Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini

If you’ve been craving a dinner that feels restaurant-fancy but still fits into real-life chaos (you know… emails, carpools, and that mysterious pile of laundry that reproduces), Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini is about to be your new best friend. It’s smoky, juicy, creamy, and satisfying in that “wow, I really did that” kind of way—without requiring a culinary degree or a sink full of dishes.

This is the kind of bowl that works on a busy weeknight, but also totally holds its own if you’re feeding someone you want to impress. And the best part? Everything is simple: a good steak, charred zucchini, and a creamy herb sauce that tastes like it came from a place with cloth napkins.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini

Let me count the ways (because we love a list, especially when we’re tired):

  • Fast but feels fancy: Steak bowls give “I have my life together” energy, even if you absolutely do not.
  • Customizable for picky eaters: Keep the sauce on the side, swap the base, or add extra veggies—everyone wins.
  • Big flavor, minimal fuss: A few pantry seasonings + a tangy sauce = magic.
  • Meal-prep friendly: This reheats surprisingly well, and leftovers make a chef’s kiss lunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’re basically building four easy parts: steak, zucchini, sauce, and the base.

For the Steak

  • Flank, ribeye, or New York strip – Pick your favorite.
    • Budget option: sirloin works great too.

For the Zucchini

  • Zucchini – Grilled zucchini gets smoky and a tiny bit sweet (in the best way).
    • Variations: bell peppers or asparagus are also delicious on the grill.

For the Sauce

  • Olive oil – Helps with grilling and browning.
  • Garlic powder – Savory depth you’ll notice right away.
  • Onion powder – Don’t skip it if you can help it.
  • Dijon mustard – Adds tang; you can omit for a milder sauce.
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt – Creamy base with a little zip.
    • Dairy-free option: plant-based yogurt works.
  • Fresh herbs (chives or parsley) – Bright and fresh.

For the Base

  • Cooked rice or mashed potatoes – The cozy foundation.
    • Ideas: jasmine rice for fragrance, cauliflower mash for low-carb.

Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.

How to Make Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini

Step 1: Prep the Steak

Pat the steak dry with paper towels (this helps you get that gorgeous browning). Season generously on all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes while you get everything else ready.

Real-life note: This is the perfect time to clean exactly one thing and then get distracted. You’re doing great.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Herb Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

  • sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Dijon mustard
  • chopped herbs
  • garlic powder
  • salt and pepper

Stir until smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes so the flavors can mingle like besties at brunch.

Step 3: Grill the Zucchini

Slice zucchini into even pieces (sticks or long slices both work). Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until tender with char marks.

Set aside and keep warm—try not to snack on all of it while you cook the steak. (No judgment if you do.)

Step 4: Cook the Steak

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the steak 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, aiming for 130°F internal temp.

Move steak to a cutting board and let it rest 5–10 minutes before slicing. Resting is not optional if you want juicy steak. Think of it like letting the steak “settle down” before you bother it again.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

In each bowl, add your base (rice or mashed potatoes). Layer on the grilled zucchini. Slice steak against the grain into thin strips and place it on top. Drizzle with the creamy herb sauce.

Now step back and admire your work. This bowl looks like you paid $18 for it.

Aneta’s Little Story From My Kitchen

When I first started making bowls like this, it was honestly because I needed a “one meal solves everything” dinner—something my family would eat without negotiations and something that didn’t leave me cooking separate meals like a short-order chef.

This Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini became a repeat the first time I served it with mashed potatoes. Everyone suddenly got very quiet at the table, and in my house, silence usually means either trouble… or a delicious meal. That night, it was delicious meal. I took the win and never looked back.

Tips for the Best Steak Bowls

  • Dry steak = better crust. Patting it dry is the difference between “seared” and “kinda steamed.”
  • Use a thermometer if you can. It removes the guesswork (and prevents sad overcooked steak).
  • Slice against the grain. This makes the steak tender instead of chewy.
  • Don’t worry if the sauce looks slightly thick at first. Just whisk it well—no one’s grading you.
  • Want extra heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or finish with a little hot sauce.

Easy Variations (Because Dinner Should Flex With Your Life)

  • Swap the veggie: Try grilled bell peppers, asparagus, or even mushrooms.
  • Switch the base: Cauliflower mash, quinoa, or even salad greens if you want it lighter.
  • Make it extra filling: Add black beans or corn for a hearty, Tex-Mex vibe.
  • Change the herbs: Dill, cilantro, or basil can totally change the mood of the sauce.
Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini served over fluffy rice with charred zucchini slices, juicy grilled steak, and creamy herb sauce on top.
Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini loaded with tender steak, grilled zucchini, and a creamy herb drizzle—simple, satisfying, and so flavorful.

FAQs About Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes! Flank, ribeye, and New York strip are great. Sirloin is a solid budget-friendly substitute. Just watch cook time—thicker cuts may need a little longer.

Can I make the Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook everything, store separately, and assemble when ready. Keep sauce in its own container so it stays fresh and creamy.

How do I store leftovers?

Store steak, zucchini, and rice/mashed potatoes in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Sauce is best within 3 days.

Can I make the sauce dairy-free?

Yes—swap sour cream/Greek yogurt for plant-based yogurt. Taste and adjust salt, since some dairy-free versions vary a lot.

The Bowl You’ll Crave Again Tomorrow

There’s something wildly satisfying about a meal that checks every box: comforting, flavorful, easy, and actually fun to eat. This Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini is that kind of dinner—the kind you make once and then start planning when you can make it again (preferably before anyone else claims the leftovers).

If you try it, I hope it brings a little “I’ve got this” energy to your kitchen—because even on the busiest days, you deserve a meal that feels like a win.

Keep the Bowl Love Going

If you made this Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini, I’d love to hear how it went—please leave a quick review and tap your star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ so other hungry readers know it’s worth firing up the grill!

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Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini topped with creamy herb sauce over rice, featuring juicy sliced steak and charred zucchini coins.

Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini is a hearty, feel-good meal made with juicy grilled steak, smoky zucchini, fluffy rice, and a creamy herb sauce. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough to feel special—perfect when you want real food without the fuss.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Steak

  • 1 lb flank steak, ribeye, or New York strip

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Zucchini

  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Herb Sauce

  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, chopped

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Base

  • 2 cups cooked rice or mashed potatoes


Instructions

  1. Pat the steak dry and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.

  2. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream (or yogurt), Dijon mustard, herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to use.

  3. Toss zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until tender and lightly charred.

  4. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Cook steak for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (130°F internal temp).

  5. Let steak rest 5–10 minutes, then slice against the grain.

  6. Assemble bowls with rice or mashed potatoes, grilled zucchini, sliced steak, and drizzle generously with creamy herb sauce.

Notes

Sirloin is a great budget-friendly steak option.

Swap rice for cauliflower mash to make it low-carb.

Letting the steak rest keeps it juicy—don’t skip this step!

The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

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