Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls: A Fresh and Flavorful Meal in Under 1 Hour

Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are a delicious and vibrant dish that combines marinated flank steak with an array of fresh toppings and a base of rice. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend gathering, bringing flavors that will transport you straight to a sunny day. The tangy lime and aromatic cilantro elevate the dish, making it not only appetizing but also refreshing.

Why You’ll Love It

There are several reasons you’ll fall in love with Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls. They are versatile, allowing for various toppings and sides, which means you can customize each bowl to your liking. It’s a wholesome meal packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant veggies, making it not just tasty but also nutritious. Plus, the marinade is quick to whip up and a perfect way to infuse the steak with flavor. The dish is easy to prepare, requiring minimal cooking skills, making it great for cooks of all levels.

Ingredients

To make your Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls, you’ll need the following:

• 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

Substitutions & Key Variations

If you want to switch things up, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Steak Cut: You can use skirt steak or sirloin if flank steak isn’t available.
• Rice: Quinoa or cauliflower rice can be a great low-carb alternative to regular rice.
• Beans: Feel free to substitute black beans with kidney beans or pinto beans.
• Toppings: Try adding other toppings like bell peppers, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream for an added kick.

Step-by-step

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the flank steak to the bowl and coat it well with the marinade.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes but preferably for 2-4 hours to enhance the flavors.

Step 2: Prepare Rice and Beans

1. Cook rice according to the package directions until tender.
2. In a small saucepan, heat black beans over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Optionally, season with a pinch of salt or cumin.
3. If using fresh corn, boil or sauté briefly until tender. If using frozen corn, heat it as needed.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off before discarding it.
3. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare or to your desired doneness (130°F for medium-rare).
4. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

Step 4: Assemble Bowls

1. Divide the cooked rice into bowls as the base.
2. Add black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and red onion on top.
3. Place sliced steak over the veggies and top with feta cheese if desired.
4. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve with lime wedges. Enjoy!

Success Tips

• Temperature: Grill the steak over a medium-high heat to ensure it cooks evenly and develops a nice char.
• Texture: Let the steak rest after grilling; this allows the juices to redistribute, leading to a juicier bite.
• Common Mistakes: Avoid overcooking the steak, as it can become tough. Always slice against the grain for a more tender texture.

How to Serve

Serve your Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls warm, allowing the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients to shine. Offer lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor. These bowls make wonderful meal prep options for a quick lunch or a wholesome dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover components of your steak bowls separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the steak and beans in a skillet over medium heat. The rice can be microwaved until hot. Enjoy your bowl again without sacrificing flavor or texture!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe without steak? Yes! You can substitute the steak with grilled chicken, tofu, or even beans for a vegetarian alternative.

2. How long can I marinate the steak? For best results, marinate the steak for at least 2-4 hours, but it can sit overnight for even more flavor.

3. What can I use instead of cilantro? If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try fresh parsley or omit herbs altogether. You can add a sprinkle of taco seasoning instead.

4. Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes! You can prepare the components in advance and assemble the bowls when you’re ready to serve.

5. Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, as long as you ensure that your ingredients, particularly the seasonings and any packaged items (like beans), are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal perfect for any time of the week. They are easy to customize to suit your tastes while being filling and nutritious. Give this recipe a try, and invite your friends and family to enjoy what could be their new favorite dish!

Links to Related Recipes

• Southwest Chicken Bowls
• Quinoa Salad with Grilled Veggies
• Spicy Shrimp Tacos
• Different Ways To Eat Steak, Go To Dinner Recipes, Healthy Steak Dishes, Cilantro Lime Steak And Rice Bowls, Meat Centered Meals, Cilantro Dinner Recipes, Dinners Healthy Easy, Meat Focused Meals, Easy Healthier Dinner Recipes

Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are a delicious dish featuring marinated flank steak served over rice with fresh toppings.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Mexican, Tex-Mex

Servings 4 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Marinade

• 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

For the Bowls

• 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 each avocado, sliced
• ½ cup red onion, diced
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) Optional topping
• to taste none extra cilantro for garnish
• to taste none lime wedges for serving

Instructions

 

Marinate the Steak

• In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Add the flank steak to the bowl and coat it well with the marinade.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours.

Prepare Rice and Beans

• Cook rice according to package directions until tender.
• In a small saucepan, heat black beans over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
• If using fresh corn, boil or sauté briefly until tender. If using frozen corn, heat it as needed.

Cook the Steak

• Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
• Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off before discarding it.
• Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare or to desired doneness.
• Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

Assemble Bowls

• Divide the cooked rice into bowls as the base.
• Add black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and red onion on top.
• Place sliced steak over the veggies and top with feta cheese if desired.
• Garnish with extra cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Serve warm, allowing fresh ingredients to shine. These bowls are excellent for meal prep.

Keyword Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls, Healthy Dinner, Marinated Steak, Quick Recipe, Steak Bowls