Sautéed Beef Strips with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomatoes

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-24 · Updated 2026-07-24

Tender strips of beef quickly seared with garlic and herbs, served over fresh zucchini noodles tossed with sweet cherry tomatoes for a light Whole30 meal. This american-inspired whole30 (low carb, paleo) ready in about 22 minutes pairs cherry tomatoes, halved, garlic cloves, minced, fresh basil leaves, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving

Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

12 oz sirloin steak, sliced into 1/4-inch strips
3 medium zucchinis (about 4 cups) zucchini, spiralized into noodles
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz sirloin steak strips, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until beef is browned but still tender. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juice.
Step 3: Add 4 cups zucchini noodles with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss and cook for 3 minutes until noodles are just tender but still firm.
Step 4: Return the beef strips to the skillet and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Cook for another minute until heated through and fragrant.
Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with extra basil if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Beef Strips with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Sautéed Beef Strips with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 cherry tomatoes, halved from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Beef Strips with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Sautéed Beef Strips with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Sautéed Beef Strips with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomatoes low carb?

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