This vibrant Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls comes together in about 30 minutes and is all-in-one meal perfection for a quick weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients, feel free to use different veggies or grains to suit your taste, or use this recipe as a fun way to clean out the fridge and use whatever odds and ends you have!
Ingredient Breakdown
Steak
Steak is the star of this bowl, and I love using flank or sirloin because they’re loaded with flavor and cook up perfectly for this dish. Both cuts are relatively easy to find and won’t break the bank. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can absolutely use chicken, shrimp, or even some hearty tofu! The best part is, each option brings its unique flavor to this dish.
Rice
I usually go for 1 cup of jasmine or basmati rice for this recipe. They’re both fragrant and cook beautifully, but you can substitute them with brown rice or quinoa if you prefer something a little heartier or more nutritious. Just keep in mind that your cooking time may need to adjust based on what you choose!
Cilantro
Fresh cilantro is a must here! Not only does it pack a punch of flavor, but it also adds beautiful color to the dish. If you’re not a cilantro fan, no worries! You can swap it out for parsley or even omit it altogether, just don’t tell my grandma I said that!
Lime
The juice of 1 lime, or about 2 tablespoons, adds a zesty brightness that pulls everything together. Fresh lime juice is key here, but if you don’t have any, bottled lime juice will work in a pinch. Just remember to taste, freshly squeezed juice can elevate this dish.
Olive Oil
We’ll need 2 tablespoons of olive oil for marinating our steak and drizzling over the veggies. I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor, but any neutral oil, like grapeseed or canola, can work in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they will slightly alter the flavor.
Ground Cumin
I add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin to the mix because it has a warm, earthy flavor that complements the steak and fresh veggies fantastically. If you don’t have cumin, don’t panic you could sub in some taco seasoning or just leave it out if you’d like.
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon of garlic powder brings out wonderful flavors that pair perfectly with the steak. You can certainly use fresh garlic instead, just mince about 2-3 cloves, but sauté it briefly to avoid burning!
Salt and Pepper
A couple of pinches of salt and pepper to taste is essential for seasoning; feel free to be generous! The right seasoning can transform a bland dish into a flavor explosion.
Diced Tomatoes
Adding some diced tomatoes gives the bowl a fresh, juicy bite. You can use canned or fresh, depending on what you have handy. This addition adds lovely color, too!
Sliced Avocados
Sliced avocados are another delicious staple for these bowls; they’re creamy and rich. I love to use ripe ones, but if yours aren’t quite ready, you could also use guacamole as a convenient alternative.
Black Beans
Black beans are excellent for adding fiber and protein. Use canned beans for convenience; just give them a quick rinse to decrease the sodium. Though, if you ain’t got any canned beans, I won’t judge if you want to skip them!
Jalapeños
For a little kick, I always toss in some sliced jalapeños. If you prefer a mild bowl, feel free to omit the heat entirely or swap it out for banana peppers or bell peppers.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Rice : Start by cooking the rice, combine 1 cup of rice with 2 cups of water, a dash of salt, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat once it’s boiling, cover it, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is fluffy and cooked through. You’ll want to fluff it with a fork when it’s done, trust me, it makes a difference!
Marinating the Steak : While the rice is cooking, let’s marinate our steak. In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lime, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Add about 1 lb of steak, and let it soak up those flavors for at least 10 minutes. (But if you’ve got more time, marinating longer is always better!)
Cooking the Steak : Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated steak and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until it’s your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 135°F. This is where the magic happens, folks! The smell is phenomenal, just wait until you can smell that sizzling steak!
Resting and Slicing : Once the steak is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it against the grain. This makes the steak super tender and totally melt-in-your-mouth.
Assembling the Bowls : Now let’s bring it all together! In each bowl, layer a generous scoop of the rice, top it with sliced steak, then load on your veggies, diced tomatoes, sliced avocados, black beans, and jalapeños. Oh, and remember that lovely cilantro? Sprinkle it generously on top!
Enjoying the Dish : Grab your forks, you’re ready to dig in! Take a moment to admire your colorful creation. And trust me, your family will love each bite of this delicious meal!
Personal Connection
This is my go-to recipe when I need something that’s both comforting and quick! It’s just so easy to whip up after a busy day, and the flavor is out of this world. I mean, I’m a real sucker for steak, lime, and cilantro they just belong together, you know? Plus, you can totally use whatever you’ve got on hand, which makes it versatile for sure. The best part is every time I make it, my whole family eats every last bite, and that tells you everything!
If you loved this Cilantro Lime Steak Bowl, be sure to check out my Ground Beef Bibimbap, my French-Style Beef Stew, or my Easy Mongolian Beef!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe is perfect for weeknights! It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver when you’re short on time. You’ll genuinely feel like a rockstar whipping this up!
Customizable
Use whatever ingredients you have on hand; whether it’s different proteins or fresh veggies, this bowl is made for adaptation! Tacos, burrito bowls, or even salad-style there’s no wrong way!
Comfort Food
This dish is loaded with tons of flavor from the marinated steak, zesty lime, and fresh toppings. It’s seriously comforting and has that home-cooked feel that pulls you in for seconds!
Meal Prep Friendly
These steak bowls are loadable and portable, making them great for packed lunches or meal prep. You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
Crowd-Pleaser
Get ready for requests to make it again! This dish brings everyone to the table with its colorful variety and delicious flavors. Trust me, everyone in the family will love it!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate this dish, serve with some fresh tortilla chips or a side of corn salsa! It pairs beautifully with a cold drink, like some lime-infused Sparkling Water or a refreshing iced tea. As for leftovers, you can pack them in an airtight container and enjoy them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat in the microwave or a skillet on low, stirring a bit to heat evenly.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through, or rewarm on the stovetop over low heat.
- Freezer Friendly: If you want to freeze it, I suggest freezing the steak separately from the rice and toppings, mixing it all together may not feel as fresh after defrosting! It’ll last in the freezer for about 3 months. Just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before heating.
So there you have it a beautifully simple and delicious Cilantro Lime Steak Bowl that makes for a comforting weeknight meal! Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration.
Cilantro Lime Steak Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- Combine 1 cup of rice with 2 cups of water and a dash of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes until fluffy.
- In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lime, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a couple of pinches of salt and pepper. Add 1 lb of steak and marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until desired doneness.
- Remove the steak from heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- In each bowl, layer a scoop of rice, top with sliced steak, then add veggies: diced tomatoes, sliced avocados, black beans, jalapeños, and cilantro.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your colorful creation!