Name: Grilled Steak Bowl with Creamy Sauce & Grilled Zucchini
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak; 2 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise; 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or chives

Craving a protein-packed, flavor-drenched meal that still feels balanced and vibrant? The Grilled Steak Bowl with Creamy Sauce & Grilled Zucchini might just become your next go-to dinner. It combines smoky, charred steak, silky herbed cream sauce, grilled zucchini slices, and a hearty rice base for the ultimate one-bowl wonder.

Whether you’re serving this up for a weekday dinner or showcasing it at a casual dinner party, it hits all the right notes. Rich, savory, and fresh, this bowl is a satisfying way to get your greens and your grill fix at the same time.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating a dish like this Grilled Steak Bowl means getting a few things in place for maximum flavor and efficiency.

Cast Iron Skillet or Grill Pan: This is non-negotiable for that perfect sear on your steak. It helps lock in juices and build those gorgeous char marks that add smoky depth.
Tongs: Essential for flipping your steak and zucchini without piercing the meat, keeping juices intact.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: Makes slicing the steak clean and even, which is especially important for presentation and mouthfeel.
Mixing Bowl: For whipping together that dreamy creamy sauce—you want something with space to really blend in your herbs and seasonings.
Rice Cooker or Saucepan with Lid: For a fluffy, even rice base that soaks up the creamy sauce and steak juices.

When these tools are prepped and ready, the rest of the recipe flows like clockwork. Efficient tools make a flavor-forward bowl like this not just delicious but achievable any night of the week.

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

Each ingredient plays a starring role in this steak bowl—nothing is filler. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Steak (Ribeye or Sirloin): The hero of the bowl, offering deep, beefy flavor and juicy tenderness when grilled.
Zucchini: Lightly charred, it adds smoky, vegetal contrast and vibrant green color.
Cooked Rice (Jasmine or Basmati): The sturdy base that absorbs sauce and steak juices beautifully.
Olive Oil: Helps develop a golden crust on steak and vegetables while keeping everything juicy.
Salt & Cracked Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and amplifying natural flavors.
Garlic Powder & Paprika: A simple but bold rub for your steak before it hits the pan.
Heavy Cream: Forms the rich, velvety body of the creamy sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds saltiness and depth to the sauce.
Fresh Parsley or Chives: Brings a bright herbal note that cuts through the richness.
Butter: Gives the sauce a glossy finish and brings out the umami in both steak and cream.

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

Step 1: Season and Rest the Steak

Pat your steak dry, then rub it generously with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to absorb the flavors and grill evenly.

Step 2: Grill the Steak

Preheat your cast iron skillet or grill pan until smoking hot. Add the steak and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Adjust time for your desired doneness. Rest the steak under foil for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Step 3: Grill the Zucchini

Slice zucchini lengthwise and brush with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill in the same skillet until charred and tender, about 2 minutes per side.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add parmesan, garlic powder, and chopped herbs. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

Scoop rice into your serving bowl. Fan out sliced steak on one side, grilled zucchini on the other. Pour the creamy herb sauce generously over the steak and center. Serve warm.

How to Serve and Store Your Grilled Steak Bowl with Creamy Sauce & Grilled Zucchini

This bowl is best served fresh and warm, right after the creamy sauce is ladled over the tender steak slices. For a restaurant-style presentation, layer rice first, then lean the steak slices and zucchini against the bowl’s edge, finishing with a generous drizzle of the herb-flecked sauce.

If you’re meal prepping, keep the sauce separate until just before serving to prevent the rice from getting soggy. Store components in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the steak gently to avoid overcooking—a quick pan-sear or microwave at 50% power works well. The sauce can be warmed in a saucepan with a splash of cream to revive its texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the steak is cooked just right?

Use a meat thermometer. Medium-rare is around 130°F, medium is 140°F. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.

Can I substitute another protein?

Absolutely. Grilled chicken or even seared tofu makes a great alternative if you’re skipping red meat.

What rice works best for this bowl?

Jasmine and basmati are ideal because they hold structure well and soak up sauces nicely. Brown rice or cauliflower rice are good swaps for a healthier twist.

Is the sauce spicy?

Not at all! It’s herbaceous and creamy. But you can definitely add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne if you want some heat.

Can I grill everything outdoors?

Yes, grilling the steak and zucchini on an outdoor grill adds extra smokiness. Just keep the sauce indoors for control.

How do I store leftover sauce?

Store it in a small jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to loosen it back up.

Want More Steak Bowl Ideas?

If this Grilled Steak Bowl with Creamy Sauce & Grilled Zucchini has you hooked on hearty one-bowl meals, here are a few more you’ll want to try next:

Try the Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells for a cozy pasta-forward version that doesn’t skip on indulgence.

For a spicy and cheesy twist, the One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta delivers intense flavor in every bite.

Need something faster but equally rich? The Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is weeknight-friendly without sacrificing creaminess.

Or go bold with the Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta if you like your steak meals with a serious kick.

Looking to swap the rice base? The Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta can inspire a spicy steak version with noodles instead.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your steak or dinner boards for quick inspiration later. Just hit the Pin button.

And if you make it, I’d love to hear your take. Did you go for sirloin or ribeye? Add mushrooms? Let me know how yours turned out in the comments. You can also find more of my bowl recipes and dinner ideas over on my Pinterest: LadyPlate.

Grilled Steak Bowl with Creamy Sauce & Grilled Zucchini

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2–3 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty, flavor-packed grilled steak bowl with a rich, herbaceous cream sauce, tender zucchini, and a fluffy rice base. Perfect for an indulgent weeknight dinner or a meal-prep powerhouse.

Instructions

1. Pat the steak dry and rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.

2. Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan until very hot. Sear the steak for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let it rest under foil for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

3. Brush sliced zucchini with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until charred and tender (about 2 minutes per side).

4. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in parmesan, garlic powder, and herbs. Whisk until thickened. Season to taste.

5. In a bowl, add a scoop of rice. Layer sliced steak and zucchini on top. Drizzle with creamy sauce. Serve warm.