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Cozy Steak Bowl with Lemony Kale

cozy steak bowl - featured image

A warm, comforting steak bowl featuring juicy seared steak, bright lemony kale, and hearty grains, perfect for cold nights and quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces flank or sirloin steak, trimmed and sliced thin
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups kale, stems removed and chopped finely
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
  • Optional toppings:
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
  • Red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Warm cooked rice or quinoa gently in microwave or on stove. If cooking fresh, follow package instructions. Set aside and keep warm.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped kale, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Massage kale with hands for 2-3 minutes until softened and darkened.
  4. Heat skillet over medium-high heat until very hot (3-4 minutes). Add olive oil and swirl to coat. Place steak in pan and cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until deep brown crust forms. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare. Use tongs to sear edges briefly.
  5. Transfer steak to cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.
  6. Divide warm rice or quinoa between two bowls. Top with lemony kale and arrange sliced steak over greens. Sprinkle feta cheese and parsley or green onions if using. Add red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Let steak come to room temperature before cooking for even doneness. Massage kale well to soften and reduce bitterness. Rest steak after cooking to keep it juicy. Cook steak in batches if skillet is small to avoid steaming. Adjust steak cooking time for preferred doneness. Store steak separate from kale and grains for best leftover texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: steak bowl, lemony kale, quick dinner, comfort food, healthy steak recipe, easy weeknight meal, gluten-free, dairy-free option