Pin It If you're looking for a high-protein, flavor-packed dinner idea that feels both nourishing and indulgent, this Grilled Steak Bowl with Creamy Sauce & Grilled Zucchini will blow you away. Juicy, tender steak slices rest over a bed of fluffy quinoa, paired with smoky grilled zucchini and finished off with a velvety, tangy garlic cream sauce. It's the kind of easy dinner recipe that makes weeknights feel special and doubles as a crowd-pleasing weekend meal. Whether you're hunting for quick dinner ideas, meal prep recipes, or a healthy yet satisfying bowl, this dish checks all the boxes. Expect bold flavors, gorgeous textures, and a dish you'll crave on repeat.
The first time I made this steak bowl, my husband went back for seconds and asked for the recipe to be added to our regular dinner rotation. The creamy sauce is seriously addictive and the grilled zucchini brings out summery vibes any time of year.
Ingredients
- Sirloin or ribeye steak: 1 lb
- Zucchinis: 2 medium, sliced
- Quinoa (or rice/farro): 1 cup uncooked
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup
- Dijon mustard: 1 tbsp
- Chopped parsley or chives: 1 tbsp
- Optional lemon juice: splash for sauce
Instructions
- Prep the steak:
- Bring steak to room temperature. Pat dry and rub with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat the grill:
- Preheat grill or grill pan over high heat.
- Prepare zucchini:
- Toss zucchini slices with 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Grill zucchini:
- Grill zucchini for 2–3 minutes per side until tender and charred. Set aside.
- Grill steak:
- Grill steak 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness. Let rest 5–10 minutes.
- Cook quinoa:
- Cook quinoa (or chosen grain) according to package instructions.
- Make the sauce:
- In a bowl, mix sour cream or yogurt with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and chopped herbs. Add lemon juice if desired.
- Slice steak:
- Slice steak against the grain.
- Assemble bowls:
- Layer grains, top with zucchini and steak, and drizzle with creamy sauce.
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We gathered around the table and built our custom steak bowls together, testing different sauce amounts and always competing for the crispiest zucchini slice. It turns dinner into a fun night for everyone.
Substitutions & Variations
Swap quinoa for rice or farro if you prefer, and feel free to use chicken breast instead of steak for a lighter version. Try fresh basil in the sauce for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This bowl pairs perfectly with a side of mixed greens or grilled corn. For extra crunch, add toasted pumpkin seeds on top just before serving.
Storage & Meal Prep
Leftovers keep well in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep sauce separate for best texture when reheating.
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Try this recipe soon for a dinner that's satisfying and memorable, with quick cleanup too.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cut of steak works best?
Sirloin or ribeye both deliver juicy, tender results and grill well for this bowl.
- → Can I use a different grain?
Yes, substitute quinoa with rice or farro for a different base texture and flavor.
- → How long should I grill zucchini?
Grill zucchini slices 2–3 minutes per side until charred with tender centers.
- → What makes the sauce creamy?
Sour cream or Greek yogurt blended with Dijon and herbs gives it a rich, tangy flavor.
- → Do I need to let the steak rest?
Resting steak 5–10 minutes keeps juices inside for extra tenderness and flavor.
- → Can I prep components ahead?
Many elements, such as cooking grains and preparing the sauce, can be made ahead for convenience.