Cozy Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini
A hearty yet light bowl featuring juicy grilled steak, smoky charred zucchini, fluffy rice, and a simple creamy sauce - ready in 30 minutes and perfect for meal prep.
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into planks
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for the sauce
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp hot sauce optional
- fresh parsley or cilantro for topping
Instructions
- Dry and season the steak. Pat the steak completely dry with paper towels, then coat both sides with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Prep the zucchini. Toss the zucchini planks in the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Preheat the grill. Heat your grill or grill pan over high heat for at least 3 minutes before cooking anything.
- Grill the steak. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting slightly based on the thickness of the cut.
- Rest the steak. Transfer to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 to 7 minutes without cutting into it.
- Grill the zucchini. While the steak rests, grill the zucchini planks 2 to 3 minutes per side until grill marks form and they are just tender.
- Make the sauce. Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and hot sauce in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Slice and assemble. Slice the steak thin against the grain. Divide rice into bowls, top with sliced steak and grilled zucchini, drizzle with creamy sauce, and finish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Always slice the steak against the grain for the most tender bite.
- Store each component separately if meal prepping - do not assemble ahead of time.
- Reheat steak and zucchini in a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave to preserve texture.
- Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter sauce.