Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Delicious Mediterranean Steak Bowls bring together tender, flavourful steak with bright vegetables, herbs, grains, and a creamy dressing for a meal that feels both nourishing and satisfying. Each component balances freshness with richness, making these bowls ideal for lunch, dinner, or weekly meal prep. The Mediterranean flavours—lemon, garlic, olive oil, and herbs—give the dish a clean, vibrant character without requiring complicated preparation. I once prepared this recipe using quinoa instead of rice, and the naturally nutty flavour complemented the grilled steak beautifully. These bowls offer endless versatility, allowing you to customise ingredients based on what you have on hand while still maintaining that unmistakable Mediterranean essence.
Print
Delicious Mediterranean Steak Bowls: Fresh, Vibrant, and Perfect for Everyday Meals
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 bowls
- Diet: Halal
Description
Flavor-packed Mediterranean bowls featuring juicy seasoned steak, herby rice or couscous, fresh veggies, and a creamy tzatziki-style sauce—a wholesome and vibrant meal.
Ingredients
-
- 1 lb steak (sirloin, flank, or ribeye), sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Bowls:
-
- 2 cups cooked rice or couscous
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Tzatziki-Style Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix steak with olive oil, paprika, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Marinate 10–20 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear steak slices 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and rest.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper to make the tzatziki sauce.
- Assemble bowls: add rice or couscous as the base, top with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta.
- Add the sliced steak and drizzle with tzatziki sauce.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
- Swap steak for chicken or shrimp for variety.
- Add hummus for extra creaminess and protein.
- Use quinoa for a higher-protein base.
- Marinate steak longer for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Steak
The star of the bowl, providing rich, savoury protein. Marinating enhances tenderness and infuses Mediterranean flavours.
Olive oil
Used both for marinating and cooking, olive oil adds fruitiness and helps the steak achieve a beautiful sear.
Garlic
Fresh garlic delivers bold aroma and depth, essential for Mediterranean-style marinades.
Lemon juice
This brightens the dish with acidity, helping tenderise the steak and enhance the vegetables.
Paprika
Adds mild warmth and colour, balancing the freshness of the herbs.
Cooked grains (rice, couscous, or quinoa)
A hearty base that absorbs the juices and dressing while providing satisfying texture.
Cucumber
Adds refreshing crunch and hydration, balancing the savouriness of the steak.
Cherry tomatoes
Their natural sweetness complements the acidity of the marinade and the richness of the bowl.
Red onion
Offers sharpness and colour, tying the flavours together.
Fresh parsley
Brightens each bite with freshness and herbaceous aroma.
Feta cheese
Provides tangy, creamy contrast that enriches the entire bowl.
Yogurt dressing
A creamy, tangy element that pulls all the ingredients together beautifully.
Directions
Begin by preparing the steak marinade. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the steak and coat evenly. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes so the flavours penetrate and the meat tenderises. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the steak to your preferred doneness, ensuring a good sear on each side. Let it rest before slicing to retain its juices.
Prepare the base by cooking your chosen grain—rice, couscous, or quinoa. While it cooks, chop the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion into uniform pieces for a balanced texture. Toss them lightly with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and parsley. In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt, a splash of lemon, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt to create the creamy dressing.
Assemble the bowls by dividing the grains among serving bowls. Layer the fresh vegetables on top, followed by sliced steak. Finish with crumbled feta and a generous drizzle of yogurt dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest, brightest flavour.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4 portions.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour
Storage/reheating
Store components separately for best texture. Keep the vegetables and dressing refrigerated for up to three days. The steak can be stored for two to three days and reheated gently in a skillet. Grains reheat best in the microwave with a splash of water to restore softness. Assemble bowls just before serving to maintain freshness.
Variations and Customizations
Chicken Mediterranean Bowls
Swap steak for grilled chicken breasts or thighs for a lighter protein option.
Vegetarian Halloumi Bowls
Replace the steak with grilled halloumi or roasted chickpeas for a plant-forward version.
Lentil Base
Use lentils instead of grains for added protein and earthiness.
Spicy Harissa Steak
Add a spoonful of harissa to the marinade for smoky heat.
Olive and Artichoke Addition
Include kalamata olives or marinated artichokes for richer Mediterranean flavour.
Fresh Herb Upgrade
Add mint or dill to the vegetable mix for extra brightness.
Roasted Vegetable Bowl
Incorporate roasted peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for a warm variation.
Tzatziki Dressing
Replace the yogurt sauce with tzatziki for a cucumber-forward tang.
Grain-Free Version
Serve over cauliflower rice for a lighter choice.
Creamy Hummus Base
Spread a layer of hummus at the bottom of each bowl before adding grains and toppings.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead?
Yes, prepare ingredients separately and assemble when ready to eat.
What cut of steak works best?
Sirloin, flank, or ribeye all work well for slicing thinly.
Can I grill the steak instead of pan-searing?
Absolutely; grilling adds a pleasant smoky flavour.
Can I make the bowls dairy-free?
Use dairy-free yogurt and omit or replace feta with a plant-based alternative.
Should I serve these bowls warm or cold?
They can be enjoyed warm, room temperature, or chilled—very flexible.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, it adds nuttiness and extra fibre.
What vegetables pair well with this dish?
Cucumber, tomatoes, peppers, olives, and greens all complement the flavours.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes, but a fresh yogurt dressing provides the best flavour.
How thin should I slice the steak?
Slice against the grain into thin strips for tenderness.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freeze only the cooked steak and grains; fresh vegetables and dressing do not freeze well.
Conclusion
Delicious Mediterranean Steak Bowls combine vibrant vegetables, tender steak, creamy dressing, and hearty grains into a meal that feels balanced, flavourful, and satisfying. These bowls offer endless customisation and work well for both quick weeknight dinners and meal prep. With their lively colours and bold yet fresh flavours, they bring a refreshing Mediterranean touch to everyday cooking.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!