Name: Grilled Steak Bowl with Creamy Sauce & Grilled Zucchini
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound steak (flank, ribeye, or sirloin); 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thick rounds; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (chives or parsley), chopped; 2 cups cooked rice or mashed potatoes

There’s something deeply satisfying about a perfectly grilled steak paired with charred zucchini and a creamy herb-forward sauce that ties everything together. This Grilled Steak Bowl with Creamy Sauce & Grilled Zucchini is hearty, balanced, and exploding with flavor. The steak is seared to perfection with a tender pink center, the zucchini is caramelized and smoky, and the creamy sauce adds just the right touch of indulgence to every bite.

This dish is a beautiful blend of textures and tastes that works for both a quick weeknight dinner and an elevated meal to impress guests. It also happens to be incredibly flexible—switch up the vegetables, swap in chicken or tofu, or serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even cauliflower mash. Think of it as a steakhouse favorite, but in a cozy bowl.

What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

The best steak for this bowl is one that grills well and stays tender. Flank steak, ribeye, or New York strip are all excellent choices. They cook quickly and slice beautifully against the grain. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, sirloin works well, too. Just be sure not to overcook it—medium rare keeps it juicy and flavorful.

Ingredients for the Grilled Steak Bowl with Creamy Sauce & Grilled Zucchini

Steak – The star of the show. Choose a tender cut and season it generously to build a flavorful crust during grilling.

Zucchini – Grilled until golden and slightly charred, this veggie brings a smoky sweetness that balances the rich steak.

Olive Oil – Used for grilling the zucchini and brushing the steak to prevent sticking and enhance browning.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – These pantry staples boost savory depth in both the steak rub and veggie seasoning.

Salt & Pepper – Essential for highlighting all the ingredients.

Fresh Herbs (like chives or parsley) – Folded into the creamy sauce for brightness and a pop of green.

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – Forms the base of the creamy sauce, adding tang and richness.

Dijon Mustard – Adds a subtle tangy kick to the sauce.

Cooked Rice or Mashed Potatoes – The foundation of the bowl. Choose your favorite base to catch all the sauce.

How To Make the Grilled Steak Bowl with Creamy Sauce & Grilled Zucchini

Step 1: Prep the Steak

Pat the steak dry with paper towels, then season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let it rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes while you prep the other ingredients. This helps ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Herb Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, chopped fresh herbs (like chives or parsley), a pinch of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Set the sauce in the fridge so the flavors can meld.

Step 3: Grill the Zucchini

Slice the zucchini into thick rounds. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill on a hot skillet or grill pan until tender and lightly charred, about 2–3 minutes per side. Set aside.

Step 4: Sear the Steak

Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and place the steak in the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side for medium rare, adjusting based on thickness. Once done, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

Step 5: Build the Bowl

Spoon a base of warm rice or mashed potatoes into each bowl. Add a layer of grilled zucchini, then top with sliced steak. Generously drizzle with the creamy herb sauce. Garnish with extra herbs if you’d like.

Best Ways to Serve and Store This Grilled Steak Bowl

This bowl is best served warm, right after the steak has rested and been sliced. The contrast between the juicy steak, creamy sauce, and smoky zucchini is at its peak when freshly prepared. Serve it over fluffy rice, garlicky mashed potatoes, or even a bed of quinoa for a healthy twist.

For meal prep, portion everything into airtight containers, keeping the sauce separate until ready to eat. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the steak and zucchini gently in a skillet or microwave, and add the sauce just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different vegetable besides zucchini?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, eggplant, or asparagus grill beautifully and can be swapped in easily.

What if I don’t have a grill pan?

No problem. A cast iron skillet or even a regular frying pan will still give you a nice sear and caramelization.

Can I make the creamy sauce ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the flavors improve after a few hours in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?

Try using a plant-based yogurt or sour cream alternative. You can also blend soaked cashews with lemon juice and herbs for a creamy vegan version.

What can I use instead of steak?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu work wonderfully with this bowl and creamy sauce combo.

How do I know when the steak is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer. For medium rare, aim for 130°F (54°C). Let it rest after cooking to lock in juices.

Want More Bowl Ideas with Big Flavor?

If you’re loving this Grilled Steak Bowl with Creamy Sauce & Grilled Zucchini, you’ll definitely want to try these flavor-packed dishes next:

Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo for a spicy pasta twist.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes for a hands-off comfort meal.
Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce if you’re looking for something lighter but equally rich.
Pan-Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce for a seafood option that still gives you creamy-sauce satisfaction.
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef when you’re craving cozy, beefy pasta.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And don’t forget to tag me or drop a comment with your spin on it. Did you go with mashed potatoes or jasmine rice? Maybe added a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mix? I’d love to hear how you made this bowl your own.

Follow along for more daily recipes on my Pinterest: Life with Jam.

Grilled Steak Bowl with Creamy Sauce & Grilled Zucchini

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 bowls

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful grilled steak bowl topped with smoky zucchini and a tangy, creamy herb sauce. This dish delivers steakhouse flavor in a cozy, customizable bowl — perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Instructions

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

2. In a bowl, whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, chopped herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate the sauce.

3. Toss zucchini slices in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill until tender and lightly charred, about 2–3 minutes per side. Set aside.

4. Heat a grill pan or skillet with a bit of oil. Cook steak for 3–4 minutes per side for medium rare. Rest 5–10 minutes, then slice against the grain.

5. Build the bowl: start with cooked rice or mashed potatoes, layer grilled zucchini, add steak slices, and drizzle with creamy herb sauce. Garnish with extra herbs.