozy dinner for two. Grab your skillet and dive in—you’ll be so glad you did!
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: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini recipe offers a quick and flavorful low-carb dinner option featuring tender seared steak cubes sautéed with fresh zucchini and fragrant garlic butter. Perfect for a satisfying meal in just 30 minutes, it combines simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques for a delicious and healthy dinner.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 lb sirloin, New York strip, or ribeye beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Coarse sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or avocado oil, 2 tablespoons (for searing)
- Onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
- Smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Zucchini and Garlic Butter
- 2 medium fresh zucchinis, sliced into half-moons or quarter-moons
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Steak: Take the steak bites out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels, then season generously with coarse sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and if using, onion powder and smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Prepare the Zucchini and Garlic: Chop the zucchini into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Mince the fresh garlic finely and set aside.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil to coat the bottom.
- Sear the Steak Bites (First Batch): Add half of the steak cubes to the hot pan, taking care not to overcrowd. Sear each side for about 1-2 minutes until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from the pan and place them on a plate. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm while you cook the rest.
- Sear the Steak Bites (Second Batch): Add more oil if necessary, then repeat the cooking process with the remaining steak bites until all are cooked.
- Sauté the Zucchini: With the skillet still hot, add another tablespoon of oil and toss in the chopped zucchini. Sauté for 4-6 minutes until tender-crisp and slightly browned, stirring occasionally.
- Add Garlic Butter: Push the zucchini to one side of the skillet. In the empty space, add the butter and minced garlic. Allow the butter to melt and the garlic to become fragrant, stirring constantly for 30 seconds to 1 minute to avoid burning.
- Combine Steak and Vegetables: Return all the cooked steak bites to the skillet with the zucchini and garlic butter. Toss everything gently to coat the steak and vegetables evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the dish before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- Letting the steak rest before cooking helps achieve even cooking and better sear.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing steak bites; this ensures proper browning and prevents steaming.
- If you prefer, substitute butter with ghee for a lactose-free version.
- Zucchini cooks quickly, so keep an eye to avoid overcooking and mushiness.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; pre-minced garlic may not yield the same aroma.
- This dish can be served with cauliflower rice or a fresh salad for a complete low-carb meal.
