It is 6pm and you are tired. Dinner needs to happen fast for your hungry family. These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are the perfect solution for your busy night.
This recipe delivers juicy meat and fresh veggies in one pan. It is light, fresh, and totally satisfying for everyone. You will love how the savory herb sauce coats every single bite.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This dish is a huge winner for busy weeknights. You only need one single skillet to make the whole meal. That means you spend less time cleaning up the kitchen later.
It uses simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry. The zucchini adds a fresh, summery crunch to the plate. It feels like a fancy restaurant meal at home. Best of all, it is ready in 25 minutes from start to finish.
It is also a great choice for a healthy reset. The recipe is naturally low in carbs and high in protein. Your family will feel fueled and happy after eating this. It is a budget-friendly way to enjoy steak any day.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making this dinner is very straightforward and stress-free. You start by searing the steak cubes at a high heat. This creates a beautiful golden crust on the outside of the meat. It keeps the inside tender and very juicy.
Then, you cook the zucchini in the leftover pan juices. Everything gets tossed together in a silky garlic butter sauce. Even if you are a beginner, you can do this. It is a fail-proof method for a delicious meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on fresh produce and quality meat for the best flavor.
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Step-by-Step Directions
- Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the fat is shimmering.
- Add steak bites in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, and sear for 2 minutes per side until browned; transfer steak to a plate.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the zucchini half-moons to the skillet and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until tender-crisp and slightly golden on the edges.
- Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to the pan; cook for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the seared steak bites and any accumulated juices to the skillet, tossing for 1 minute to coat thoroughly in the garlic butter.
- Remove the pan from heat, stir in fresh lemon juice, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these steak bites while they are hot and sizzling. They look beautiful served in a large, shallow family bowl. You can pair them with fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal. A side of warm, crusty bread is also wonderful.
Add a crisp green salad to the table for extra crunch. For a date night, light a candle and enjoy. If you are meal prepping, pack them into glass containers. They make fantastic weekday lunches that you will actually look forward to.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium-low heat. This prevents the steak from becoming tough or rubbery.
Add a tiny splash of water or butter when reheating. This helps keep the zucchini nice and moist. Avoid using the microwave if you have a few extra minutes. These bites do not freeze well because of the zucchini.
Recipe Tips for Best Results
- Always pat the steak dry before you start seasoning it.
- Do not crowd the steak bites in the hot pan.
- Use fresh garlic instead of the jarred kind for flavor.
- Cut your zucchini into even shapes so they cook uniformly.
- Add extra red pepper flakes if you love a spicy kick.
- For a summer twist, use zucchini fresh from the garden.
- Squeeze the lemon juice only at the very last second.
- Let the steak rest for a minute before you serve it.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the steak for boneless chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Use yellow summer squash instead of the green zucchini.
- Make it dairy-free by using a high-quality vegan butter.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the pan for more earthy flavor.
Common Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use ribeye or New York strip steak. Just make sure to cut them into even cubes. Ensure you trim away any very large pieces of fat.
How do I keep the zucchini from getting mushy?
Cook the zucchini over medium-high heat very quickly. You want it to be tender but still have a bite. Do not overcook it before adding the steak back.
Will my kids enjoy this recipe?
Most kids love the mild flavor of garlic butter sauce. The steak bites are small and very easy to chew. You can leave out the red pepper flakes for them.
I hope these savory steak bites bring your family together tonight. They make a busy weeknight feel special and very delicious. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Zucchini
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium zucchinis , sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the fat is shimmering.
- Add steak bites in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, and sear for 2 minutes per side until browned; transfer steak to a plate.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the zucchini half-moons to the skillet and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until tender-crisp and slightly golden on the edges.
- Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to the pan; cook for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the seared steak bites and any accumulated juices to the skillet, tossing for 1 minute to coat thoroughly in the garlic butter.
- Remove the pan from heat, stir in fresh lemon juice, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
