Description
Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls offer a vibrant and flavorful meal featuring tender, marinated flank steak seared to juicy perfection and served atop a bed of lime-infused rice with black beans, charred corn, fresh avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty cilantro lime dressing. This easy-to-make bowl combines fresh herbs, citrus, and smoky spices to create a balanced and satisfying dish perfect for a nutritious dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Marinade
- 1.5 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Bowl Components
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup pico de gallo or salsa
Dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Make Cilantro Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This marinade will infuse the steak with bright and smoky flavors.
- Marinate the Steak: Place the steak in a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the steak is well coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 to 4 hours, but no more than 24 hours for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Bowl Components: Cook the white rice according to package instructions. While hot, stir in lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt. Warm the black beans on the stovetop with a pinch of cumin and salt to taste. Char the corn kernels in a dry skillet over medium-high heat until slightly browned, giving a smoky flavor. Slice the avocado and red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and shred the cheese. Prepare the toppings and set aside.
- Make the Dressing: Mix together sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and salt until smooth. This creamy dressing complements the flavors of the bowl perfectly.
- Sear the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Pat completely dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Heat a heavy skillet over high heat until it starts to smoke. Add a small amount of oil, then place the steak in the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until a crust forms. Use a thermometer and remove the steak when it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F (medium-rare). Let the steak rest for 10 minutes to redistribute the juices.
- Slice and Assemble Bowls: Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain at a diagonal to maximize tenderness. Build the bowls starting with a base of cilantro lime rice. Add black beans, charred corn, the sliced steak, avocado slices, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Top with pico de gallo or salsa, drizzle with cilantro lime dressing, and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for extra brightness.
Notes
- Marinating the steak longer improves flavor but avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent mushy texture.
- Letting the steak rest after cooking is crucial to maintain juiciness.
- Always slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Char the corn carefully in a dry skillet to avoid burning; browned spots add a pleasant smokiness.
- The cilantro lime dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a healthier option, use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin to taste depending on spice preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: cilantro lime steak bowls, flank steak recipe, Mexican rice bowl, healthy steak bowl, cilantro lime marinade, easy dinner recipe
