Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

$- Flank steak and marinade components - 1 lb flank steak - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 2 limes (juice and zest) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Bowl assembly ingredients - 1 cup jasmine rice - 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 avocado, sliced - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Optional toppings and garnishes - Sour cream (optional, for topping) - Extra cilantro for garnish You will need fresh ingredients to get the best flavor. Flank steak gives a nice texture and taste. The marinade blends lime, cilantro, and spices for a zesty kick. Jasmine rice acts as a perfect base. Black beans and corn add fiber and sweetness. Avocado and tomatoes bring freshness. Finally, sour cream and extra cilantro add creaminess and color. Each ingredient plays a role in making your bowl tasty and fun. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to mix the marinade. In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it well until all the ingredients blend together. Next, take your flank steak and place it in a zip-lock bag. Pour the marinade over the steak. Seal the bag tightly to keep the flavors in. Store it in the refrigerator. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes but up to 2 hours for the best taste. For perfect jasmine rice, use a medium saucepan. Combine 1 cup of jasmine rice with 2 cups of water. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Bring the water to a boil, then cover the pan. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This will let the rice absorb all the water. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork. Set it aside while you prepare the steak. Get your grill ready by heating it over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and throw away the marinade. Place the steak on the grill. Cook it for about 3-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Adjust the time based on how well you like your steak. Once cooked, let the steak rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Slice it against the grain for the best texture. Now, it’s time to build your bowls. Start with a scoop of jasmine rice at the bottom. Add a portion of black beans and some corn on top. Then, place the sliced steak over the beans. Follow this with slices of avocado and halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle extra lime juice if you want a bit more zing. To finish, add a dollop of sour cream on top if you like. Sprinkle some extra cilantro for a fresh touch. Serve the bowls immediately for the best taste and texture. For a great steak bowl, flank steak works best. It has a strong flavor and absorbs marinades well. Look for meat that is bright red with even marbling. This marbling adds fat, making it tender and juicy. Always pick a cut that is at least one inch thick. To ensure tenderness, let the steak rest after cooking. This helps keep the juices inside. Also, slice the steak against the grain. This makes each bite softer and easier to chew. To boost flavor, try adding fresh herbs like parsley or mint. You can also mix in spices such as chili powder or oregano for extra zest. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can brighten the dish. Homemade sauces can add depth too. A simple yogurt sauce with lime and garlic can be refreshing. You can also try a spicy salsa or chimichurri for a punch of flavor. For added nutrition, consider adding greens like spinach or kale. You can also include roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for color and taste. When serving, be creative! Arrange the ingredients in a colorful way in the bowl. Use a scoop of rice as the base, then layer the beans, corn, and steak on top. Finish with avocado slices and cherry tomatoes for a vibrant look. This makes the dish not only tasty but beautiful too! Pro Tips Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the steak for at least 2 hours. If you're short on time, even 30 minutes will add some flavor, but longer is better! Resting the Steak: Always let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender. Rice Perfection: Rinse the jasmine rice before cooking to remove excess starch. This will help achieve a fluffier texture and prevent the grains from sticking together. Customize Your Bowls: Feel free to add other toppings like diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or shredded cheese to make your steak bowls even more delicious! {{image_2}} For a vegetarian or vegan twist, you can swap flank steak with grilled tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up flavors well and provide a good texture. You could also use jackfruit, which mimics shredded meat. If you want more protein, add chickpeas, lentils, or edamame. These options keep your bowl filling and rich in nutrients. If you want to switch up the base, try quinoa instead of jasmine rice. Quinoa is high in protein and adds a nutty flavor. Cauliflower rice is another great choice. It cuts carbs and creates a light, fresh feel. You can also use farro or barley for a chewy texture. Each option gives your bowl a unique taste. Change the citrus for a different zing. You can use orange or grapefruit juice for sweetness. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can add a fun twist. For heat, try jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Adjusting flavors can create a whole new dish, keeping things exciting. Mix and match to find your favorite balance. After you enjoy your cilantro lime steak bowls, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps the food fresh and safe. Consume the leftovers within three days for the best taste and quality. You can freeze components of your steak bowls for later use. For the best results, freeze the grilled steak, rice, and beans separately. Wrap each item tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in freezer bags. To eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat the steak on the grill or in a pan. Warm the rice and beans in the microwave or on the stove. To save time during busy weeks, prep your cilantro lime steak bowls ahead of time. Marinate the steak and cook the rice in advance. Store them in the fridge until you need them. You can also chop the veggies, like tomatoes and avocado, a day before serving. This way, you can assemble your bowls quickly when it's time to eat. To check the doneness of your steak, look for these signs: - Medium-rare: The steak feels soft and springs back. - Medium: The steak is firmer and has a bit of resistance. - Well-done: The steak feels very firm to the touch. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to be sure. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak. Aim for: - 130°F for medium-rare - 145°F for medium - 160°F for well-done Yes, you can marinate the steak overnight. This gives more flavor. I recommend a minimum of 30 minutes, but 1-2 hours is best. If you choose to marinate overnight, ensure it is in the fridge. This keeps it safe to eat. If you want alternatives to black beans, try these options: - Pinto beans - Chickpeas - Lentils - Cooked quinoa These options add protein and texture too! While fresh cilantro gives great flavor, you can use dried cilantro. However, use less dried than fresh. Dried herbs are stronger. A general rule is to use one-third of the amount. Fresh cilantro brightens your dish. If you love its taste, I recommend using it! Absolutely! You can add many toppings to make your bowl unique. Here are some ideas: - Sliced jalapeños for spice - Grated cheese for creaminess - Roasted vegetables for extra flavor - Sliced radishes for crunch Feel free to mix and match toppings to find your favorite combination! In this blog post, we explored how to create delicious steak bowls. We covered ingredients, marinating techniques, and cooking methods. Each step helps you build flavor and texture for a great meal. Remember to choose the right steak and don’t skip the toppings; they add exciting flavors. You can even customize the bowl for diet needs or personal taste. Enjoy your cooking journey, and have fun experimenting with different ingredients!$

Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

A flavorful and vibrant bowl featuring marinated flank steak, jasmine rice, black beans, corn, and fresh toppings.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 whole limes (juice and zest)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup jasmine rice
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
1 whole avocado, sliced
0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
optional sour cream (for topping)
to taste extra cilantro for garnish

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. Place the flank steak in a zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor).
In a medium saucepan, combine jasmine rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the steak for about 3-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or to your desired doneness. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it against the grain.
In each bowl, add a scoop of jasmine rice, followed by a portion of black beans and corn. Top with sliced steak, avocado, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with extra lime juice if desired.
Finish each bowl with a dollop of sour cream if using, and sprinkle with additional cilantro for garnish.

Notes

Let the steak marinate for maximum flavor.

Keyword bowl, cilantro, healthy, lime, steak