If you love vibrant, wholesome meals packed with fresh flavors and satisfying textures, then you’re in for a treat with this Mediterranean Steak Bowls Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of tender, juicy steak paired with bright, crunchy veggies and creamy feta, all nestled atop a bed of hearty brown rice or quinoa. Each bowl bursts with Mediterranean charm, making it not only delicious but also beautifully balanced and colorful—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for dinner or meal prep throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is key to bringing out all the rich flavors, textures, and colors in this dish. Each item plays a unique role, whether it’s the savory steak, refreshing vegetables, or tangy feta cheese that ties it all together.
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin: Choose a good quality cut for tender, flavorful meat that cooks quickly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps to sear the steak beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb that infuses the steak with earthy, aromatic notes.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a gentle savory kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances the natural taste of all ingredients.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a mild spicy warmth that complements the steak perfectly.
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa: Nutty grains serve as the wholesome, fiber-rich base to soak up all the delicious toppings.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity brighten the bowl.
- 1 cup cucumber, diced: Adds freshness and a crisp, cooling contrast.
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced: Lend a salty, briny depth that’s unmistakably Mediterranean.
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced: Provides a sharp, slightly sweet bite that balances the creaminess of the cheese.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and tangy, it’s the perfect finishing touch to each bowl.
- ¼ cup hummus or tzatziki, for topping: Adds richness and an extra layer of complex flavor.
- Fresh parsley or mint, for garnish: Brightens the dish visually and adds a refreshing herbal note.
- Optional lemon vinaigrette: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt and pepper to taste — to drizzle for added zesty brightness.
How to Make Mediterranean Steak Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Season the Steak
Start by tossing your thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin in olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning blend brings out all the savory flavors and sets the stage for a perfectly flavored main protein. For an even deeper flavor, you can marinate the steak in lemon juice and garlic for about 30 minutes before cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until nice and hot. Cook your steak slices for roughly 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they reach your preferred level of doneness. Let the steak rest for a few minutes afterward; resting helps retain all those delicious juices so each bite is succulent and tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Grain Base
While your steak is cooking, you’ll want to have 2 cups of cooked brown rice or quinoa ready. These grains form the hearty and wholesome foundation of your Mediterranean Steak Bowls Recipe, providing a nutty, satisfying base that complements all the fresh toppings.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cooked grains evenly among four bowls. Arrange the sliced steak on top, then layer with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced Kalamata olives, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Don’t forget a generous dollop of hummus or tzatziki on each bowl for that creamy finish. If you’re using the optional lemon vinaigrette, whisk it up and drizzle over the assembled bowls to tie all those bright, bold flavors together.
How to Serve Mediterranean Steak Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or mint really elevates the flavor and presentation, adding a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness that complements the savory steak and tangy feta beautifully. Don’t skip the garnish—it makes each bowl feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is already a complete meal, you might want to keep sides light and complementary. A simple Greek salad with crisp lettuce, cucumbers, and olives or a side of roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers can round out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Mediterranean Steak Bowls Recipe in mason jars for an easy and portable meal prep option or use colorful ceramic bowls to enhance the vibrant hues of the ingredients. For a fun twist, you could also turn it into a wrap by spooning the ingredients into warm pita bread for handheld enjoyment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover steak slices and vegetables separately from the grains in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the components separated ensures they maintain their texture and flavor for easy reheating and assembly later on.
Freezing
While the grains and cooked steak freeze well individually, fresh veggies and feta cheese do not freeze properly due to texture changes. If you’d like to freeze meal components, store the steak and grains in sealed containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months, then add fresh ingredients after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the steak and grains gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add fresh vegetables, cheese, and toppings after reheating to keep all the flavors fresh and vibrant, recreating that just-made experience every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of steak?
Absolutely! Flank steak or sirloin works best because they’re tender and quick to cook, but you can substitute with ribeye or skirt steak if you prefer. Just adjust cooking time accordingly for your preferred doneness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the entire Mediterranean Steak Bowls Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you choose gluten-free grains like brown rice or quinoa and double-check that your hummus or tzatziki is gluten-free.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the steak for grilled or roasted vegetables like eggplant, portobello mushrooms, or falafel to create a satisfying vegetarian version without losing that Mediterranean flair.
What’s the best way to cook the steak for meal prep?
Cooking the steak in advance and slicing it thinly before refrigerating makes assembling Mediterranean Steak Bowls Recipe quick and easy during the week. Just store meat and grains separately and add fresh veggies and toppings when ready to eat.
Can I use cauliflower rice instead of brown rice or quinoa?
Yes, cauliflower rice is a wonderful low-carb substitute that works perfectly here. Just steam or sauté it lightly before assembling your bowls to keep the texture just right.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Steak Bowls Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s both nourishing and full of flavor, with an incredible balance of fresh, savory, and tangy elements. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or prepping meals for the week ahead, it’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always satisfying. I hope you love it as much as I do—go ahead, dive in and enjoy every vibrant, delicious bite!
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Mediterranean Steak Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Mediterranean Steak Bowls combine tender, flavorful steak with fresh and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Served over brown rice or quinoa and topped with creamy hummus or tzatziki, these bowls offer a balanced and satisfying meal perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Bowls
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup hummus or tzatziki, for topping
- Fresh parsley or mint, for garnish
Optional Lemon Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the Steak: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin with olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the meat with the seasonings.
- Cook the Steak: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the seasoned steak for 2–3 minutes per side or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly to preserve the juices.
- Prepare the Bowls: Divide the cooked brown rice or quinoa evenly among four serving bowls as the base layer.
- Assemble Ingredients: Top each bowl with the sliced steak, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced Kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Add Toppings: Place a dollop of hummus or tzatziki on top of each bowl for creaminess and flavor.
- Optional Vinaigrette: If desired, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over each assembled bowl.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or mint leaves for herbaceous brightness, then serve immediately and enjoy your Mediterranean Steak Bowls.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak in lemon juice and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- These bowls are perfect for meal prep—store components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
- Swap brown rice or quinoa with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
