If you are craving a mouthwatering, quick, and elegant dish that pairs tender meat with fresh, vibrant flavors, look no further. This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Lemon Zucchini Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need for a satisfying dinner that feels like a special occasion but comes together in no time. Juicy, garlicky steak bites coated in rich butter meld perfectly with the bright and zesty zucchini noodles, making it an irresistible combination that’s both healthy and indulgent. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a favorite in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity—just a handful of carefully chosen ingredients that come together harmoniously to build layers of flavor. Each item is essential, whether it’s the quality of the steak, the freshness of garlic and basil, or the brightness brought by lemon zest.
- 1 pound steak, cut into chunks: Choose beef tenderloin or your favorite cut for tender, juicy bites.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps with browning the steak perfectly.
- 1.25 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors, don’t skip it.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Gives a mild heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick that balances the richness.
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Crucial for that luscious, silky coating both in the steak and noodles.
- 6 cloves garlic, sliced thin: Fresh garlic provides a robust, aromatic depth.
- 1 large shallot, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and texture.
- 1/4 cup beef broth: Builds a flavorful base for the sauce and keeps everything juicy.
- 2 tablespoons basil ribbons: Bright herbal notes that lift the dish.
- 1 whole lemon, juice and zest: Brings that all-important zing that wakes up every bite.
- 3 medium zucchinis: Spiralized into noodles for a light, fresh base that soaks up all the flavors.
- Garnishes (basil, lemon slices, pepper, sea salt, parmesan slices): For extra color, texture, and bursts of flavor.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Lemon Zucchini Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak Bites
Start by heating a large skillet on high heat to get it sizzling hot. Generously season your steak chunks with kosher salt, black pepper, and if you like, a pinch of red pepper flakes to add subtle heat. Lower the heat to medium and drizzle in olive oil. This high-heat searing locks in the juices and develops a gorgeous crust on each steak bite, making every mouthful juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Cook Steak Bites in Batches
To achieve perfect searing without overcrowding the pan, cook the steak bites in batches about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side. You’re looking for a beautiful caramelized finish on each piece. Once all steak bites are cooked, toss them back into the skillet with a portion of the butter and turn off the heat. Use the residual warmth to coat the steak evenly in that luscious garlic butter goodness. Then, set the steak aside for the next step.
Step 3: Create the Garlic and Shallot Sauce
Using the same skillet (don’t clean it yet—those browned bits carry so much flavor), melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add diced shallots and sliced garlic and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often to gently soften them without burning. Once the shallots turn translucent and the garlic is fragrant, stir in the beef broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice—this mixture will form a bright, savory sauce that will tie the entire dish together.
Step 4: Toss in the Zucchini Noodles and Basil
Next, add the spiralized zucchini noodles and fresh basil ribbons to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the noodles to warm through but still hold their fresh crunch. The zoodles soak up all the flavorful garlic butter sauce and lemon brightness.
Step 5: Return Steak Bites to Warm Through
Finally, toss the seared steak bites back into the skillet with the zoodles. Stir gently for another 1 to 2 minutes until everything is heated through and perfectly coated in the flavorful sauce. Now your Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Lemon Zucchini Noodles Recipe is ready to be plated and enjoyed!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Lemon Zucchini Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Presentation is key to making this dish pop. Top your steak bites and zucchini noodles with fresh basil leaves for herbaceous aroma, thin lemon slices for a pop of brightness, a sprinkle of flakey sea salt to enhance flavor, freshly cracked black pepper for texture, and slivers of parmesan cheese for a nutty, savory finish. These simple touches turn a home-cooked meal into a feast for the eyes and palate.
Side Dishes
Though this dish shines on its own, it pairs beautifully with a handful of lighter sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil complements the richness of the garlic butter steak. If you want to add some carbs, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that heavenly sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner party, consider serving the steak bites over a nest of zucchini noodles on individual plates, garnished with delicate lemon twists and Parmesan shards. Alternatively, serve the zoodles family-style in a large shallow bowl with the steak bites beautifully arranged on top for a warm, inviting vibe. Either way, your guests are sure to be impressed!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so addictive), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The steak and zucchini noodles keep well for up to 2 days, preserving most of their flavor and texture when properly chilled.
Freezing
While steak bites freeze well on their own, zucchini noodles can become watery after thawing. If you intend to freeze your Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Lemon Zucchini Noodles Recipe, it’s best to freeze the steak bites and sauce separately from the zoodles. Reheat the steak bites gently and add freshly spiralized zucchini noodles when serving for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm the steak bites gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Add the zoodles last, tossing briefly until just warmed. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to maintain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Although beef tenderloin is tender and cooks quickly, you can use sirloin, strip steak, or even ribeye as long as it’s cut into bite-sized pieces. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
How do I spiralize zucchini into noodles?
Use a spiralizer tool or a julienne peeler to create long, thin strands resembling noodles. If you don’t have either, simply slicing zucchini into thin ribbons with a vegetable peeler works great as well.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, to make a dairy-free version, swap butter for a plant-based alternative such as coconut oil or olive oil. The flavor will be different but still delicious and rich.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely. Cook and store steak bites and zoodles separately to keep textures intact. Assemble and reheat quickly when ready to eat for a fresh-tasting meal throughout the week.
Can I add other vegetables to the zucchini noodles?
Sure! Feel free to toss in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes in step 4 for extra color, texture, and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Lemon Zucchini Noodles Recipe is truly one of those standout dishes that balances indulgence with freshness effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, it’s guaranteed to delight your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Lemon Zucchini Noodles 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 with Lemon Zucchini Noodles recipe features tender, seared beef tenderloin bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce paired with fresh, zesty lemon-infused zucchini noodles. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious low-carb dinner option that’s both vibrant and comforting, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 pound beef tenderloin, cut into chunks (or your favorite steak cut)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.25 teaspoons kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 large shallot, diced
- 1/4 cup beef broth (or broth of choice)
- 2 tablespoons basil ribbons (about 0.4 ounces)
- 1 whole lemon, juice and zest
Zucchini Noodles
- 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
Garnish
- Basil leaves
- Lemon slices
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Flaky sea salt
- Parmesan cheese slices
Instructions
- Season and Heat Skillet: Heat a large (at least 10-inch) skillet over high heat. Season the steak bites generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to medium and add olive oil to the skillet.
- Cook Steak Bites: Cook the steak bites in batches, about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side until well-seared on both sides. Return all cooked steak bites to the skillet, add some of the butter, and turn off the heat. Toss the steak continuously to coat evenly in the melted butter. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Over medium heat, add remaining butter to the skillet along with diced shallots and thinly sliced garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, until shallots become translucent.
- Deglaze and Add Lemon: Stir in the beef broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice to deglaze the pan and combine flavors.
- Cook Zucchini Noodles: Add the zucchini noodles and basil ribbons to the skillet. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until warmed through and slightly tender.
- Combine Steak and Noodles: Return steak bites to the skillet and toss everything together, warming the steak for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the steak bites and zucchini noodles, then garnish with fresh basil, lemon slices, cracked black pepper, flaky sea salt, and parmesan slices to taste.
Notes
- Use your preferred cut of steak; ribeye or sirloin can work well.
- To prevent zucchini from becoming soggy, cook noodles just until warmed through.
- Red pepper flakes are optional; omit for a milder dish.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free butter alternative.
- Ensure to toss steak in butter off heat to avoid overcooking.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
