Simple Whole Grain Steak Bowl

This simple whole grain Steak Bowl is the perfect addition to your weeknight menu! It's low-prep and full of delicious ingredients. This quick and easy dish can be tailored to the entire family, which is a huge bonus when serving many preferences.

One of the best things about these delicious steak bowls is that each bite is an adventure. You can get a little of everything or mix certain combinations of toppings and sauces to get exactly what you want.

What is a grain bowl?

There are three main components to any grain bowl recipe- A grain, a protein, and a veggie. It's like a hearty salad, but you use grains instead of lettuce as a base. Then, you can dress the bowl up with the sauce and garnishes of your choice.

Grain

I used Emmer for this bowl, but you could use any whole grain. Quinoa, Spelt, Millet, Oat Groats, I mean, there are so many options! You can use one or a blend.

Cooking them in the pressure cooker is much easier than on the cooktop. I recently purchased this InstaPot and am loving it. You add the water or stock, grain, and a touch of salt. Then, pop on the lid and walk away! It couldn't be easier! Check out my post How to Cook Whole Grains to learn how to cook grains in the Instant Pot.

Protein

Protein is going to make your grain bowl even more filling. You can get creative here too. Chicken, steak, and pork are all excellent options; you could even use leftover shredded roast beef! The flavor profile options are endless. You can make a vegetarian grain bowl or a lentil Buddha bowl if you don't eat meat. Tofu, chickpeas/hummus, and lentils are all good options as well.

Vegetables

You can choose any veggie you want! I had cucumbers, cabbage, bell peppers, and edamame. Choose vegetables that are in season for the best flavor. For example, you may find that in the summer, you enjoy bright, crunchy vegetables like tomatoes, broccoli, and greens, but in the winter, you enjoy roasted root vegetables. Feel free to switch things up to find your favorite flavor combos.

Garnishes and sauce

This recipe uses a balsamic poppy seed dressing, but there are so many sauces to choose from. Add your favorites or even a combination. For example, in a Greek-style bowl, tzatziki and hummus go great together. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs, a slice of lime, or toasted nuts for extra crunch.

Why you'll love it

Easy- This easy steak bowl is a weeknight meal win. Not only does it come together quickly from scratch, but you can also prepare the veggies and grains ahead of time. Then, when you're ready to eat, you can simply cook the steak and assemble the bowl.

Great for leftovers- This bowl is the perfect way to reduce food waste and give leftovers new life. If you’re a meal prepper and have lots of extra grains or protein, this recipe is a great way to bring all the flavors together for a delicious lunch or dinner. 

Ingredients

Emmer- Emmer is also known as Farro. It has a light nutty flavor that perfectly complements the fresh vegetables in this steak bowl. You can use emmer or whatever your favorite grain may be.

Filet Mignon Steaks- Filet Mignon is a delicious cut of steak but feel free to use ribeye steak, strip steak, or your preferred cut. If you have leftover steak, such as grilled flank steak, that will work too! Just be sure you slice on the bias for the most tender bite.

Salt and ground black pepper - These simple seasonings bring out the steak's natural flavors. Feel free to use a steak marinade or rub that complements the flavors of the bowl you have in mind. But trust me, salt and pepper alone are sufficient, and they really let the natural flavors shine. Spice House is my newest spice obsession so if you're a big fan of spices, definitely check them out! 

Granulated garlic- A little bit of garlic helps create a unity between the ingredients and adds a great base flavor.

Oil- You'll need a bit of oil for searing the steak. Look for an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, ghee, or refined coconut oil.

Vegetables - I chose an assortment of vegetables for this recipe, so feel free to use mine or choose your own. These can be a mix of fresh and roasted veggies of your choice. Pick vegetables with texture to add a crunch.

Poppyseed Dressing

Olive oil- This is the base of your dressing, so be sure to choose an oil with a flavor you enjoy. If you have a high-quality oil, you reserve for special dishes, this is a great opportunity to break it out. 

Balsamic vinegar- An acidic element that brightens the salad dressing. This richly flavored vinegar complements the flavors of the oil and gives your dressing complex sweet undertones. 

Honey- Honey adds a delicious flavor to your dressing and an enjoyable sweetness. Some dressings use sugar, but honey adds a more natural flavor. Of course, any honey will work great, but if you have access to raw or local honey, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how amazing it tastes compared to the generic store brands.

Poppy Seeds

 Dijon mustard- Dijon is made from brown or black mustard seeds rather than yellow mustard seeds. It gives the sauce a tangier, more refined flavor that is fantastic in dressings. It also helps the oil and vinegar to mix together.

How to Cook the Perfect Steak

It's helpful to start with a good quality steak. The filet mignon I used was from Bingham Beef. They are an awesome generational ranching family and ship nationwide. If it is a good steak, let it shine! Keep the seasoning at a minimum- salt, garlic, and ground black pepper, that's it! I have an in-depth post all about the perfect cast iron filet mignon here.

Let me also share a few tips for the perfect steak:

• Start room temperature- Allow it to sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes before cooking. Bringing your steak to room temperature allows it to cook more evenly.
• Season immediately before cooking-Salt draws moisture out of steak. If given enough time, this will be reabsorbed back into the meat, but this isn't ideal for quick cooking. If you're short on time, season immediately before cooking and get it right into the hot pan. It will seal in the flavor, stop the moisture from escaping, and give you a nice brown crust.
• Use a hot pan- Make sure your pan is good and hot before adding the steaks; preheating usually takes 4-5 minutes. I love to use my Lodge Cast Iron for searing the steaks. It's a heavy bottom pan that heats evenly and keeps the temperature well. Once you add food to your hot pan, the temperature drops quickly, so having a skillet that keeps the temperature well will ensure both sides of the steak have an even sear. Grilling steak hot and fast also allows you to get a browned crust and keep the center of the steak to your liking.
• Allow time to brown-The way to tell the steaks are ready to flip is shown below. You will want the bottom ⅛ inch to be brown and cooked. Flip the steak only once. Sear both sides. If you like it more well done, you can always cover the Cast Iron Griddle when cooking. This will trap the heat and cook it faster.
• Let them rest- Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing, ideally for at least 5 minutes. This allows the steak time to redistribute moisture and keep all the juice from seeping out as soon it's cut into.

How To Assemble A Grain Bowl

Once all the elements are cooked, you can assemble your delicious steak grain bowl. Feel free to get creative in this part or follow the traditional route.

Typically grains will go on the bottom. Then, add your veggies and protein. Mix these up or place them in sections for an aesthetically pleasing presentation. Finally, top your bowl with the dressing of your choice. You can add chopped herb garnishes or dipping sauces such as sour cream, hummus, or anything you'd like. I used balsamic poppy seed dressing, but Sriracha mayo is tasty too!

Customize this quick, easy dinner to make weeknights fun for the whole family. You can prepare each bowl or make it family-style by placing all the ingredients out, and letting everyone build their bowl!

Grain Bowl Flavor Ideas

• Greek Buddha Bowls is a family favorite. Feta cheese, red onions, cucumbers, and Tzatziki.
• Southwest Steak Bowls: Peppers and caramelized onions, corn, black beans, pico de Gallo, and your favorite salsa or cilantro sauce. The beef is cooked in a pressure cooker, making it a quick fix.
• Spicy Shrimp Buddha Bowl: Delicious smoky shrimp with fresh veggies and a creamy avocado dressing

• Beef
• Dinner
• Farro