Indulge in a flavorful and quick dinner with these Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Zucchini Noodles. Tender steak pieces are sautéed to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce and served over light and healthy zucchini noodles. This dish combines the satisfying taste of beef with the freshness of vegetables, making it perfect for a quick fix weeknight meal that’s both delicious and nutritious. 🍽️🧄🥒
🥄 Ingredients
For the Steak Bites:
- 1½ pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Juice of ½ lemon
For the Zucchini Noodles:
- 4 large zucchinis, spiralized into noodles (using a spiralizer or julienne peeler)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Additional fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Steak:
- Season the Steak:
- In a large bowl, combine the steak cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Toss until the steak is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Sear the Steak Bites:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the seasoned steak bites in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding).
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the steak bites are brown and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Cover lightly with foil to keep warm.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Melt the Butter:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter.
- Let the butter melt completely, ensuring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
- Sauté Garlic and Herbs:
- Add the minced garlic, fresh parsley, and thyme to the melted butter.
- Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
- Add Sauces and Lemon Juice:
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice.
- Let the sauce simmer for another 1 minute to meld the flavors together.
3. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:
- Sauté the Zoodles:
- In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the spiralized zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until they are just tender but still have a slight crunch.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional: For added flavor, you can sprinkle a little garlic powder or red pepper flakes while sautéing.
4. Combine and Serve:
- Mix Steak Bites with Sauce:
- Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.
- Toss to ensure all the steak bites are well-coated with the sauce.
- Plate the Dish:
- Divide the zucchini noodles evenly onto serving plates.
- Top with the garlic butter steak bites.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and hearty meal! 🥗🍴
🌟 Recipe Tips
- Choosing the Right Steak: Opt for tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon for the best texture and flavor.
- Avoid Overcooking: Steak bites cook quickly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach your preferred level of doneness (130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium).
- Zucchini Noodles: Zoodles can become soggy if overcooked. Sauté them just until tender to maintain their texture.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the steak and zucchini noodles ahead of time and reheat gently before serving to save time during busy weeknights.
- Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate other veggies like bell peppers or asparagus into the dish for added nutrition and color.
- Herb Variations: Swap out thyme for rosemary or oregano to change up the flavor profile.
🌿 Adaptability
- Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly: This dish is naturally low in carbs, making it perfect for keto and other low-carb diets. Ensure to skip any added sugars in optional ingredients.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative like ghee or coconut oil to make the recipe dairy-free.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace steak bites with tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock for a vegetarian twist.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce/tamari are gluten-free to cater to gluten-sensitive diners.