Steak Bowl Recipe perfection! Juicy seared steak over tender quinoa with fresh tomatoes, bright pickled onions, crispy garlic breadcrumbs, and a drizzle of hot honey sauce.
Author’s Notes
The Sweetgreen Copycat I Can’t Stop Making (Plus My Fave Short-Cut)
I know I’ve shared my Sweetgreen obsession before. I really love bowl-style meals, and Sweetgreen does such a great job with fresh add-ins and really good sauces.
I’ve shared a few copycat bowls already, and they’ve been a big hit both here and on social media. These hot honey chicken bowls and BBQ chicken bowls are always at the top.
And while I do love Sweetgreen, I like this steak bowl recipe even better when it’s from-scratch. I can cook the meat fresh and exactly how I like it. (I’m forever a medium-rare steak girl!)
This steak bowl has been in my lunch rotation for weeks. I’ve made it so many times that I’ve built in a few straightforward shortcuts. If you’re near Costco, their sous vide steak is a reliable one. (Confession: I even love it cold!)
With that in the fridge and the rest prepped ahead, like the quinoa, sauce, and pickled onions, this bowl comes together in minutes. This steak bowl recipe is filling, packed with flavor, and genuinely makes me excited for lunch from the second I wake up!
Ingredients In My Steak Bowl Recipe
| Ingredient Group | Tips & Swaps |
|---|---|
| Steak | Flat iron and flank both work great. Slice thin and always cut against the grain for tender bites. Pre-cooked sous vide steak is a great shortcut here! |
| Grain Base | Quinoa adds texture, but rice works just as well. Feel free to make it ahead and reheat before assembling bowls. |
| Hot Honey Sauce | Start light on the red pepper flakes and add more to taste. You can also switch up this steak bowl recipe with a cilantro-lime sauce. |
| Fresh Toppings | Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and crunch. Use romaine or green leaf for the best crunchy base texture. |
| Crunch & Finish | Skip from-scratch breadcrumbs and crush garlic croutons instead. It’s straightforward and so good. Add them right before serving to keep them crisp. |
How To Know When Steak Is Just Right for This Steak Bowl Recipe
Use A Meat Thermometer!
The most accurate way to tell when steak is done is with a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, pull the steak at 130 to 135°F. For medium, pull it at 145°F. (Cuts like flank and flat iron are best cooked medium rare.)
If you don’t have a thermometer, use the touch test. Press the center of the steak. It should feel soft and springy for medium rare and slightly firmer for medium. Let the steak rest for about 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
How To Cook Steak evenly
The best part of this steak bowl recipe is the steak. Let’s nail it every time!
- Hot grill: Start with a fully preheated grill so the steak sears instead of sticking.
- Dry surface: Pat the steak dry before seasoning to get better browning.
- Hands off: Let the steak cook undisturbed for the best crust.
- Rest time: Rest the steak for about 10 minutes before slicing so juices settle.
- Against the grain: Slice thinly against the grain for the most tender bites.
Storage
Steak Bowl Recipe Storage
Steak is best fresh and does not store well once cooked, so cook it just before serving when possible. Store quinoa or rice, sauce, and pickled onions in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble just before eating.
More Steak Recipes To Love:
Dinner
straightforward Asian Steak Bites
Dinner
Steak Gyros
Dinner
Steak Kebabs with a Basil Sauce
Beef
Steak Fajita Recipe
