Smoky Grilled Steak Bowl with Zucchini & Creamy Sauce (Print Version)

Enjoy a smoky grilled steak bowl with tender zucchini and a dreamy, creamy sauce. A weeknight win, easy to make, full of flavor!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: High Protein

# Ingredients:

→ For the Steak & Zucchini

01 - 1.5 lbs flank steak
02 - 2-3 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)

→ Seasonings & Marinade

04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ For the Creamy Sauce

08 - 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
09 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
10 - 1 tsp olive oil
11 - Pinch of salt and pepper

→ Finishing Touches

12 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that steak ready! Pat your flank steak really, really dry with paper towels. This helps with that beautiful sear we're aiming for. Then, slice your zucchini into half-inch thick rounds. I usually try to keep them consistent so they cook evenly – nothing worse than some mushy, some crunchy zucchini, honestly. Toss the zucchini with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside for a minute while you deal with the steak.
02 - Now for the flavor! In a small bowl, whisk together a tablespoon of olive oil, the garlic powder, smoked paprika, a good pinch of salt, and some black pepper. Rub this mixture all over both sides of your flank steak. Get in there with your hands! This is where the magic starts to happen. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or if you're feeling fancy (and have time), pop it in the fridge for an hour or two. I once tried to rush this step, and the steak just didn't have the same depth of flavor, a rookie mistake!
03 - Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until it's nice and hot – you want to hear that sizzle! Lightly oil the grates or pan. Lay your zucchini slices down in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan, hon, or they'll steam instead of char. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, until you see those gorgeous grill marks and the zucchini is tender-crisp. They should smell sweet and smoky. Transfer them to a plate when done.
04 - Now for the main event! Place your marinated flank steak on the hot grill. For medium-rare (my personal favorite), grill for about 4-5 minutes per side. If you like it more done, add a minute or two. Don't poke it too much; let that crust develop! I used to flip my steak constantly, thinking it would cook faster, but it just made it uneven and sad. Patience is key here, honestly. Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This is CRITICAL for juicy steak!
05 - While the steak is resting, let's make that dreamy sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a tiny splash of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk it all together until it's smooth and creamy. Taste it! Does it need more lemon? More salt? This is your sauce, make it how you like it. Sometimes I add a tiny bit of fresh garlic, too, if I'm feeling extra. So easy, right?
06 - Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips – this makes it super tender, trust me. Grab your favorite bowls. Divide the grilled zucchini and sliced steak between them. Drizzle generously with that creamy yogurt sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives. What you should see is a vibrant, smoky, and inviting grilled steak bowl. The smell alone is enough to make your stomach rumble. Dig in!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd your grill pan; patience makes all the difference for that perfect sear, trust me.
02 - The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it before serving.
03 - No steak? Chicken thighs work wonderfully here, just adjust grilling time.
04 - A sprinkle of fresh dill over the top really brightens everything up, I've found!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Grill or grill pan
02 - mixing bowls
03 - whisk
04 - cutting board
05 - sharp knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 10g
Protein: 45g