If you’re looking for a fresh, colorful, and irresistibly tasty dinner, this Mediterranean Steak Bowl is about to become your new obsession. Perfectly grilled steak, a mosaic of crisp veggies, flavorful olives, and creamy feta come together on a foundation of quinoa or rice, finished with a lively hit of lemon and a dab of hummus. Not only does this meal bring all the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your kitchen, but it’s also quick, wholesome, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re entertaining friends or treating yourself to a restaurant-worthy bowl at home, the Mediterranean Steak Bowl checks all the boxes for taste, nutrition, and pure enjoyment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need an endless ingredient list to create a Mediterranean Steak Bowl that wows. Each component—whether it’s the protein, the veggies, or those irresistibly briny olives—brings something special to the table. Here’s what you’ll need (and a reason to love each!):
- Flank steak or sirloin steak (1 pound): The foundation of your bowl—juicy and packed with flavor when cooked just right.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Adds silkiness and earthiness, both in marinating the steak and drizzling over veggies.
- Dried oregano (2 teaspoons): Classic Mediterranean herb for an aromatic punch that defines the overall profile.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers savory depth without overpowering the fresh veggies.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Lends subtle warmth and beautiful color to the steak’s crust.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning, but absolutely crucial for balancing all the bold flavors.
- Cooked quinoa or rice (2 cups): Your bowl’s hearty, wholesome base—go with your favorite for the perfect texture.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Sweet, juicy, and gorgeous—they transform every bite into summer.
- Cucumber (1 cup, diced): Brings a cool, crisp crunch that keeps things lively.
- Red onion (1/2 cup, thinly sliced): Adds zippy sharpness and a pop of color.
- Kalamata olives (1/2 cup, pitted and halved): For that signature savory tang—don’t skip them!
- Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): Creamy and briny, it ties all the Mediterranean flavors together.
- Hummus (1/4 cup): One simple dollop turns each bite super creamy and satisfying.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): The finishing squeeze for a fresh, bright jolt of flavor.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): For a final hint of green and a bit of herbal sparkle.
How to Make Mediterranean Steak Bowl
Step 1: Marinate and Season the Steak
Start off by patting your steak dry—this little step helps it develop a spectacular crust once it hits the pan. Drizzle with one tablespoon of olive oil, then coat with oregano, garlic powder, paprika, a generous pinch of salt, and some black pepper. Take a moment to really press these flavors into the meat. If you have extra time, let it marinate for 20-30 minutes (even just while your grains cook) for deeper flavor, but don’t stress if you’re in a hurry—this bowl is designed for weeknight ease, too!
Step 2: Grill or Pan-Sear the Steak
Heat your grill pan or skillet over medium-high. Swirl in a touch more olive oil if needed. Lay your seasoned steak in the hot pan and let it sear undisturbed, about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and your preferred doneness. Not sure when it’s ready? Press with your finger; it should be slightly firm but with a little give for medium-rare. Once done, let your steak rest for five minutes—this keeps all those savory juices where you want them.
Step 3: Prepare the Grain Base
While the steak is resting, get those grains ready. Fluff up your cooked quinoa or rice with a fork to keep it light and airy. Divide evenly between four bowls. If you want an extra punch of flavor, toss your grains with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of salt before adding them to your bowls. This makes every bite taste vibrant all the way through.
Step 4: Chop and Arrange the Veggies
Slice your cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. The key to a show-stopping Mediterranean Steak Bowl is arranging these jewels in generous, distinct sections around the grain base. Scatter over the Kalamata olives and sprinkle on the crumbled feta cheese—your bowl should already be looking like a Mediterranean sunset.
Step 5: Slice and Add the Steak
Time to unveil that beautiful steak! Slice it across the grain into thin strips—this keeps it tender and flavorful. Lay the steak right over the veggies and grains in each bowl, making it the star of the show. Add a hearty dollop of hummus, and don’t forget to finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon right before digging in.
How to Serve Mediterranean Steak Bowl
Garnishes
Bring it all together with fresh parsley sprinkled over the top—this not only brightens up the bowls visually but adds a light herbal note that feels authentically Mediterranean. A little extra lemon on the side lets everyone adjust the zing to their liking. If you’re feeling wild, a dusting of extra feta or a drizzle of olive oil can never hurt!
Side Dishes
Mediterranean Steak Bowl pairs beautifully with warm pita bread or a basket of herby flatbreads for scooping. If you want something lighter, a simple arugula salad with a lemony vinaigrette keeps things fresh. You could even set out some roasted veggies—zucchini, peppers, or eggplant work like a dream as Mediterranean sides.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, serve the bowl components family-style and let everyone build their own Mediterranean Steak Bowl masterpiece. For lunch boxes, layer the ingredients in jars for a colorful, portable salad. Even as a party platter, arranging everything on a large board with steak slices, grains, veggies, and dips makes for a Mediterranean grazing feast that wows a crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once you’ve built your bowls, store any extras in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. For optimal freshness, keep the steak, grain base, and veggies separate if you can—this keeps everything from getting soggy or muddled in flavor. Add hummus and lemon just before serving.
Freezing
While the fresh veggies won’t freeze well, you can absolutely freeze extra slices of steak and batches of cooked quinoa or rice. Cool them completely, portion into freezer bags or airtight containers, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and build your Mediterranean Steak Bowl fresh with new veggies.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the steak and grains gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep everything from drying out. Add the fresh toppings, olives, feta, and hummus after reheating so each bite remains crisp and lively, just the way it should be.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak in my Mediterranean Steak Bowl?
Absolutely! Flank and sirloin are great, but you can easily substitute with skirt steak or even ribeye for something a little more indulgent. The most important thing is slicing it thinly against the grain so it stays tender.
What can I use instead of quinoa or rice?
Cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb alternative and still soaks up all the Mediterranean flavors beautifully. Bulgur wheat or even pearl couscous are other fun options if you want to play with different textures.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
The Mediterranean Steak Bowl is meal prep magic! Just keep the steak, grains, and veggies in separate containers and assemble when ready to eat. It holds up wonderfully for a couple of days in the fridge.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap the steak for grilled halloumi cheese or your favorite plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu. You’ll still get the Mediterranean spirit in every bite!
Can I substitute any of the veggies?
Definitely! Feel free to use what you have—bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or radishes would all be delicious. The beauty of the Mediterranean Steak Bowl is how flexible it is.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a bowl brimming with bold flavors, tender steak, and fresh, crunchy veggies—especially when it’s this quick and easy to create. I hope you give this Mediterranean Steak Bowl a try and make it a regular part of your dinner rotation. Every colorful bite truly does taste like a getaway to the sunny coasts of the Mediterranean!
Print
Mediterranean Steak Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with these flavorful steak bowls. Tender, seasoned steak slices sit atop a bed of quinoa, surrounded by fresh vegetables, feta, and a dollop of hummus for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup hummus
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season and Cook the Steak: Pat the steak dry and season with 1 tablespoon olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook on a grill pan or skillet for 4-5 minutes per side, then let rest for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Bowls: Divide quinoa or rice between 4 bowls. Arrange tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and feta. Top with sliced steak, hummus, and lemon juice. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can swap steak for grilled chicken or lamb.
- For a lighter option, use cauliflower rice as the base.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Assembly
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
