Garlic Butter Steak Zucchini

This garlic butter steak with zucchini noodles transforms everyday ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 20 minutes. The tender slices of steak mingle with delicate zucchini spirals, all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce that makes every bite absolutely mouthwatering.

I created this recipe when my husband was following a low carb diet but still craving comfort food. The first time I made it, he insisted it tasted like something from an expensive steakhouse, and now it's our go-to impressive yet easy dinner for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• Flank steak: One pound thinly sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness. Look for meat with good marbling for the best flavor.
• Zucchini: Four medium-sized, fresh and firm for perfect noodles. Choose darker green ones for better flavor.
• Butter: Use real unsalted butter for that rich, silky sauce. The quality makes a difference here.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves minced just before cooking will provide the most aromatic flavor. Pre-minced jarred garlic works in a pinch.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle heat that enhances the other flavors. Adjust according to your spice preference.
• Olive oil: Choose a good quality oil that can withstand high-heat cooking.
• Salt and pepper: Fresh ground for best taste. Sea salt works beautifully here.
• Fresh parsley and lemon slices: These aren't just garnish; they add brightness and cut through the richness of the dish.

How To Make Garlic Butter Steak & Zucchini Noodles

Prepare the steak:

Slice your flank steak against the grain into thin strips about ¼ inch thick. This is crucial for tender meat. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, massaging the seasoning into the meat. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.

Spiralize the zucchini:

Using a spiralizer on the medium setting, transform your zucchini into beautiful noodle-like strands. If you don't have a spiralizer, use a vegetable peeler to create ribbons. Gently pat the zucchini noodles with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this prevents soggy noodles.

Sear the steak:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until it's almost smoking. Add olive oil and carefully place the steak strips in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed for 1–2 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook another minute. The key is high heat and not overcrowding the pan. Work in batches if needed. Remove steak to a plate and tent with foil.

Create the garlic butter sauce:

In the same hot skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. The sizzling sound should be gentle, not loud, which would indicate too high heat.

Cook the zucchini:

Add zucchini noodles to the garlic butter and toss gently with tongs to coat. Cook for just 2–3 minutes until slightly softened but still al dente. Overcooking will make them release too much water and become mushy.

Combine and serve:

Return the steak and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Gently toss everything together to combine and heat through for about 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer to warm plates, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, and serve immediately.

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The crushed red pepper flakes are my secret weapon in this recipe. While my children initially complained about the spice, they've grown to love the subtle heat that builds as you eat. I remember my daughter asking for seconds the third time I made this, which was a major victory in our house. Now she specifically requests the "spicy noodles with steak" at least once a week.

Perfecting Your Zucchini Noodles

The key to perfect zucchini noodles lies in not overcooking them. They should retain a slight crunch, much like al dente pasta. After spiralizing, I always pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This simple step prevents the dreaded soggy noodle syndrome that can ruin the entire dish. When cooking, remember that zucchini continues to soften even after you remove it from heat, so it's better to undercook slightly than risk a mushy result.

Making Ahead and Storage

This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the skillet, but you can prep components ahead of time to streamline dinner. Spiralize the zucchini and store it in the refrigerator wrapped in paper towels inside an airtight container for up to 2 days. The steak can be sliced and seasoned up to 24 hours in advance. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat just until warmed through. The zucchini will release more water when reheated, so be prepared for a slightly different texture.

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Variations To Try

This recipe serves as a wonderful foundation for creativity in the kitchen. For a Mediterranean twist, add halved cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese in the final minute of cooking. Seafood lovers can substitute the steak with large shrimp or scallops for an equally delicious meal. Vegetarians might enjoy replacing the steak with meaty portobello mushroom slices sautéed until golden. You can also experiment with different herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary instead of parsley, each bringing its own unique character to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I cook the steak to perfection?

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season the steak with salt and pepper, then cook in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until desired doneness is achieved. Let it rest briefly before combining with the noodles.

→ How do I prevent zucchini noodles from getting soggy?

Cook the zucchini noodles briefly, just until tender, so they retain their texture. Avoid overcooking or letting them sit in too much liquid.

→ Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, you can substitute flank steak with cuts like sirloin or skirt steak. Ensure the steak is sliced thinly to cook evenly and quickly.

→ What can I serve alongside this dish?

This dish pairs well with a crisp side salad, roasted vegetables, or a crusty bread for a complete meal.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh. However, you can prepare the steak and zucchini noodles in advance, storing them separately, and combine them just before serving.