Crisp, charred zucchini meets the savory richness of perfectly grilled steak in this vibrant and satisfying Cozy Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini. The beauty of this dish lies in the contrasting textures and flavors. The slight sweetness of the grilled zucchini balances the umami-rich steak, while the bright cilantro-lime dressing adds a zesty kick that elevates the entire bowl.
This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. The marinade tenderizes the steak, infusing it with a depth of flavor, while the grilling process imparts a smoky char that’s simply irresistible. It’s a complete and balanced meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for a weekend gathering. If you are looking for more light but satisfying meals, check out this dill pickle chicken recipe.
Why you’ll love this Cozy Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini
- It’s ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The combination of steak, zucchini, and quinoa provides a complete and balanced meal.
- The cilantro-lime dressing adds a refreshing zest that complements the savory flavors.
- This grilled steak bowl is easily customizable with your favorite toppings.
- Grilling the steak and zucchini imparts a delicious smoky flavor.
- It’s a fantastic way to use seasonal zucchini in a creative and exciting way.
Ingredients & Substitutions

- 1.5 lbs beef steak (sirloin or flank)
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
- Optional toppings: avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion
How to make Cozy Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Grilled steak bowl makes every moment feel lush. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Marinate the steak in this mixture for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating, toss the sliced zucchini with a tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Grill the Steak
Grill the steak for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired doneness. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Chef’s Tip: Resting the steak allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Step 4: Grill the Zucchini
Grill the zucchini for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
Step 5: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine chopped cilantro and lime juice for the dressing.
Step 6: Assemble the Bowls
Assemble the bowls by dividing the cooked quinoa among four bowls. Top with sliced steak and grilled zucchini. Drizzle with cilantro-lime dressing and add optional toppings as desired.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the zucchini; it should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired doneness.
- Let the steak rest before slicing to retain its juices.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar in the marinade to your preferred level of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This Cozy Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance it with these additions:
* A side of grilled corn on the cob.
* A refreshing cucumber and tomato salad.
* A light and crisp white grape juice or sparkling water with a lemon slice.
If you are looking for a sweet way to end the meal, check out this creamy Hawaiian fruit salad recipe.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover steak and zucchini in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the steak gently in a skillet or microwave to prevent it from drying out. The zucchini can be reheated in a skillet or microwave. It’s best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this dish?
While you can freeze the steak and zucchini separately, the texture may change upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this dish is not inherently spicy. However, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a kick.
Can I use a different type of steak?
Yes, you can substitute sirloin or flank steak with other cuts like ribeye or New York strip, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
This Cozy Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini is a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender steak, smoky zucchini, and zesty dressing, it’s sure to become a new favorite. Let us know in the comments how you enjoyed this recipe!
Cozy Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini
Savor the comforting flavors of this grilled steak bowl featuring tender, perfectly seasoned steak paired with sweet, smoky zucchini. A vibrant and healthy meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. This recipe combines simple ingredients into a satisfying and delicious culinary experience. The steak is marinated to perfection, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor, while the grilled zucchini adds a delightful charred note. Served over a bed of fluffy quinoa and topped with a zesty cilantro-lime dressing, this bowl is a complete and balanced meal that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients in a creative and exciting way.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef steak (sirloin or flank)
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
- Optional toppings: avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Marinate the steak in this mixture for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating, toss the sliced zucchini with a tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Grill the steak for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired doneness. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Grill the zucchini for 2-3 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
- In a small bowl, combine chopped cilantro and lime juice for the dressing.
- Assemble the bowls by dividing the cooked quinoa among four bowls. Top with sliced steak and grilled zucchini. Drizzle with cilantro-lime dressing and add optional toppings as desired.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can substitute the quinoa with brown rice or couscous. The steak can be cooked in a skillet if you don’t have a grill. Store leftover steak and zucchini in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg