Pan-Seared Beef with Garlic Zucchini Noodles

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef strips simmered in a garlic-infused sauce with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal that satisfies cravings. This american-inspired keto (low-carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs beef strip steak, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 8 oz sliced beef with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, then sear in 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 4 minced garlic cloves to the same pan, sautéing over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown).
  3. Step 3: Add 2 spiralized zucchinis to the pan, tossing to coat. Cook for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Return beef to the pan, add 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1/4 cup grated parmesan, tossing until cheese melts and coats noodles and beef. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Beef with Garlic Zucchini Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Beef with Garlic Zucchini Noodles?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef strip steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Beef with Garlic Zucchini Noodles?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Beef with Garlic Zucchini Noodles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pan-Seared Beef with Garlic Zucchini Noodles low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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