Why Make This Recipe
Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are a fresh, vibrant, and delicious meal. They combine the flavors of marinated flank steak, colorful veggies, and hearty rice. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a balanced meal that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. The marinade adds a zesty kick from lime and brings out the natural taste of the steak. The combination of ingredients not only tastes great but also looks beautiful when served.
This dish is versatile. You can serve it for lunch or dinner, and it is suitable for family gatherings or casual meals at home. Kids love the colorful presentation and crunchy textures. Plus, if you have leftovers, they make an excellent next-day lunch. Whether you are cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these steak bowls are sure to impress!
How to Make Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
Cooking Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls is straightforward and fun. This section breaks down all the steps you need to follow for making this popular dish.
Ingredients
To prepare Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound flank steak
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Extra cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Directions
Marinate the Steak
Start by preparing the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Take the flank steak and add it to the marinade, making sure to coat it well in the mixture.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the steak. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, aim for a marination time of 2 to 4 hours.
Prepare Rice and Beans
While the steak marinates, cook the rice according to the package directions. You can use either white or brown rice depending on your preference.
In a small saucepan, heat the black beans over medium heat for about 5 minutes. You can add a pinch of salt or a bit of cumin if you want to enhance the flavor further.
If you are using fresh corn, you can boil or sauté it briefly. If you have frozen corn, just heat it up as needed.
Cook the Steak
Once the steak has marinated and you have prepared the rice and beans, it’s time to cook the steak. Preheat your grill or grill pan to a medium-high heat. This ensures a nice sear on the meat.
Remove the steak from the marinade and allow excess marinade to drip off. Throw away the used marinade.
Grill the steak for about 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—130°F is perfect for medium-rare.
After cooking, let the steak rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Then, slice the steak thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Assemble Bowls
Start by dividing the cooked rice into bowls as the base.
Next, add the black beans, cooked corn, halved cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and diced red onion on top of the rice.
Finally, layer the sliced steak over the veggies. If you like cheese, sprinkle on some crumbled feta.
For a finishing touch, garnish the bowls with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy your colorful and tasty steak bowls!
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are best served fresh. They make for a colorful and nutritious meal on any occasion. Set the bowls on the table and let everyone customize their own. This interactive style of eating is not only fun, but it also allows guests to add more of what they like.
You can serve the bowls with extra lime wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze fresh lime juice over their meal for an added burst of flavor. This dish pairs well with a cold beverage, such as iced tea or lemonade, to complement the zesty flavors of the lime.
How to Store Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
If you have any leftovers, storing them properly can help maintain their freshness. Here are some steps to follow:
Cool Everything Down: Allow the steak and other components of the bowl to cool to room temperature before storing.
Use Airtight Containers: Place the components of the bowl—rice, beans, corn, veggies, and steak—in separate airtight containers. This will prevent sogginess and keep the ingredients fresh.
Store in the Fridge: Keep the stored containers in the refrigerator. The steak bowls will last for up to three days when refrigerated.
Reheat Carefully: When you are ready to eat, reheat components like rice and beans in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid microwaving veggies and avocado, as they may lose their crispness. Add fresh toppings like cilantro or avocado after reheating.
Tips to Make Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
Use High-Quality Steak: Flank steak is ideal, but you can also try sirloin or skirt steak for similar results. Choose a good-quality meat for the best flavor.
Don’t Skip the Marinade: Marinating the steak is essential. It not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat, making it juicy.
Customize Your Bowls: Feel free to mix in other ingredients. Grilled peppers, jalapeños, or different beans like pinto or kidney can make great additions.
Keep It Fresh: Always add avocado fresh right before serving to avoid browning. A squeeze of lime juice can help keep it green longer.
Variation
You can easily customize this steak bowl recipe. If you’re looking to change things up, try these variations:
Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the marinade for extra heat.
Use Different Proteins: Substitute flank steak with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add More Grains: Instead of rice, you can use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
FAQs
1. Can I make steak bowls without marinade?
Yes, while marinating adds flavor, you can cook the flank steak without it. Season the meat simply with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for a quicker option.
2. How do I know when my steak is done cooking?
Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness. 130°F is medium-rare, while 145°F is medium.
3. Can I prepare these bowls in advance?
You can prep the components in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the bowls just before serving to keep ingredients fresh.
Now that you have all this information, you are ready to create delicious Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls. Enjoy your cooking and delight in the wonderful flavors of this beautifully crafted dish!
Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add flank steak to the marinade, coating well.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours for best flavor.
- Cook the rice according to package directions.
- Heat black beans in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
- If using fresh corn, boil or sauté it briefly; if frozen, reheat as needed.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove steak from marinade and let excess drip off; discard used marinade.
- Grill steak for about 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare, checking for doneness with a meat thermometer (130°F is ideal).
- Let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- Divide cooked rice into bowls as the base.
- Top with black beans, cooked corn, halved cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and diced red onion.
- Layer sliced steak over the veggies, and sprinkle with feta cheese if desired.
- Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges before serving.