Tender, seasoned beef bites are seared until caramelized, then served with a creamy roasted pepper sauce inspired by Mediterranean flavors. This dish is high in protein, relatively low in carbohydrates, and works well for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Servings
4 servings
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Beef Bites
- 600 g (1.3 lb) lean beef sirloin, rump steak, or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
For the Creamy Pepper Sauce
- 1 large roasted red bell pepper
- 150 g (⅔ cup) plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons light cream cheese
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Chopped fresh mint
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Beef
- Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels.
- Place in a large bowl.
- Add:
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon zest
- Toss until evenly coated.
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes while preparing the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Pepper Sauce
- Place the following in a blender or food processor:
- Roasted red pepper
- Greek yogurt
- Cream cheese
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Stovetop Method
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over high heat.
- Add a small amount of oil if needed.
- Place beef in a single layer.
Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Sear for 2–3 minutes without moving.
- Turn and cook another 2–3 minutes.
For medium-rare:
- Internal temperature: 57–60°C (135–140°F)
For medium:
- Internal temperature: 63°C (145°F)
- Remove from heat.
- Rest for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble
- Spread some creamy pepper sauce onto a serving platter.
- Arrange beef bites on top.
- Drizzle with additional sauce.
- Garnish with parsley, mint, feta, and lemon wedges.
Meal Prep Version
Serve with:
- Cauliflower Rice
- Roasted zucchini
- Cucumber and tomato salad
- Grilled eggplant
- Steamed green beans
Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 330–380
- Protein: 38–42 g
- Carbohydrates: 4–7 g
- Fat: 16–20 g
- Fiber: 1–2 g
Extra High-Protein Version
To increase protein further:
- Use 700 g lean beef instead of 600 g.
- Replace cream cheese with additional Greek yogurt.
- Serve with a side of high-protein cottage cheese dip.
Approximate protein:
- 48–52 g per serving
