We’re gonna do an easy one today, folks.
I love me some bowls. One of my favorite Gippity recipes is the Ultimate Bibimbap Bowl. Something about a long list of fresh ingredients piled together in a bowl makes me happy.
However, as satisfying as they are, they can sometimes be time-consuming since you have to chop and cook a bunch of stuff and assemble it all together.
Not today. I was craving a bowl, I had a big ol’ steak in the fridge, and a bunch of errands to run before dinner. So, I decided to ask Gippity for some inspiration.
The Prompt
Give me a fun grain bowl recipe that includes marinated steak. I only have a little time to cook today, so it must come together quickly.
Gippity Kitchen Says:
Alright, Stephen, you’re looking for a quick yet flavorful grain bowl with marinated steak.
First, we will keep that marinade simple but bold—soy sauce and balsamic vinegar for a savory, tangy base, olive oil for richness, and a hit of garlic and ginger to bring it all together. It’s all about big flavors without considerable effort.
Marinate the steak for a couple of hours if you can swing it, but honestly, even 30 minutes will give you a solid flavor boost. The steak cooks fast on a hot grill pan, so you’ll be slicing it into juicy, flavorful pieces in no time.
For the bowl itself, we’re going for vibrant and fresh. I’m thinking quinoa or brown rice as your base—both are hearty, and they’ll soak up that dressing like a dream. If you have some already cooked, even better! If not, you can find frozen quinoa or rice at the supermarket that you can heat up in minutes.
Then, we layer on the veggies: cherry tomatoes for a pop of sweetness, cucumber for crunch, and avocado because, well, avocado makes everything better. Toss in red bell pepper and mixed greens for extra color and nutrition.
To bring it all together, a zesty lemon-honey dressing with a hint of mustard will tie the flavors together and give the bowl a perfect tangy finish. This bowl will be a total time-saver without sacrificing any flavor. Get ready to dig in!
Wow, I think Gippity nailed it. I’ve used frozen quinoa before, and it’s a massive time-saver. I’m excited to see how this bowl comes together.
Marinated Steak Grain Bowl
A quick and flavorful grain bowl featuring marinated steak, fresh veggies, and a zesty lemon-honey dressing. Perfect for busy days, this vibrant dish comes together in no time, delivering a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup quinoa or brown rice, cooked
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or kale)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Place the steak in the marinade, ensuring it’s well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade and let it come to room temperature. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 5-7 minutes per side or to your desired doneness. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa or brown rice among four bowls. Arrange the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado slices, red bell pepper, and mixed greens around the grains. Add the sliced steak on top.
- Final Touches: Drizzle the dressing over each bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Give everything a gentle toss before serving to ensure the flavors meld beautifully.
This Marinated Steak Grain Bowl harmoniously blends savory, tangy, and sweet elements, perfect for a fulfilling meal that’s both nutritious and indulgent. Enjoy the burst of flavors and textures, Stephen!
The Verdict
The Marinated Steak Grain Bowl was a home run!
The steak was tender and full of flavor. This comes down to that quick marinade and selecting a premium cut of meat. You want to use something other than a cheap or tough cut.
The combination of fresh veggies and quinoa made each bite feel balanced and satisfying. The quinoa I used had a little bit of kale in it, which worked so well with the overall dish.
The lemon-honey dressing brought it all together with a perfect tangy-sweet kick. It was quick to assemble yet tasted like it took much longer.
This is definitely going into the regular rotation!
