Description
This one-pan garlic butter steak and zucchini recipe offers a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender sirloin or ribeye steak cubes are seared to perfection, then combined with sautéed zucchini and a fragrant garlic butter sauce infused with fresh parsley, thyme, and a hint of red pepper flakes. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish delivers rich, savory flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak
- 1.5 lbs Sirloin or Ribeye Steak, cut into 1-inch cubes, brought to room temperature
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil, for searing
Vegetables
- 2 medium Zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch thick half-moons
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions
- Prepare Steak: Pat the steak cubes dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season generously on all sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat Skillet: Place a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat until it shimmers and is nearly smoking, which indicates the pan is hot enough.
- Sear Steak: Add half of the steak cubes in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding to allow browning. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until the steak is well browned and develops a crust. Remove the cooked steak to a plate and repeat with the remaining cubes. Set all seared steak aside.
- Cook Zucchini: In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add the sliced zucchini. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini turns tender-crisp and gains slight browning. Season with a pinch of salt to taste.
- Make Garlic Butter: While the zucchini cooks, combine melted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Stir well to evenly incorporate all ingredients.
- Combine & Finish: Return all the seared steak cubes to the skillet with the zucchini. Pour the prepared garlic butter sauce evenly over the steak and zucchini. Gently toss using tongs for 1-2 minutes to coat the ingredients thoroughly and heat everything through. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Bringing steak to room temperature helps it cook evenly and sear better.
- Using a cast iron skillet provides superior heat retention for a perfect sear.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while searing steak to maintain a good crust.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit them altogether.
- Serve with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: garlic butter steak, zucchini recipe, one-pan steak dinner, easy steak recipe, sautéed zucchini, dinner skillet meal
