Description
Succulent garlic butter steak bites dance alongside zesty lemon zucchini noodles in this irresistible low-carb meal. Protein-packed and easy to prepare, the dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal kitchen effort you can savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Searing Preparation: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, coating the surface with olive oil for optimal cooking conditions.
- Meat Seasoning and Cooking: Introduce seasoned steak cubes into the hot skillet, generously coating with salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, developing a caramelized golden-brown exterior that seals in rich flavors.
- Steak Rest and Butter Infusion: Remove steak bites and set aside. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, creating an aromatic base while stirring to prevent scorching.
- Zucchini Noodle Preparation: Incorporate spiralized zucchini noodles into the garlic butter, tossing gently to ensure even coating and achieving a tender-crisp consistency.
- Final Assembly and Flavor Enhancement: Combine seared steak bites with zucchini noodles, sprinkle fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley over the dish. Toss to distribute flavors evenly and serve immediately, presenting a vibrant, low-carb Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Manage Heat Carefully: Cast-iron skillets retain intense heat, so monitor temperature closely to prevent burning steak or garlic and maintain perfect caramelization without scorching.
- Pat Meat Dry Before Searing: Remove excess moisture from steak cubes using paper towels to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Control Zucchini Moisture: Spiralized zucchini releases water quickly, so cook briefly to avoid soggy noodles and maintain a light, al dente texture that complements the steak’s richness.
- Season Strategically: Layer flavors by seasoning steak generously before cooking and adding fresh herbs at the end to enhance taste complexity without overwhelming the dish’s delicate balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg