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Mediterranean Steak Bowl

This Mediterranean Steak Bowl is a cozy and satisfying dish featuring tender steak, bright herbs, and wholesome grains, perfect for a quick dinner or family meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Steak Marinade
  • 1 pound flank steak or skirt steak, trimmed Swap for skirt or bavette for stronger flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Plus extra for drizzling.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Or 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Regular paprika works too.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Or 1 tablespoon fresh, finely chopped.
  • 1 Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Grains and Vegetables
  • 1 cup quinoa or brown rice, cooked Quinoa for a nutty bite; rice for a softer base.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite.
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata or black olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese Or dairy-free alternative.
  • 1/2 cup tzatziki or Greek yogurt mixed with cucumber and dill See tip to make homemade.
  • Handful fresh parsley and mint, chopped
  • Optional: roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or a handful of baby spinach Swap spinach with kale for a stronger flavor.

Method
 

Marinating the Steak
  1. In a shallow dish, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Add the steak and turn to coat. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Cooking the Grain
  1. While the steak marinates, prepare quinoa or brown rice according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
Preparing the Vegetables
  1. Toss cherry tomatoes, cucumber, sliced red onion, olives, and herbs in a bowl.
  2. Drizzle with a little olive oil and a squeeze of lemon, and season lightly.
Searing the Steak
  1. Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat until very hot.
  2. Add a splash of oil; when it shimmers, place the steak in the pan. Sear without moving for 3–4 minutes.
  3. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes for medium-rare.
Resting and Slicing
  1. Transfer steak to a cutting board and let rest for 5–7 minutes.
  2. Slice thinly against the grain.
Assembling the Bowls
  1. Spoon warm quinoa or rice into bowls, top with a generous pile of steak, and arrange the tomato-cucumber salad on the side.
  2. Sprinkle with crumbled feta, fresh mint, and parsley.
  3. Drizzle tzatziki over the top, and finish with a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil.
Enjoy
  1. Bring the bowl to the table and enjoy the aromas.

Notes

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days. Keep tzatziki separate to avoid soggy grains. Cooked grains freeze well; steak is best refrigerated and eaten within a few days.