The smell of sizzling steak on the grill, paired with the earthy aroma of fresh zucchini, is enough to make anyone stop in their tracks. The first time I made this grilled steak bowl, I was instantly transported to summer evenings filled with laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the smoky perfection of charred meat and veggies. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together in the most mouthwatering way.
Honestly, this is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes. It’s hearty yet light, vibrant yet comforting. My family could barely wait for me to finish plating before diving in—yes, it’s that good. It’s also ridiculously easy to make, which means it’s become a staple for busy weeknights and weekend cookouts alike. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this steak bowl delivers pure joy in every bite.
If you’ve been searching for a recipe that’s equal parts delicious and healthy, this one’s for you. With perfectly grilled steak, tender zucchini, and a medley of fresh toppings, this bowl is anything but boring. Trust me, you’re going to want to bookmark this one—it’s a keeper!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for even the busiest evenings.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items here—everything you need is likely in your kitchen or easy to grab at your local grocery store.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a summer BBQ, or even meal prep for the week, this recipe fits the bill.
- Healthy and Balanced: Packed with protein and veggies, this dish is wholesome and satisfying without being heavy.
- Crowd-Pleaser: From picky eaters to foodies, everyone loves the combo of juicy steak and smoky zucchini.
What really sets this recipe apart is the perfect char on the steak and the way the zucchini’s natural sweetness shines through when grilled. Plus, the bowl is endlessly customizable, so you can make it your own with different toppings and sauces. It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience, one that brings people together and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
What Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Steak:
- 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or ribeye steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- For the Zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa (use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Your choice of dressing (balsamic vinaigrette or chimichurri work beautifully)
You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences. For example, use chicken instead of steak, or throw in some roasted sweet potatoes if you’re feeling adventurous.
Equipment Needed
- Grill or grill pan (a cast-iron skillet works too)
- Tongs for flipping the steak and zucchini
- Sharp knife for slicing steak and zucchini
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls for seasoning
If you don’t have a grill, no worries! You can use a stovetop grill pan or even roast the zucchini and steak in the oven. Just be sure to keep an eye on everything to avoid overcooking.
Preparation Method

- Prepare the steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Season the zucchini: In a bowl, toss the zucchini rounds with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Make sure they’re evenly coated.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a grill, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the steak: Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust cooking time based on your preferred doneness). Use a meat thermometer if needed; 135°F (57°C) is ideal for medium-rare.
- Grill the zucchini: While the steak rests, place the zucchini rounds on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re tender and have beautiful grill marks.
- Slice the steak: Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice it against the grain into thin strips.
- Assemble the bowls: Start with a base of rice or quinoa. Arrange the sliced steak, grilled zucchini, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and feta on top. Drizzle with your chosen dressing and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
And there you have it—your perfect grilled steak bowl with zucchini! It’s simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
Grilling steak can feel intimidating, but these tips will ensure you nail it every time:
- Don’t skip the resting time: Letting your steak rest after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, so you get a tender, juicy bite every time.
- Preheat your grill: A hot grill ensures you get that perfect sear and smoky flavor.
- Be patient: Avoid flipping the steak too often. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to develop a nice crust.
- Cut against the grain: This ensures your steak is tender and easy to chew.
- Don’t overcook the zucchini: You want them to be tender but still have a bit of bite. Overcooking can make them mushy.
Variations & Adaptations
Here are a few ways to make this recipe your own:
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the rice or quinoa for cauliflower rice or mixed greens to make this bowl keto-friendly.
- Seasonal Twist: Add grilled asparagus or roasted sweet potatoes for a fall-inspired version.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha over the bowl for some heat.
- Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option.
I’ve even tried adding a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean vibe—it was absolutely delicious!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve your grilled steak bowl warm, straight off the grill, for the best flavor experience. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a refreshing green salad. A glass of red wine or iced tea also complements the dish perfectly.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the steak and zucchini in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. If using rice, add a splash of water before reheating to prevent it from drying out.
Pro tip: The flavors deepen as the dish sits, so it’s even tastier the next day!
Nutritional Information & Benefits
This grilled steak bowl is a great source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Protein: High in protein from the steak and quinoa
- Healthy fats: Avocado provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Low-carb option: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice to reduce carbs.
- Vitamins: Zucchini and tomatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, plus antioxidants.
This dish is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to double-check any sauces or toppings you use for hidden sources of gluten.
Conclusion
This Perfect Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini is so much more than a recipe—it’s a meal that brings people together. From the smoky, juicy steak to the tender zucchini and fresh toppings, every bite is a burst of flavor and satisfaction. It’s a dish that’s as easy as it is impressive, and the best part? You can make it your own with endless variations.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! Ribeye, sirloin, or even skirt steak work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the steak.
What can I use instead of zucchini?
You can substitute zucchini with other veggies like bell peppers, eggplant, or asparagus. They all grill beautifully and add great flavor to the bowl.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the steak and zucchini a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Assemble the bowls right before serving for the freshest taste.
How do I know when the steak is cooked to medium-rare?
Use a meat thermometer! Medium-rare steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).
What dressing goes best with this bowl?
While balsamic vinaigrette and chimichurri are fantastic choices, you can experiment with ranch, tahini dressing, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for a lighter option.
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Perfect Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini
A hearty yet light grilled steak bowl featuring smoky zucchini, fresh toppings, and customizable options for a healthy and delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or ribeye steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Your choice of dressing (balsamic vinaigrette or chimichurri)
Instructions
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- In a bowl, toss the zucchini rounds with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Make sure they’re evenly coated.
- Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a grill, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer if needed; 135°F (57°C) is ideal for medium-rare.
- While the steak rests, place the zucchini rounds on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re tender and have beautiful grill marks.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice it against the grain into thin strips.
- Start with a base of rice or quinoa. Arrange the sliced steak, grilled zucchini, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and feta on top. Drizzle with your chosen dressing and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Notes
Let the steak rest after grilling to ensure juicy bites. Avoid overcooking the zucchini to maintain its texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 30
Keywords: grilled steak bowl, zucchini recipe, healthy dinner, summer BBQ, protein-packed meal


