20 Lean Steak Recipes That Really Sizzle

We owe the chicken breast many thanks, but let’s face it: we can only eat so much before it gets stale.

The problem with fattier meats, though, is unless you’re bulking or going low-carb, it can be hard to work them into your meal plans.

Well…despair not. You can make lean steaks from a variety of healthy, lower-fat meats.

There are obvious choices like a lean cut of beef such as sirloin, but you can get creative and cook up lamb, salmon, and ham steaks as well. And you can use a variety of rubs, marinades, and toppings to boot.

So, if you like lean meat, there’s a unique steak recipe for you on this list.

Enjoy!

Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine Steak)

Picture courtesy of Saveur

A lot of Italian recipes are thought of as comfort food, but steak is rarely on the menu. However, it only takes a few ingredients to prepare a thick T-bone steak in Italian style.

One of them of course is olive oil, which gets brushed onto the grilling meat using sprigs of fresh rosemary.

The steaks should rest for a few minutes before serving, as always, to complete the cooking process away from the heat. So when you pull them off the grill, it’s best if they’re a little on the rare side of what you’re aiming for.

Serve with lemon wedges.

Serves 4

Ingredients

2 bone-in porterhouse steaks (about 3 lbs.) sliced about 1 1/2” thick

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Lemon wedges, for serving

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 562

Protein: 62 grams

Carbs: 1 gram

Fat: 33 grams

 

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Steak Skewers with Strawberry Chimichurri

Picture courtesy of Food Network

When you think of steak sauce, you might consider the bottled kind like A1 or a simple glaze like balsamic. But you can turn fruit into an accompaniment for juicy steak too, like with this strawberry chimichurri sauce.

Finely dice the berries, and mix with fresh herbs including parsley and thyme. Then stir in the makings of a tasty vinaigrette: olive oil, red wine vinegar, and honey.

Serves 4

Ingredients

3/4 cup strawberries, finely diced

3/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

3 tsp. chopped fresh oregano

1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

1 small shallot, minced

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

2 tsp. pure honey

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 272

Protein: 25 grams

Carbs: 5 grams

Fat: 17 grams

 

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Steak, Spinach & Mushroom Crepes with Balsamic Glaze

Picture courtesy of Half-Baked Harvest

If steak is your favorite protein, there’s no reason not to have it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Since crepes are also good for any meal of the day, you can remember this one whether you’re planning a killer brunch menu or want a creative alternative to a steak sandwich.

Serves 6

Ingredients

Crepes:

2 large eggs

3/4 cup low-fat milk

1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose flour)

3 Tbsp. butter

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 cup water

Filling:

2 beef tenderloin filets (about 5 oz. each)

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 Tbsp. butter

1 clove garlic, minced

1 cup baby bella mushrooms, sliced

3 cups fresh spinach

2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

2 oz. blue cheese, crumbled

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Balsamic Glaze:

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

1 tsp. brown sugar (optional)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 321

Protein: 19 grams

Carbs: 20 grams

Fat: 18 grams

 

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London Broil Steak

Picture courtesy of Simple Recipes

When you’re cooking steak for dinner, the cut of beef matters as much as how you prepare it. The ratio of protein to fat, as well as the marbling patterns of the fat, will depend on what part of the animal the beef comes from.

London broil is usually prepared using a boneless, lean cut from the shoulder or flank, so look for the kind of steak that makes a great roast.

For a London broil, the beef is marinated overnight and then cooked over high heat. You can use the grill when the weather’s nice, or preheat a cast-iron skillet in the oven if you’re cooking indoors.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp. fresh thyme (or oregano)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 lb. top round steak

1 cup cherry tomatoes

2 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise

1 medium yellow summer squash, sliced lengthwise

1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 270

Protein: 27 grams

Carbs: 8 grams

Fat: 15 grams

 

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Flank Steak Street Tacos

Picture courtesy of Fit Men Cook

Steak doesn’t have to be an expensive dinner. Turn it into tacos, and a little meat will go a longer way. That might mean less protein, depending on how many tacos you want to eat, and you can fill up the tortillas with lots of veggies.

Use sliced cabbage or a coleslaw mix if you have it on hand. Or for a fajita-style taco, brown some sliced bell peppers and onions in the hot pan after the steak is cooked.

Serves 1

Ingredients

6 oz. lean flank steak

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

Pinch of ground cumin

Ground cayenne and/or chipotle to taste

3 corn tortillas

1/2 cup shredded purple

Handful of fresh cilantro

Lime wedges, to serve

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 510

Protein: 52 grams

Carbs: 35 grams

Fat: 17 grams

 

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Chicken-Fried Steak with Spiced Gravy

Picture courtesy of Brown-Eyed Baker

Low-fat chicken-fried steak? You’re not dreaming. This has everything including a crispy baked coating with Parmesan cheese. And yes, there’s spiced buttermilk gravy too!

Everything you need for a meal that’s a fair compromise between comfort food and healthy eating.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 lb. lean top round steak, cut 1/2” thick

1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. + 1/8 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground cumin

1/4 tsp ground coriander

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 egg white

1/3 cup low-fat buttermilk

1 cup cornflakes cereal, crushed

1 Tbsp. butter

3/4 cup skim milk

Dash of freshly ground nutmeg

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 279

Protein: 31 grams

Carbs: 23 grams

Fat: 6 grams

 

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Steak & Eggs with Seared Tomatoes

Picture courtesy of How to Feed a Loon

Steak doesn’t have to be saved for dinner. You’ll find there’s no wrong side of the bed to roll out of when you have steak and eggs to wake up to.

To make this low-carb breakfast, heat oil in a skillet, and cook the steak for about five minutes per side. While it rests, prepare the fresh tomatoes in the searing hot pan, and cook the eggs however you like them. Slice the steak, plate it up, and devour.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 lb. flank steak, trimmed of fat

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

4 medium tomatoes, halved

4 large eggs

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 357

Protein: 40 grams

Carbs: 6 grams

Fat: 19 grams

 

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Salmon with Balsamic Thai Chile Glaze

Picture courtesy of The Right Recipe

Want to load up on healthy fats and have a satisfying steak for dinner? Salmon is the answer, and there’s nothing like a thick cut so you can get big flakes of juicy fish.

With a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze, spicy with Dijon mustard and sweet with maple syrup, this is a gourmet dinner that’s actually simple to prepare in any home kitchen.

Serves 6

Ingredients

4 scallions

1 Tbsp. Asian sesame oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger

1/2 cup sweet Thai chili sauce

2 Tbsp. light brown sugar

3 Tbsp. soy sauce

3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

6 skinless wild salmon fillets (about 5 oz. each)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil

2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 285

Protein: 25 grams

Carbs: 23 grams

Fat: 10 grams

 

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Lamb with Rosemary and Port

Picture courtesy of Analon

This lamb steak is infused with rosemary and port wine for a succulent, decadent dinner that’s pretty easy to prepare: sear on both sides in a heavy pan, and wrap in foil to rest.

Since lamb is higher in fat compared to other meats, this is a good indulgence on Easter or an at-home dinner date. For more tasty but simple-to-prep foods, Nigella Express: 130 Recipes for Good Food, Fast is a must-have cookbook.

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 boneless lamb leg steaks

1 Tbsp. salted butter

1 sprig fresh rosemary

1 clove garlic

1/4 cup ruby port

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 345

Protein: 19 grams

Carbs: 4 grams

Fat: 25 grams

 

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Sous Vide Steak

Picture courtesy of Meatwave

Although steak might seem perfect for the grill, there are other ways to cook it, which is good news when the weather is keeping you cooped up indoors.

Choose to sous vide the steak by sealing it in plastic and cooking it in boiling water, and it will take the guesswork out of reaching the desired doneness. That’s because the steak is kept at a specific temperature throughout the cook process.

Check out The Food Lab’s Complete Guide to Sous Vide Steak for more info on how to nail this technique, including the ideal temperature for medium-rare and what cuts of steak to select.

After being submerged in boiling water, sous vide steak can still be seared on the grill. It can also be finished in a pre-heated cast-iron skillet, or a kitchen torch will achieve an impressive outer crust.

Serves 4

Ingredients

4 New York strip steaks (about 8 oz. each), cut 1 1/2” thick

16 sprigs fresh thyme

1 large shallot, thinly sliced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 566

Protein: 61 grams

Carbs: 5 grams

Fat: 34 grams

 

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Steak & Quinoa Salad with Avocado-Lime Ranch Dressing

Picture courtesy of Foxes Love Lemons

One of the greatest things about steak is that it can be integrated into breakfast, lunch, and dinner – even nutritious salads can benefit from a bit of beef.

This Southwestern steak salad is awesome enough to serve in a restaurant. Yet it’s loaded with superfoods including, quinoa, avocado, and your favorite leafy greens like baby spinach or arugula.

Serves 4

Ingredients

Steak:

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

2 Tbsp. light brown sugar

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1/4 tsp. ground cayenne pepper

1 lb. flank steak

Dressing:

1 avocado, pitted and peeled

1/3 cup ranch dressing

1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

Salt to taste

Salad:

8 oz. fresh mixed greens

1 cup cooked quinoa

3/4 cup grape tomatoes, halved

1/3 cup crumbled feta

1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 549

Protein: 39 grams

Carbs: 33 grams

Fat: 30 grams

 

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Steak & Onions

Picture courtesy of Skinny Taste

Steak doesn’t have to be an expensive meal. To cut down on the overall cost, serve it with a simple side like roast onions. A great cut of meat doesn’t need much else to make it satisfying anyway.

Just slice the onion and bell peppers into large pieces – don’t worry about a fine, even dice for this simple steak dinner. Then, cook everything in a pan set over high heat.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 lb. top round steak

2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp. crushed garlic

1 white onion, sliced into wedges

1 green bell pepper, sliced into big chunks

1 red bell pepper, sliced into big chunks

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 308

Protein: 37 grams

Carbs: 6 grams

Fat: 13 grams

 

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Pear Marmalade-Glazed Ham Steaks

Picture courtesy of Boulder Locavore

Ham is usually paired with pineapple, and although it’s a delicious combo, that’s not the only fruit that works with this cut of meat. This recipe uses diced fresh pear, marmalade, and Chinese five-spice to make a great glaze.

These ham steaks take just over an hour from start to finish and are best served with a few veggie sides. It’s a great preparation for holidays, or for any time you catch ham steaks on sale.

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. cornstarch

2 Tbsp. boiling water

Juice of one blood orange

1 ripe red d’Anjou pear, peeled and cut into small pieces

1/4 cup marmalade

1/8 tsp. Chinese five spice

2 ham steaks (about 2 lbs. total), raw

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 280

Protein: 25 grams

Carbs: 14 grams

Fat: 13 grams

 

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Easy Sirloin Thai Salad

Picture courtesy of Mandy’s Recipe Box

An amazing salad doesn’t need to be complicated. Pick leafy greens for the base, a couple mix-ins like veggies, and add a protein to make it a main meal. And it doesn’t take much to infuse your favorite flavors into a simple salad.

With an Asian peanut dressing, fresh lime juice, and crushed nuts for a crunchy garnish, a healthy steak salad can take on elements of Thai takeout.

Serves 4

Ingredients

Salad:

1 lb. top sirloin steak, cut 1” thick

8 cups mixed greens

1 ripe avocado, sliced

1/2 cup shredded carrot

1 small bell pepper, sliced

1/2 tsp. coarse sea salt

2 Tbsp. dry roasted peanuts, chopped (optional)

Lime wedges, to serve

Dressing:

3 Tbsp. pure honey

2 Tbsp. peanut butter

2 Tbsp. hot water

1 Tbsp. soy sauce

1 Tbsp. rice vinegar (or white vinegar)

1 tsp. sesame oil

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 471

Protein: 42 grams

Carbs: 30 grams

Fat: 22 grams

 

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Crock Pot Italian Swiss Steak

Picture courtesy of Flour on My Face

Slow cooker steak? Yes, it’s possible, and the result is fork-tender no matter what cut of beef you use.

This dish is made with tomato sauce and mozzarella, so it’s delicious over any pasta you have on hand. But if you’re trying to cut down on carbs, you can just go for the steak, or serve alongside a salad of fresh greens.

Serves 6

Ingredients

3 lb. chuck roast

2 cans (each 14.5 oz.) fire-roasted diced tomatoes

1 small onion, roughly diced

2 Tbsp. tomato paste

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp salt (optional)

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 cup diced bell peppers

1 Tbsp. cornstarch

2 Tbsp. water

1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

1/2 lb. cooked penne pasta (optional)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 696

Protein: 86 grams

Carbs: 31 grams

Fat: 23 grams

 

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Chocolate Coffee-Rubbed Steak with Coconut

Picture courtesy of Food Faith Fitness

This steak sounds like dessert – or maybe breakfast – but the rub doesn’t actually make the meat taste like mocha. Instead, it gives it a richer, earthier, even meatier flavor.

If you love the flavor of Mexican mole, you’ll want to try this for dinner. And then you might not go back to another steak rub again!

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 New York strip steaks (about 1 lb.)

1 tsp. ground coffee

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp. coconut sugar

1/8 tsp. cinnamon

Pinch of black pepper

2 Tbsp. unsweetened coconut flakes, for garnish

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 514

Protein: 51 grams

Carbs: 5 grams

Fat: 33 grams

 

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Grilled Tip Sirloin Steak with Mango Salsa

Picture courtesy of Growing Up Bilingual

Adding mango salsa is a great way to liven up steak with tropical flavors. And you’ll also be getting a bunch of vitamins and minerals not found in the meat: vitamin A, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and potassium.

Plus, if you double the salsa required for this recipe, you can use the extra for the tomorrow’s lunch of shredded pork tacos.

Serves 4

Ingredients

2 lb. sirloin steak

2 mangos, halved

1/2 white onion

2 tomatoes, halved

1/2 red pepper, seeds removed

1/2 orange pepper, seeds removed

1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice (one small lime)

1/2 tsp. apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 185

Protein: 19 grams

Carbs: 13 grams

Fat: 5 grams

 

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Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe

Picture courtesy of LaaLoosh

To make a healthy steak dinner, you can do more than select a lean cut of beef.

Not every steak that you get at the supermarket is going to be ready to just throw into a pan. When you select something that’s tougher – and consequentially cheaper – you’ll want to cook the meat in a way that encourages it to become tender.

So marinade it, slow-cook it, or prepare it with a meat tenderizer as in this recipe. When you pound it to be thin, that also makes it possible to roll up with a filling for stuffed steak.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 lb. flank steak, trimmed of fat

3 cups fresh spinach

1/2 cup diced bell pepper

1/2 cup fat-free feta

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 188

Protein: 27 grams

Carbs: 2 grams

Fat: 8 grams

 

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Red Onions Stuffed with Grilled Steak, Spinach & Feta

Picture courtesy of Fine Cooking

Chances are you’ve had stuffed bell peppers, but did you know an onion also makes an edible roasting dish?

Since they lend more flavor, red onions are great inspiration for bold flavors like Mediterranean feta and spinach, or Indian spices like ginger and garam masala. And this recipe actually combines them both for a global crossover that truly wows.

Not only is this impressive to serve, but it’s an easy make-ahead dish. And since these steak-stuffed onions will keep for up to three days, you can enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner.

Serves 4

Ingredients

4 very large red onions, peeled and tops removed

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 1/2 Tbsp. minced garlic

1 1/2 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger

1 tsp. garam masala

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1/4 cup golden raisins

1/2 lb. grilled flank steak (about 2 cups), cut into 1/2” pieces

1/2 lb. fresh spinach, stemmed and roughly chopped

1/2 cup crumbled feta

1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 320

Protein: 19 grams

Carbs: 28 grams

Fat: 16 grams

 

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Hamburger Steaks

Picture courtesy of Something Edible

If you don’t have a thick steak to cook for dinner, you can use ground beef instead. The result won’t be exactly the same as a juicy porterhouse, but you’ll end up with a hearty dish that satisfies cravings for both burgers and steak.

The seasoning is what brings everything together, including Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. To replace the liquid smoke, use either chipotle powder or smoked paprika.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. dehydrated onion

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp. liquid smoke

1 lb. 85% lean ground beef

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp. salt

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 253

Protein: 22 grams

Carbs: 2 grams

Fat: 17 grams

 

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What did you think of these lean steak recipes? Have anything else to share? Let me know in the comments below!