Garlic Butter Steak & Zucchini Noodles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish brings together the best of savory and fresh flavors. The garlic butter sauce is absolutely mouthwatering, adding depth to the tender steak and refreshing zucchini noodles. The zucchini noodles (or “zoodles”) are light, yet satisfying, making this meal perfect for those looking to cut down on carbs while still enjoying a flavorful, filling dish. The combination of garlic, butter, and steak is always a winner, and the zucchini noodles bring an extra layer of texture and freshness that will have you coming back for more.

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak, sliced into strips
• 4 medium zucchini, spiralized
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Lemon slices, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles: Using a spiralizer, create zucchini noodles from the zucchini. Set them aside.
2. Cook the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the flank steak strips with salt and pepper. Add the steak to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Cook the Zucchini Noodles: Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until the noodles are tender but still crisp.
5. Combine: Return the cooked steak to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the steak and zucchini noodles in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional minute to heat everything through.
6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add Veggies: You can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Use Different Proteins: If you prefer, you can substitute flank steak with other cuts of beef, chicken breast, or even shrimp for a different twist.
• Spicy Garlic Butter: For extra spice, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the garlic butter sauce.
• Paleo Version: This recipe is already paleo-friendly, but you can make it dairy-free by using ghee or olive oil in place of butter.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, adding a little extra butter or olive oil if needed. You can also microwave individual portions, but the zucchini noodles may lose some of their crispness.

FAQs

Can I use another type of steak for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute flank steak with other cuts like skirt steak, sirloin, or ribeye. Just be sure to slice it thinly for quick cooking.

Can I make this recipe with regular pasta instead of zucchini noodles?

Yes, if you’re not following a low-carb diet, you can easily swap zucchini noodles for regular pasta. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, and toss it with the garlic butter sauce and steak.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, as the zucchini noodles can become soggy when stored. However, you can prep the zucchini noodles and steak ahead of time and cook the dish when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of squash for the noodles?

Yes, yellow squash or even spaghetti squash can be used as alternatives to zucchini for the noodles.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Zucchini noodles do not freeze well, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh. However, the cooked steak can be frozen for later use. Just freeze the steak separately from the zucchini noodles.

How do I prevent the zucchini noodles from becoming soggy?

To prevent the zucchini noodles from becoming soggy, avoid cooking them for too long. Zucchini releases moisture as it cooks, so it’s important to cook them quickly and stir gently.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free by using ghee or olive oil in place of the butter. You can also add a dairy-free cheese or avocado for creaminess if desired.

Can I use pre-spiralized zucchini?

Yes, you can buy pre-spiralized zucchini noodles to save time, but fresh zucchini will yield the best texture and flavor.

How can I make the steak more tender?

To ensure your steak is tender, slice it against the grain. This will break up the muscle fibers and make the steak more tender when you bite into it.

What can I serve with Garlic Butter Steak & Zucchini Noodles?

This dish is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak & Zucchini Noodles is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something low-carb and delicious. The combination of tender steak, garlicky butter sauce, and fresh zucchini noodles makes for an easy-to-make meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Garnished with fresh parsley and a hint of lemon, this dish is as visually appealing as it is satisfying. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or just want a tasty, light dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

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