Mediterranean Steak Bowl is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table. As I prepared this recipe, I couldn’t help but think about the rich history behind Mediterranean cuisine, which has been celebrated for centuries for its fresh ingredients and bold flavors. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of the sun-kissed lands that produce some of the finest produce and meats in the world.
People love the Mediterranean Steak Bowl for its incredible taste and texture. The tender, marinated steak pairs beautifully with a colorful array of vegetables, grains, and zesty dressings, creating a harmonious balance that is both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a leisurely weekend gathering. Join me as we dive into this recipe that promises to be a hit at your next meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Tzatziki sauce for serving
Preparing the Steak
Let’s start with the star of our Mediterranean Steak Bowl: the flank steak. This cut is perfect for marinating and grilling, giving us that delicious flavor we crave.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be our marinade.
- Place the flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Once marinated, remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
Cooking the Steak
Now that our steak is marinated, it’s time to cook it to perfection.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill, make sure it’s well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the marinade.
- Place the steak on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side, without moving it. This will give it a nice sear.
- Flip the steak and cook for another 4-5 minutes for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer it more well done. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
- Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak more tender.
- After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. This is crucial for tenderness!
Preparing the Quinoa
While the steak is resting, let’s prepare the quinoa. It’s a great base for our bowl and adds a nice nutty flavor.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth for added flavor. You can also add a pinch of salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Then, fluff the quinoa with a fork.
Preparing the Vegetables
Now, let’s chop up our fresh veggies. They’ll add color, crunch, and nutrition to our bowl.
- While the quinoa is cooking, wash and prepare your vegetables. Start with the cherry tomatoes; simply cut them in half.
- Next, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
- Thinly slice the red onion. If you find raw onion too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor.
- Finally, rinse and drain the chickpeas. You can use
Conclusion:
In summary, this Mediterranean Steak Bowl is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners with a burst of flavor and nutrition. The combination of tender marinated steak, fresh vegetables, and zesty dressing creates a harmonious blend that is not only satisfying but also visually appealing. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily swap out the steak for grilled chicken or even a plant-based protein like chickpeas for a vegetarian option. I love serving this bowl with a side of warm pita bread or a refreshing tzatziki sauce to really enhance the Mediterranean experience. You can also add a sprinkle of feta cheese or a handful of olives for an extra layer of flavor. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe so special! I encourage you to give this Mediterranean Steak Bowl a try and make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting friends, I promise it will impress everyone at the table. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative twists you come up with! I can’t wait to hear how your Mediterranean Steak Bowl turns out! Print
Mediterranean Steak Bowl: A Flavorful and Healthy Recipe to Try Today
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Mediterranean Steak Bowl features marinated flank steak served over a base of quinoa, topped with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper, along with chickpeas and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzled with lemon juice and garnished with parsley, it’s a colorful and nutritious meal ideal for lunch or dinner. Customize with your favorite veggies or substitute the steak for a vegetarian option. Perfect for meal prep!
Ingredients
- quinoa
- sliced flank steak
- cherry tomatoes
- cucumber
- red bell pepper
- red onion
- chickpeas
- crumbled feta cheese
- fresh lemon juice
- chopped parsley
- salt
- pepper
- tzatziki sauce (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, start with a base of quinoa.
- Top the quinoa with the sliced flank steak, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, chickpeas, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve immediately, with tzatziki sauce on the side if you like.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the flank steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- This bowl is great for meal prep; just store the components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
