Garlic Lemon Beef Bites with Zucchini Noodles & Arugula
- Serves
- 4 servings
- Prep
- 12 min
- Cook
- 18 min
- Cost
- $15.50
- Nutrition
- 380 cal · 38g protein
- quick
- one-pot
🍳 1 pan · Picky-eater safe bet: the plain protein, sauce on the side
Garlic Lemon Beef Bites with Zucchini Noodles & Arugula is a Italian weeknight dinner that serves 4 and is on the table in about 30 minutes, for around $16 in groceries. You'll need 1 pan, and the 9 ingredients below are everyday supermarket items. Cooking for a picky eater? Plain the plain protein, sauce on the side works on its own for the one who won't try the rest. Add it to your week and the whole grocery list lands in your Instacart cart in one tap.
Goes with: Fresh fruit (2 min)
Cookware you'll need
Set these out before you start — it saves hunting through drawers mid-recipe.
- 12-inch nonstick skilletDon't have one? Amazon →
- 12-inch locking tongsDon't have one? Amazon →
- Instant-read meat thermometerDon't have one? Amazon →
- 8-inch chef's knifeDon't have one? Amazon →
- Large cutting boards (set of 2)Don't have one? Amazon →
- Measuring cups & spoonsDon't have one? Amazon →
Our kitchen essentials list · As an Amazon Associate, DinnerDrop earns from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 1½ lb beef sirloin
- 1½ lb zucchini
- 3 cups fresh arugula
- 6 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Steps
- Cut 1.5 lb beef sirloin into 1-inch cubes, pat dry, and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sear in 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet in two batches, about 4 minutes per batch, until the beef reaches 145°F inside. Remove beef and rest 3 minutes.
- Spiralize or use a vegetable peeler to create noodles from 1.5 lb zucchini, then in the same skillet, add remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, 6 minced garlic cloves, and zucchini noodles, tossing for 2 minutes until just tender.
- Return beef to skillet, add 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, toss for 1 minute until warmed through, then add 3 cups fresh arugula and toss until just wilted.
- Divide beef and zucchini noodles among four bowls and serve warm.
- Picky eater tip: serve the seared beef plain, with the zucchini noodles and arugula on the side.
- Make ahead: cube the beef, mince the garlic and spiralize the zucchini up to a day ahead and store covered in the fridge.
On the side: Fresh fruit (2 min)
1 lb fruit (grapes or apples)
- Wash and slice the fruit and put it on the table.
Nutrition per serving
- Protein
- 38 g
- Carbohydrates
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
- Sugar
- 3 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Saturated fat
- 6 g
- Sodium
- 580 mg
Estimated from the ingredients and amounts in this recipe; brands and portions vary. Not medical or dietary advice.
Photo: DinnerDrop