why make this recipe
Mediterranean Steak Bowls are a tasty and easy way to enjoy a healthy meal. This recipe combines juicy steak with fresh veggies and fluffy couscous, giving you a burst of flavors and nutrients in every bite. It’s a great dish for weeknight dinners or meal prep for lunch. Plus, it’s colorful and can be easily customized to your taste!
how to make Mediterranean Steak Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/4 cup water or broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 cup couscous, dry
- 1 cup hummus
- 1 head romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1/2 English cucumber, halved and sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, roughly chopped, to serve
Directions
Start by marinating the steak. In a large bowl, add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined. Add the flank steak to the bowl, toss to coat in the marinade, and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes on the counter or cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours.
When you are ready to cook the steak, prepare the couscous. In a small pot, add water and salt, bring it to a boil, then add the couscous and olive oil. Stir to combine, remove from heat, cover with a lid, and let it stand for 5 minutes. After that, remove the lid and fluff the couscous with a fork, then set it aside.
Preheat a grill, grill pan, or cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak and cook for 4-5 minutes on one side. Then flip it and cook for another 4-5 minutes for medium-rare, 6-7 minutes for medium, or 8-9 minutes for medium-well. A thermometer inserted should read 130–135°F for medium-rare, 140–145°F for medium, or 150–155°F for medium-well. Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain.
While the steak is resting, chop the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives (if using). Add these to a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Now, it’s time to assemble the bowls. Divide the ingredients evenly among four bowls. Start by spreading the hummus across the bottom of each bowl, then top with couscous, mixed vegetables, slices of steak, and finally sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and parsley. Any leftover steak and couscous can be kept in separate airtight containers for up to 4 days.
how to serve Mediterranean Steak Bowls
Serve your Mediterranean Steak Bowls as a complete meal. These bowls are filling and nutritious, making them perfect for lunch or dinner. You can also serve them with extra lemon wedges on the side for those who like a bit more zing!
how to store Mediterranean Steak Bowls
To store the Mediterranean Steak Bowls, keep the components separate. Place the leftover steak and couscous in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The veggies can be stored in another container. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess. Consume within 4 days for the best taste.
tips to make Mediterranean Steak Bowls
- Marinate the steak for longer for added flavor. Overnight is ideal!
- Customize your veggies based on what you have or prefer. Bell peppers and avocado are delicious additions.
- If you want a heartier meal, consider adding chickpeas or lentils to the couscous.
variation
You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the steak with grilled eggplant or portobello mushrooms. Quinoa can be used as a gluten-free alternative to couscous.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken or pork if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. What if I don’t like couscous?
Feel free to substitute with rice, quinoa, or even a simple salad base.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The steak and couscous can be cooked in advance, and you can assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat for the freshest taste.