Mediterranean Steak Bowl Recipe: A Flavorful Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, the Mediterranean Steak Bowl is calling your name. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a quick dinner prep for my family, and it quickly transformed into a weeknight favorite. With succulent sirloin steak marinated in Mediterranean herbs, paired with a colorful medley of veggies, grains, and a creamy tzatziki sauce, it’s a satisfying one-bowl meal perfect for any occasion.
What makes this recipe special
This Mediterranean Steak Bowl is the ideal dish for those who cherish flavor and nutrition without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick to prepare and offers a delightful balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh produce. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also incredibly versatile—feel free to swap ingredients based on your dietary needs or pantry staples.
Imagine serving this up to your family on a bustling weeknight or bringing it to a gathering as a refreshing option. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone loves, appealing to both meat lovers and plant-based eaters with the option to add roasted chickpeas.
“This steak bowl is bursting with flavor! My kids couldn’t get enough, and it was so quick to put together. Will definitely make it again!” – Happy Home Chef
Step-by-step overview
The Mediterranean Steak Bowl is a wonderfully straightforward recipe that combines marinating, searing, and layering fresh ingredients. You’ll start by mixing up a delicious marinade for the steak, whisking together the ingredients for a bright vinaigrette and a refreshing tzatziki sauce. After allowing the steak to soak in the marinade, it’s simply a matter of searing it to perfection and assembling all the tasty components in a bowl.
Get ready to enjoy a wholesome meal that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat!
Gather these items
You’ll need the following ingredients to create your Mediterranean Steak Bowl:
- 1 lb sirloin steak (about 1-inch thick)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups cooked grains (brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
- 1 cup roasted chickpeas (optional for paleo or keto diets)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cucumber (diced)
- ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup kalamata olives (pitted)
- ⅓ cup feta cheese (crumbled; optional for dairy-free)
- ¼ cup fresh herbs (parsley or dill, chopped)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain; or coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option)
- ½ cucumber (grated and squeezed dry)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 tsp honey (omit for Whole30)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
You can also switch out certain ingredients based on your preferences and dietary requirements. Don’t hesitate to customize this bowl to suit your taste!
Step-by-step instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the marinade ingredients: olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Coat the sirloin steak in the marinade and let it sit for 30 minutes to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- While the steak is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In another bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill in the fridge.
- For the vinaigrette, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey (if using), minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated steak for 4–5 minutes on each side until it reaches your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
- Layer your serving bowl by starting with a portion of cooked grains, followed by the sliced steak and your choice of toppings. Don’t forget to add a generous serving of tzatziki and vinaigrette on top!
Serving suggestions
This Mediterranean Steak Bowl is perfect on its own, but you can elevate your meal by serving it alongside some warm pita bread or a garden salad. Consider pairing it with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with a twist of lemon for a refreshing contrast.
For a brunch twist, you could even serve smaller portions as part of a Mediterranean-inspired spread with hummus and olives. The possibilities are endless!
How to store & freeze
To keep your Mediterranean Steak Bowl fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last for up to 3 days, making it ideal for meal prep. Just be sure to keep the tzatziki separate to maintain its creamy texture.
If you want to freeze the cooked steak, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently before serving.
Expert cooking tips
- Marinate longer: For the best flavor absorption, allow the steak to marinate for the full 4 hours. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will work nicely.
- Sear for perfection: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the steak; this will help you achieve that beautiful, caramelized crust while keeping the inside juicy.
- Don’t skip the rest: Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices from running out when you slice it.
Creative twists
Feel free to experiment with this recipe! If you’re craving different flavors, try adding some smoked paprika to the marinade for a hint of smokiness or grill the steak instead for an added layer of flavor.
Use alternative grains like farro or switch the feta for a vegan cheese to cater to different dietary needs. You can even make it a fully plant-based bowl by omitting the steak altogether and upping the roasted chickpeas!
Your questions answered
How long does the marinade need to sit?
You can marinate the sirloin steak for as little as 30 minutes or as long as 4 hours, depending on how much flavor you want.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the steak in advance and chop the veggies for an easy assembly later.
What can I substitute for grains?
For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice or Greek yogurt as your base component. Quinoa and brown rice are great options for a healthy whole grain.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The Mediterranean Steak Bowl is perfect for meal prep. Just keep the individual components separate until you’re ready to eat.
Can I replace the feta cheese?
If you’re going dairy-free, consider omitting the feta altogether or using a vegan cheese option.
How do I adjust the flavors?
Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to customize the taste. Fresh basil or mint could provide a lovely twist!
Can I use a different cut of meat?
Certainly! Cuts like ribeye or flank steak also work well. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as they may be thinner.
How do I make this bowl vegetarian?
Swap the steak for marinated grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers to create a delicious vegetarian version!
Print
Mediterranean Steak Bowl
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A delicious and flavorful Mediterranean Steak Bowl featuring marinated sirloin steak, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak (about 1-inch thick)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups cooked grains (brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup roasted chickpeas (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cucumber (diced)
- ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup kalamata olives (pitted)
- ⅓ cup feta cheese (crumbled; optional)
- ¼ cup fresh herbs (parsley or dill, chopped)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain; or coconut yogurt)
- ½ cucumber (grated and squeezed dry)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 tsp honey (omit for Whole30)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the marinade ingredients: olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Coat the sirloin steak in the marinade and let it sit for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- While the steak is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In another bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill in the fridge.
- For the vinaigrette, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey (if using), minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated steak for 4–5 minutes on each side until it reaches your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
- Layer your serving bowl starting with a portion of cooked grains, followed by sliced steak and your choice of toppings. Add tzatziki and vinaigrette on top.
Notes
Customize the ingredients based on your dietary needs and enjoy experimenting with flavors.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
