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Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini – Easy Low Carb Dinner Recipe

5 from 63 reviews

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Zucchini recipe is a quick and easy low-carb dinner option perfect for busy weeknights. Tender steak bites are seared to perfection and combined with sautéed zucchini and fragrant garlic butter, creating a savory, satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and nutritious.

Ingredients

Scale

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 (optional), 1/2 teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika (optional), 1/2 teaspoon

Vegetables and Butter Sauce

  • 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

  1. Prepare the Steak: Remove the steak cubes from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before cooking to bring them closer to room temperature. Pat the cubes dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season generously on all sides with coarse sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and optionally, onion powder and smoked paprika for added flavor.
  2. Prepare the Zucchini and Garlic: While the steak rests, chop the zucchinis into uniform, bite-sized half-moons or quarter-moons to ensure even cooking. Finely mince the fresh garlic so it can infuse flavor quickly during cooking.
  3. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking, which ensures a good sear for the steak.
  4. Sear the Steak Bites (First Batch): Add half of the seasoned steak cubes to the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan to maintain high heat. Sear the steak bites for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they develop a browned crust and reach your desired doneness. Remove the cooked steak bites and transfer them to a plate; tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
  5. Sear the Steak Bites (Second Batch): Repeat the searing process with the remaining steak bites, adding an additional tablespoon of oil if needed to prevent sticking. Cook similarly until browned and cooked to preference, then remove and keep warm.
  6. Sauté the Zucchini: With the pan still hot, add another tablespoon of oil and toss in the chopped zucchini. Sauté the zucchini for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender-crisp and is slightly browned for a pleasant texture and flavor.
  7. Add Butter and Garlic: Push the zucchini to one side of the skillet. Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the empty side of the pan. Allow the butter to melt fully and the garlic to become fragrant, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute to avoid burning the garlic.
  8. Combine and Toss: Return all the cooked steak bites to the skillet with the zucchini and garlic butter. Gently toss everything together to coat the steak and vegetables evenly with the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the steak bites and zucchini to a serving dish. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and fresh herbal flavor before serving.

Notes

  • Allowing the steak to come to room temperature helps with even cooking and better searing.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when searing steak bites to ensure they brown properly instead of steaming.
  • Slicing zucchini uniformly ensures even cooking and consistent texture.
  • If you prefer, substitute butter with ghee for a nuttier flavor and higher smoke point.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes along with the garlic.
  • This dish pairs well with cauliflower rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: garlic butter steak bites, zucchini saute, low carb dinner, quick steak recipe, easy keto meal