Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls offer a delicious way to enjoy a well-balanced meal packed with vibrant flavors. Featuring marinated flank steak grilled to perfection and served over a hearty mix of rice, black beans, and corn, these bowls are as satisfying as they are colorful. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead, these bowls are sure to impress.
Why We Love This Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe
One of the many reasons we adore this recipe is its versatility. With simple ingredients and a straightforward preparation process, you can enjoy a wholesome meal in no time. The marinade brings out the rich flavors of the steak, while the fresh herbs and lime provide a burst of brightness. Additionally, you can easily modify the ingredients to accommodate your preferences or dietary needs, making it a family favorite. The combination of textures and flavors—from the tender steak to the creamy avocado and crunchy red onion—creates a delightful experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients about Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
- 1 lb flank steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
How to Make Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Directions
The journey to creating your Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls begins with the marinade. In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, chili powder, along with salt and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth mixture. This marinade is what sets the flavor foundation for the steak, so make sure it’s well-mixed.
Next, it’s time to marinate the flank steak. Place the steak into a shallow dish or zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over the top. Ensure the steak is evenly coated. Seal your bag or cover the dish, then tuck it into the refrigerator to marinate for at least one hour. For best results, let it sit overnight. This prolonged exposure to the marinade allows the flavors to infuse deeply into the meat.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high. Take the marinated steak out of the fridge and remove it from the marinade. It’s essential to discard any excess marinade to prevent flare-ups during grilling. Grill the steak for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, depending on how you like your meat cooked. Once it’s ready, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that each slice is juicy and tender.
While the steak is resting, cook the rice. Follow the package instructions, but substitute beef broth for water. This not only enhances the flavor of the rice but also makes it a delicious component of your bowl. Once cooked, let the rice cool for a moment before combining it with your other ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, drained and rinsed black beans, and corn kernels. Toss these ingredients together until they are evenly mixed. This colorful combination not only adds flavor but also brings nutrition into your meal.
Now it’s time to assemble your bowls! Begin with a generous base of the rice and bean mixture, then top it with the sliced steak. For added freshness, layer on sliced avocado, diced red onion, and jalapeño slices if you wish to add a bit of heat. To elevate the flavors even further, drizzle some fresh lime juice over the entire bowl before serving.
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
Serving your Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls means presenting them with flair! Start with a beautiful bowl or plate to highlight the vibrant colors of the dish. Begin by spooning in a bed of the rice and black bean mixture. Then, generously arrange the sliced steak on top, showcasing its beautiful grill marks. Add slices of creamy avocado, followed by a sprinkle of diced red onion and jalapeños for that extra zing.
For a complete experience, include lime wedges on the side. This allows everyone to squeeze fresh lime juice right over their bowls, enhancing the dish’s brightness even more. Whether you’re serving this at a family dinner or for guests, the visual appeal of the colorful ingredients will make your bowls irresistible.
Don’t forget that you can also add other toppings or serve the bowls with tortilla chips for extra crunch. Each bite can be customized to delight everyone’s taste buds, making this dish a fun interactive meal.
Expert Tips: Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
To create the ultimate Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls, consider the following expert tips:
- Marinate Longer: While one hour is sufficient, marinating overnight will deepen the flavors and tenderness of the steak. Plan ahead for an even tastier meal.
- Grill with Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. For medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F. For medium, 145°F is your goal.
- Leftover Rice: If you have leftover rice, this is the perfect use for it. Just reheat, and the beef broth will still keep its flavor profile intact.
- Ultimate Freshness: Use fresh ingredients wherever possible. Fresh cilantro and lime will make a noticeable difference in taste.
- Customize Your Bowls: Don’t hesitate to add or swap ingredients based on what you have at home. Bell peppers, roasted veggies, or crumbled cheese can elevate the dish even further.
How to Store Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
Keeping your Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls fresh for later enjoyment is simple. Store the components separately in airtight containers. The cooked steak can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the meat for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal without sacrificing flavor.
When it comes to the rice and the black bean mixture, they can also be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’ve prepared the avocado ahead of time, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can squeeze lime juice over it to slow down browning if you’re storing it. To reheat your dish, warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, and enjoy your delicious bowls again!
Variation of Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
These bowls can be modified to suit various tastes and dietary restrictions. For a vegetarian version, substitute the flank steak with grilled Portobello mushrooms or spicy chickpeas marinated with the same cilantro-lime mixture. If you’re looking to minimize carbs, consider using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to keep it lighter.
You can also experiment with the toppings. Try adding roasted red peppers, pickled onions, or even crumbled feta cheese for a different twist. For those who love a spicy kick, consider adding diced serrano peppers or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra flavor boost.
In addition, consider incorporating seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, either roasted or grilled, to add even more nutrition and flavor to the dish.
FAQ
What are Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls?
Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are a delicious and colorful meal featuring marinated flank steak, rice, black beans, corn, and fresh toppings like avocado and lime. They are perfect for a filling dinner.
Can I make this recipe without beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute the flank steak with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a vegetarian option like beans or tofu for a delightful alternative.
How can I meal prep Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls?
To meal prep these bowls, cook the rice and meat in advance but store them separately in airtight containers. Assemble when ready to eat, adding fresh ingredients like avocado just before serving.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To control the spice level, adjust the amount of chili powder in the marinade, or omit the jalapeños if you prefer it milder. You can also serve it with a side of your favorite hot sauce.
How long do leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat it gently to maintain freshness. If freezing, keep the components separate and consume them within 3 months.
Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- to taste Salt and pepper
For the Bowls
- 1 lb flank steak Marinated steak
- 1 cup uncooked rice Cooked in beef broth
- 2 cups beef broth For cooking rice
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels Fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 medium jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, chili powder, along with salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Marinate the flank steak in the marinade, ensuring it's evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, preferably overnight.
Cooking
- Preheat the grill to medium-high and remove the marinated flank steak from the refrigerator, discarding excess marinade.
- Grill the steak for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, depending on desired doneness. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
- Cook the rice in beef broth according to the package instructions.
Assembly
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, black beans, and corn kernels.
- To serve, place a base of the rice and bean mixture in a bowl, top with sliced steak, avocado, diced red onion, and jalapeños.
- Drizzle fresh lime juice over the bowls and serve with lime wedges.
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