The Grilled Steak Stack is a stunning, restaurant-worthy dish made by layering juicy grilled steak with fresh, vibrant vegetables like avocado and tomatoes. This colorful stack brings together smoky, tender meat and crisp, seasonal produce for a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is flavorful. Ideal for summer dinners, BBQs, or elegant plating at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elevated Presentation: This steak stack offers an artistic, plated look that impresses guests.
- Bold, Balanced Flavors: The smokiness of grilled steak pairs beautifully with creamy avocado and the sweet-acidic bite of grilled tomatoes.
- Nutritious and Fresh: With fresh vegetables and quality protein, it’s a wholesome choice for lunch or dinner.
- Customizable: You can stack with your favorite seasonal veggies or add cheese, sauces, or herbs for extra flair.
- Quick but Gourmet: A surprisingly easy dish to prepare that looks and tastes gourmet.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Cherry or heirloom tomatoes, halved or sliced
- Avocado, sliced
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro), chopped
- Optional: Balsamic glaze or chimichurri sauce for finishing
Directions
- Prepare the Steak: Season the steak generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil. Let it rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before grilling.
- Grill the Steak: Preheat the grill or a cast-iron skillet to high heat. Grill the steak for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust for your preferred doneness. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Grill the Tomatoes: While the steak rests, lightly brush the tomatoes with oil and grill them cut-side down for 1–2 minutes until charred and slightly softened.
- Slice the Avocado: Cut the avocado into uniform slices, ensuring they’re not too thin so they hold their shape in the stack.
- Assemble the Stack: On a serving plate, layer slices of grilled steak, followed by grilled tomatoes and avocado. Repeat the layers for height and visual appeal.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh herbs and an optional drizzle of balsamic glaze or chimichurri. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 2–3
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Resting and Assembly Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices.
- Add Cheese: Include slices of fresh mozzarella or crumbled feta for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
- Tropical Twist: Add grilled pineapple slices to balance the savory steak.
- Low-Carb Bowl: Serve deconstructed as a grain-free bowl with fresh greens.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover grilled steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the steak gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave briefly. Reassemble with fresh avocado and tomatoes just before serving to preserve freshness and texture. Avoid freezing this dish due to the delicate nature of avocados and tomatoes.
FAQs
What’s the best steak cut for this recipe?
Ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak works best for tenderness and flavor.
Can I use a grill pan indoors?
Yes, a cast-iron grill pan or skillet gives great char and flavor indoors.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Slice just before serving or lightly coat slices with lemon juice.
Can I prepare components ahead of time?
Yes, grill the steak and tomatoes ahead and slice fresh avocado when ready to serve.
What sauce pairs well with this?
Chimichurri, balsamic glaze, or a lemon herb vinaigrette are excellent choices.
Can I add grains like quinoa or rice?
Yes, you can serve this stack over a bed of warm grains for a more filling meal.
Is this a good meal prep option?
Yes, if you store ingredients separately and assemble fresh.
What vegetables can I substitute?
Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or roasted sweet potatoes make great additions.
How do I prevent the stack from falling apart?
Use sturdy layers and slice evenly. Serve with a steak knife and fork for easy eating.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as your sauces and seasonings are compliant.
Conclusion
The Grilled Steak Stack is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the best of grilled meat and fresh vegetables in an elegant, layered presentation. Whether served for a summer dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers impressive flavor with minimal fuss—and endless ways to customize it to your taste.
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Grilled Steak Stack
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The Grilled Steak Stack is an elegant yet easy-to-make dish that layers juicy grilled steak with fresh avocado, grilled tomatoes, and herbs for a vibrant, nutritious meal packed with bold flavors and visual appeal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup cherry or heirloom tomatoes, halved or sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), chopped
- Optional: Balsamic glaze or chimichurri sauce, for finishing
Instructions
- Season the steak with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let it rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat grill or skillet to high heat. Grill steak for 4–5 minutes per side (medium-rare) or to your preferred doneness. Let rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- Brush tomatoes lightly with oil and grill cut-side down for 1–2 minutes until charred and softened.
- Slice avocado into uniform pieces.
- Assemble the stack: on each plate, layer grilled steak slices, followed by grilled tomatoes and avocado. Repeat to create height and structure.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and an optional drizzle of balsamic glaze or chimichurri. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Slice avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Let steak rest to retain juices and improve slicing.
- Customize with additional toppings like cheese or spicy condiments.
- Use a grill pan indoors if outdoor grilling isn’t available.
- For meal prep, store components separately and assemble before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak stack
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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