Why Make This Recipe
The Savory Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini Sauce is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make a hearty and satisfying meal. This dish not only looks great but tastes amazing too! The marinated steak brings a rich flavor, and the creamy zucchini sauce adds a refreshing touch. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Whether you’re planning a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, this dish fits perfectly. It’s also a great way to get your servings of veggies and whole grains in one bowl. And who doesn’t love a meal that’s healthy, colorful, and delicious?
How to Make Savory Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) flank or skirt steak
- 2 medium zucchini (~300g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup (120g) Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
- 3 cups (600g cooked) brown rice or quinoa
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced radishes, toasted pine nuts, feta cheese
Directions
1. Marinate the Steak (15 minutes)
Start by marinating the steak. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Rub this marinade all over the steak, making sure it’s well coated. Let the steak rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes so the flavors can soak in.
2. Prepare the Zucchini Sauce (10 minutes)
While the steak is marinating, prepare the zucchini sauce. Grate the zucchini using a grater or food processor. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the grated zucchini and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the zucchini is tender. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the sautéed zucchini, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, chopped parsley, chopped mint, and some black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and lemon juice according to your liking.
3. Grill the Steak (8-10 minutes)
Next, it’s time to grill the steak. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated steak on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip it and grill for another 4-5 minutes on the other side for a medium-rare finish. If you prefer it more done, leave it a bit longer. Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it against the grain into bite-sized pieces.
4. Assemble the Bowl (5 minutes)
Now it’s time for the fun part—assembling the bowls! Start by scooping about a cup of cooked brown rice or quinoa into each bowl. Top the rice with the sliced grilled steak and generous spoonfuls of the zucchini sauce. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings! You can add sliced radishes, toasted pine nuts, or crumbled feta cheese for added flavor and texture.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Present the bowls individually to your guests or family members, allowing everyone to customize their own meal with their favorite toppings. Serve this dish warm and enjoy every savory bite!
How to Serve Savory Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini Sauce
You can serve the Savory Grilled Steak Bowl either by placing each component in separate bowls for a build-your-own style meal or by assembling the bowls beforehand. This dish pairs well with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for an extra nutritional boost. If you’re hosting a gathering, you can make the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving to keep everything fresh.
How to Store Savory Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini Sauce
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The steak, zucchini sauce, and grains can all be kept together or separately, depending on your preference. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat the bowl in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. You can also enjoy the components cold, making it perfect for a quick lunch!
Tips to Make Savory Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini Sauce
Choosing the Right Cut of Steak: Flank and skirt steak are great choices due to their flavor and tenderness, but you can use ribeye or sirloin if desired.
Don’t Overcook the Steak: Keep an eye on the grilling time. Overcooking can lead to dry meat. For perfect doneness, consider using a meat thermometer.
Zucchini Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a little more lemon juice or olive oil. Mixing in some water can also help achieve your desired consistency.
Marinating Time: While letting the steak marinate for 15 minutes is great, consider marinating it overnight in the refrigerator for even more flavor.
Garnish: Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can be a delightful addition to the topping choices, bringing more aroma and flavor to your bowl.
Variation
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or chickpeas. These add a nice earthy flavor that complements the zucchini sauce.
Different Grains: If you want to change things up, feel free to use other grains like couscous, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Add More Veggies: You could include other grilled or roasted vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes. They will add even more color and nutrients to your bowl.
FAQs
1. Can I make the zucchini sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the zucchini sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to stir it well before serving as some separation may occur.
2. How can I tell if the steak is cooked to the right doneness?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C), for medium, 135-145°F (57-63°C), and for medium-well, 145-155°F (63-68°C).
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the steak and zucchini sauce separately. However, cooked rice or quinoa tends to lose texture when frozen, so it’s best to keep it fresh. The meat and sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.
This Savory Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini Sauce is a colorful and tasty meal that everyone will love. With a little prepping and grilling, you’ll inspire your taste buds with each savory bite! Enjoy your meal!
Print
Savory Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful blend of flavors and textures featuring marinated grilled steak and creamy zucchini sauce, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) flank or skirt steak
- 2 medium zucchini (~300g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup (120g) Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
- 3 cups (600g) cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced radishes, toasted pine nuts, feta cheese
Instructions
- Marinate the steak by mixing 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the marinade onto the steak. Let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Grate the zucchini and sauté in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until tender. Let cool slightly. Combine zucchini with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, parsley, mint, and black pepper.
- Preheat the grill. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Assemble the bowls with a cup of cooked brown rice or quinoa, grilled steak slices, and zucchini sauce topped with your choice of optional toppings.
- Serve and enjoy warm, allowing guests to customize their meals.
Notes
Consider marinating the steak overnight for extra flavor and use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: steak bowl, grilled steak, zucchini sauce, healthy dinner, meal prep