Pan-Seared Steak Bites with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic Butter
Tender steak cubes seared to perfection and tossed with zucchini noodles in a rich garlic butter sauce, all ready in under 30 minutes. This american-inspired keto (high-protein, low-carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs flank steak, olive oil, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz flank steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 large zucchini
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but not cooked through. Remove the steak and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Add 4 cups spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss for 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, then return the steak to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is cooked to your liking and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with an additional pinch of salt and pepper if needed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Steak Bites with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic Butter 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 Steak Bites with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic Butter?
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 flank steak from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Steak Bites with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic Butter?
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 Steak Bites with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Steak Bites with Zucchini Noodles and Garlic Butter high-protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high-protein, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
