Protein Beef Bowl with Cumin, Cottage Cheese Cream, Red Quinoa, and Roasted Broccoli
💪 High Protein
Intermediate

Protein Beef Bowl with Cumin, Cottage Cheese Cream, Red Quinoa, and Roasted Broccoli

A high-protein main dish packed with texture: spiced lean beef strips, fluffy red quinoa, roasted broccoli, and a light cottage cheese cream with lemon and herbs. Original, satisfying, and ideal for a balanced meal.

20 minPrep
25 minCook
45 minTotal
4Servings
High ProteinGluten-FreeDiabetic-Friendly

Important notice: This recipe is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional.

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 170 g red quinoa (enjuagada)
  • 480 ml water (for cocer the quinoa)
  • 400 g broccoli (en floretes small)
  • 520 g lean beef strips (tipo solomillo or tapa)
  • 220 g cottage cheese (for the cream)
  • 120 g plain Greek yogurt (for suavizar the cream)
  • 1 unit lemon (zest fina and 30 ml/2 tbsp of zumo, divided)
  • 2 cloves garlic (1 for the brócoli and 1 for the cream)
  • 30 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 4 g ground cumin (divided)
  • 2 g smoked paprika (for the ternera)
  • 1 g dried oregano (for the ternera)
  • 10 g fresh parsley (chopped, divided)
  • 6 g salt (or to taste, divided)
  • 2 g black pepper (or to taste, divided)
  • 24 g pumpkin seeds (lightly tostadas)
  • 5 g Dijon mustard (for the cream)

Nutrition facts

per serving

451 kcal
Calories
42 g
Protein
24 g
Carbs
20 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
19 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

DairyMustard

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Place the broccoli on a baking tray, add 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, 1 grated garlic clove, 1 g (about 1/2 tsp) ground cumin, 2 g salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Toss well and roast for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender with browned edges.

  2. 2

    2. Meanwhile, place the red quinoa in a saucepan with 480 ml (2 cups) water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

  3. 3

    3. In a bowl, mix the lean beef strips with 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, 3 g (1 tsp) ground cumin, the smoked paprika, dried oregano, 2 g salt, black pepper to taste, and 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice. Let it rest for 10 minutes while the quinoa and broccoli cook.

  4. 4

    4. For the cream, blend or mash the cottage cheese with the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice, the finely grated lemon zest, 1 garlic clove, half of the chopped parsley, a pinch of salt, and black pepper until creamy but still slightly textured.

  5. 5

    5. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Cook the beef in a single layer for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until browned and juicy. If needed, cook in two batches so it sears properly instead of steaming.

  6. 6

    6. Toast the pumpkin seeds in a small skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Remove immediately so they do not burn.

  7. 7

    7. Divide the red quinoa among 4 bowls. Top with the hot beef and roasted broccoli. Add spoonfuls of cottage cheese cream on top, finish with the pumpkin seeds and the remaining chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Chef tips

For a smoother cream, process the cottage cheese for a full 1 minute. For a deeper flavor, let the beef marinate for up to 20 minutes in the refrigerator.

Substitutions

You can swap red quinoa for white quinoa. Cottage cheese can be replaced with a local low-fat curd-style cheese if needed. Parsley can be replaced with chives or fresh dill.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon

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