Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag? Imagine sinking your fork into perfectly grilled, juicy steak, nestled in a bed of vibrant, fresh ingredients, all drizzled with a flavorful sauce that ties everything together in perfect harmony. This Grilled Steak Bowl recipe delivers all that and more, offering a customizable and incredibly satisfying meal that you can easily whip up at home. Get ready to create your new favorite weeknight dinner!
The Star Players: What You’ll Need (Ingredients)
For the Steak:
- 1 pound steak (sirloin, flank, or skirt steak work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Base:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
For the Toppings (Get Creative!):
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Jalapenos, sliced (optional)
For the Sauce (The Magic Touch!):
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Get Grilling: Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Steak:
- Prep the Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. This helps it get a good sear.
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Steak: Rub the spice mixture all over the steak. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to a few hours in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
Grilling the Steak:
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean!
- Grill the Steak: Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your preferred internal temperature (130-135°F for medium-rare).
- Rest the Steak: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This is crucial! Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Tent it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
- Slice the Steak: Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
Assembling the Bowls:
- Prepare the Sauce: While the steak is resting, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, sriracha, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level.
- Layer the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice and chopped romaine lettuce evenly among bowls.
- Add the Toppings: Arrange the black beans, corn, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and sliced steak over the rice and lettuce.
- Drizzle with Sauce: Generously drizzle the sauce over each bowl.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra cilantro and jalapenos, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Level Up Your Bowl: Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Steak Bowl
Choosing the Right Steak:
The type of steak you choose will impact the final result. Flank steak and skirt steak are great options for grilling because they are relatively thin and cook quickly. Sirloin is another good choice, offering a good balance of flavor and tenderness. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even use ribeye or New York strip steak!
Mastering the Grill:
Grilling can be intimidating, but with a few simple tips, you can become a grill master. Make sure your grill is clean and properly preheated. Don’t overcrowd the grill – this can lower the temperature and prevent the steak from searing properly. And most importantly, don’t overcook the steak! Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your desired internal temperature.
Customizing Your Bowl:
One of the best things about this Grilled Steak Bowl recipe is that it’s completely customizable. Feel free to swap out any of the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:
- Grains: Try quinoa, farro, or even sweet potato instead of rice.
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers, roasted vegetables, or pickled onions.
- Beans: Pinto beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas would also be delicious.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese would add a salty, tangy flavor.
- Sauce: Experiment with different sauces, such as chimichurri, salsa verde, or a creamy chipotle sauce.
Make-Ahead Magic: Streamlining Your Steak Bowl Prep
Want to enjoy a Grilled Steak Bowl on a busy weeknight? You can easily prep many of the components ahead of time. Grill the steak on the weekend and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the rice and chop the vegetables in advance. You can even make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the bowls, simply reheat the steak and rice, and layer everything together. This is a great way to save time and ensure you have a healthy and delicious meal ready to go!
Side Dish Suggestions for a Complete Meal
While the Grilled Steak Bowl is a complete meal in itself, you might want to serve it with a side dish or two to round out the experience. Here are a few suggestions:
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: A classic summer side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled steak.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: A creamy and flavorful salad with corn, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.
- Black Bean and Corn Salsa: A refreshing and vibrant salsa that can be served with tortilla chips or as a topping for the steak bowl.
- Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: A classic appetizer that everyone loves.
Steak Bowl Variations to Explore
Once you’ve mastered the basic Grilled Steak Bowl, you can start experimenting with different variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Korean Steak Bowl: Marinate the steak in a Korean BBQ sauce and serve it with kimchi, pickled cucumbers, and a gochujang mayo.
- Mediterranean Steak Bowl: Marinate the steak in a lemon-herb marinade and serve it with hummus, tzatziki sauce, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives.
- Spicy Chipotle Steak Bowl: Add chipotle peppers to the steak marinade and the sauce for a smoky and spicy kick.
Other Beef Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you loved this Grilled Steak Bowl, you might also enjoy these other delicious beef recipes:
- Philly Cheesesteak Pasta – A comfort food classic with a fun twist.
- Beef And Broccoli – A quick and easy weeknight dinner.
- Chinese Beef And Broccoli – Another great option for a fast and tasty meal.
- Parmesan Garlic Beef Recipe – Simple yet bursting with flavor.
- Garlic Butter Beef Potatoes – A hearty and satisfying one-pan meal.
- Garlic Butter Beef Bites – Perfect as an appetizer or a quick snack.
The Grand Finale: Your Delicious Creation
There you have it! A vibrant, customizable, and utterly delicious Grilled Steak Bowl that’s perfect for any night of the week. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to create your own signature bowl. With a little practice, you’ll be whipping up restaurant-quality steak bowls in no time. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable meal!
What are the best steak options to use for this recipe?
Flank steak and skirt steak are great options for grilling because they are relatively thin and cook quickly. Sirloin is another good choice, offering a good balance of flavor and tenderness. Ribeye or New York strip steak can also be used.
Can I prepare the steak bowls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep many of the components ahead of time. Grill the steak on the weekend and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the rice and chop the vegetables in advance. You can even make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
What are some topping variations I can use for the steak bowl?
You can try different grains like quinoa or farro, vegetables like bell peppers or roasted vegetables, beans like pinto beans or chickpeas, cheese like queso fresco or cotija, and sauces like chimichurri or salsa verde.
What internal temperature should I aim for when grilling the steak for medium-rare?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare.
Ultimate Grilled Steak Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the steak. Marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to a few hours in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and ensure the grates are clean.
- Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your preferred internal temperature (130-135°F for medium-rare).
- Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
- While the steak is resting, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, sriracha, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level.
- Divide the cooked rice and chopped romaine lettuce evenly among bowls.
- Arrange the black beans, corn, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and sliced steak over the rice and lettuce.
- Generously drizzle the sauce over each bowl.
- Garnish with extra cilantro and jalapenos, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
