ULTIMATE CILANTRO LIME STEAK BOWLS

Craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and good for you? Imagine tender, juicy steak marinated in a zesty cilantro lime sauce, piled high with fluffy rice, and your favorite toppings. These Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are your answer to a delicious and quick dinner that will leave you feeling energized and happy; I promise you’ll want to make them again and again!

Ingredients

For the Steak Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs Flank steak or Skirt steak
• 1/4 cup Olive oil
• 1/4 cup Lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 Jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1 tsp Chili powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper

For the Cilantro Lime Rice:

• 1 cup Long-grain rice
• 2 cups Water
• 1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp Lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1/4 tsp Salt

For the Bowls:

• Optional toppings: Black beans, Corn, Avocado, Salsa, Sour cream, Shredded cheese, Lettuce, Pico de Gallo

Choosing the Best Steak Cut

Let’s talk steak! For Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls, I highly recommend flank steak or skirt steak. These cuts are relatively thin, which means they’ll marinate quickly and cook up fast on the grill or in a skillet. Flank steak is a leaner option, while skirt steak has a bit more fat, resulting in richer flavor. If you’re looking for Steak Fajita Bowl inspiration, the same logic applies! Just remember to slice against the grain for the most tender bites, no matter which cut you choose.

The Magic of the Marinade

The secret to incredibly flavorful steak is all in the marinade! The combination of lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and spices not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with a bright, zesty flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the steak. Don’t skip the marinating step; it makes all the difference. Even 30 minutes will help, but a few hours or overnight is even better. The acid in the lime juice helps to break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. And don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your liking! If you like a little heat, add an extra pinch of chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper. This marinade also works wonderfully with chicken if you want to try a Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken variation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinating the Steak:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño (if using), cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the steak in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is evenly coated.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

Cooking the Cilantro Lime Rice:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, olive oil, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the water is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes, covered.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.

Cooking the Steak:

1. Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before cooking. This helps the steak cook more evenly.
2. Heat a grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil.
3. Remove the steak from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
4. Cook the steak for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches your desired internal temperature (130-135°F for medium-rare).
5. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

Assembling the Bowls:

1. Divide the cilantro lime rice among bowls.
2. Top with sliced steak.
3. Add your favorite toppings, such as black beans, corn, avocado, salsa, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Steak Every Time

Cooking steak can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! One of my top tips for making these Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls is to use a meat thermometer. This takes the guesswork out of cooking steak and ensures it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness. Also, remember to let the steak rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait! Another tip is to make sure your pan or grill is hot enough before adding the steak. You want to get a good sear on the outside, which helps to lock in the juices. For a quick and easy version, you could also consider Grilled Steak Bowl which simplifies the cooking process. Thinking about Steak Queso Rice? Get some additional inspiration from these tips!

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of these Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls is that they’re incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize them to your liking. If you’re not a fan of rice, you can substitute quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. You can also swap out the steak for grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian version. As for toppings, the possibilities are endless! Consider adding roasted vegetables, pickled onions, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. If you’re aiming for some quick and healthy steak dishes, you can’t go wrong with this flexible recipe. You can also add some cheese to create a Queso Rice With Steak style bowl!

Making Ahead and Storage

These Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are perfect for meal prepping! You can make the steak marinade, cook the rice, and chop the toppings ahead of time. Store everything separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the bowls, simply reheat the steak and rice and add your favorite toppings. The steak will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, and the rice will stay fresh for up to 5 days. This makes them fantastic Cilantro Lime Steak And Rice Bowls a lifesaver for busy weeknights, turning them into one of your Go To Dinner Recipes! I often make a big batch on Sunday to enjoy throughout the week.

Different Ways To Eat Steak

While these Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are a fantastic way to enjoy steak, there are countless other delicious options. You could grill a steak and serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. You could slice it thinly and add it to a salad or a sandwich. Or you could use it to make fajitas or tacos. The possibilities are truly endless! Another great option is to make a stir-fry with steak and your favorite vegetables. Just be sure to cut the steak into thin strips and cook it quickly over high heat to keep it tender. So get creative and explore all the different ways to enjoy this versatile protein!

So there you have it, my friend! Everything you need to create the ultimate Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone you share them with!

ULTIMATE CILANTRO LIME STEAK BOWLS

Alice Yowell

These Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls feature juicy steak marinated in a zesty cilantro lime sauce, served over fluffy rice, and topped with your favorite additions. This recipe is a quick and delicious dinner option that’s both satisfying and customizable.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican-Inspired

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Medium bowl
• Large resealable bag or shallow dish
• Medium saucepan
• Grill or large skillet
• Meat thermometer
• Fork
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Bowls

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs Flank steak or Skirt steak
• ¼ cup Olive oil
• ¼ cup Lime juice, freshly squeezed
• ¼ cup Cilantro, chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 Jalapeño, seeded and minced optional
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1 tsp Chili powder
• ½ tsp Salt
• ¼ tsp Black pepper
• 1 cup Long-grain rice
• 2 cups Water
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• ¼ tsp Salt
• Optional toppings: Black beans
• Optional toppings: Corn
• Optional toppings: Avocado
• Optional toppings: Salsa
• Optional toppings: Sour cream
• Optional toppings: Shredded cheese
• Optional toppings: Lettuce
• Optional toppings: Pico de Gallo

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño (if using), cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
• Place the steak in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is evenly coated.
• Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
• Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, olive oil, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the water is absorbed.
• Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes, covered.
• Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.
• Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before cooking.
• Heat a grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil.
• Remove the steak from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
• Cook the steak for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches your desired internal temperature (130-135°F for medium-rare).
• Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
• Divide the cilantro lime rice among bowls.
• Top with sliced steak.
• Add your favorite toppings, such as black beans, corn, avocado, salsa, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, marinate the steak for at least a few hours. Letting the steak rest after cooking is crucial for a tender result. The bowls are highly customizable; feel free to substitute ingredients based on preference or dietary needs. Leftovers can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The rice will stay fresh for up to 5 days.