Cilantro Lime Steak and Rice Bowls Recipe

Introduction

Cilantro Lime Steak and Rice Bowls are a fresh and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week. Tender marinated flank steak pairs beautifully with zesty lime, fragrant cilantro, and vibrant veggies for a satisfying, balanced dish.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 pounds flank steak
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 lime (zested and juiced)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 cup minced cilantro
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup corn
• 1 avocado
• 1/2 red onion (sliced)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 batch cilantro lime crema (click for recipe)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Whisk together the olive oil, lime zest and juice, minced garlic, cilantro, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Place the flank steak in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Refrigerate and let it marinate for at least 1 hour.
3. Step 3: Heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired internal temperature (around 145°F for medium-medium well).
4. Step 4: Remove the steak and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing into strips or cubes.
5. Step 5: Assemble bowls by layering cooked rice, black beans, corn, sliced avocado, sliced steak, and top with cilantro lime crema.
6. Step 6: Optionally, add chopped lettuce, sautéed bell peppers, or onions for extra flavor and texture. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a smoky touch, add a dash of smoked paprika to the marinade.
• Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.
• If flank steak is unavailable, skirt steak or sirloin can work well too.
• Make the cilantro lime crema ahead of time to save prep time.

Storage

Store any leftover steak and rice bowls components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the steak gently in a pan or microwave to avoid overcooking. Assemble bowls fresh before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I marinate the steak longer than 1 hour?

Yes, marinating the steak for up to 8 hours will deepen the flavor, but avoid going beyond that as the acid in the lime juice can start to break down the meat’s texture.

What can I substitute for cilantro if I don’t like it?

If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley or basil can be used as alternatives to provide fresh herbal notes without the distinctive cilantro flavor.

Cilantro Lime Steak and Rice Bowls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 80 reviews

These Cilantro Lime Steak and Rice Bowls combine tender, marinated flank steak with zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and a flavorful crema, served over a base of fluffy white rice, black beans, and sweet corn. This vibrant and nutritious bowl is perfect for a quick dinner that feels like a celebration of fresh, bold flavors.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Steak Marinade

• 1 1/4 pounds flank steak
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 cup minced cilantro
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Bowl Components

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (about 15 ounces)
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Cilantro Lime Crema

• 1 batch cilantro lime crema (refer to linked recipe)

Instructions

1. Whisk Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, cilantro, salt, and black pepper to create a vibrant and aromatic marinade.
2. Marinate Steak: Place the flank steak in a shallow dish and pour the marinade evenly over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to infuse the flavors deeply into the meat.
3. Heat Pan: Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat to ensure a perfect sear. A hot pan helps develop a flavorful crust on the steak.
4. Cook Steak: Add the marinated steak to the hot pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the steak reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for medium-medium/well doneness. Adjust timing according to your preferred doneness.
5. Rest Steak: Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy bite.
6. Slice Steak: Slice the rested steak into strips or cubes, depending on your preference for the bowl presentation.
7. Assemble Bowls: In individual bowls, layer the cooked white rice, black beans, corn, avocado slices, steak pieces, then top with the cilantro lime crema. Add sliced red onions and halved cherry tomatoes for freshness and color.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Optionally, incorporate chopped lettuce or sautéed bell peppers and onions for extra crunch and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy a vibrant and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Marinate steak for longer if possible, up to 4 hours, for more intense flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer for accurate steak doneness.
• Leftover rice can be stored separately and reheated before assembling bowls.
• Cilantro lime crema can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Feel free to swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a different texture or healthier option.

Keywords: cilantro lime steak, rice bowls, flank steak recipe, Mexican-inspired bowls, cilantro lime crema, black beans, corn, avocado bowl