Name: Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound flank steak; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown); 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup corn; 1 avocado, sliced; 1/2 cup red onion, diced; Lime wedges for serving; Extra cilantro for garnish

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If you’re looking for a quick dinner that bursts with flavor, then I have just the recipe for you! These Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls: A Flavorful Recipe for a Quick Dinner will quickly become a family favorite. The marinated flank steak grilled to perfection pairs beautifully with fresh veggies and hearty rice, making it a colorful and satisfying dish for busy weeknights or even when you’re entertaining friends.

I love how versatile this recipe is! You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs, and it’s perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a casual dinner at home or a fun gathering with loved ones. Trust me; everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With simple steps and minimal cooking time, you can whip this up in just 35 minutes!
Flavor Explosion: The marinade infuses the steak with vibrant lime and cilantro flavors that are sure to impress.
Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap out veggies or toppings based on what you have on hand.
Family-Friendly: This dish is not only delicious but also colorful and appealing to kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead Option: Marinate the steak earlier in the day for an even quicker dinner when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that these ingredients are simple, wholesome, and perfect for creating those mouthwatering Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls. Gather them up, and let’s get cooking!

For the Marinade

1 pound flank steak
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bowl

1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, sliced
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Extra cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges for serving

Variations

This recipe is flexible and allows for plenty of creativity! Here are some fun variations to switch things up:

Swap the protein: Try chicken breast or tofu instead of flank steak for a different flavor profile.
Change the grain: Use quinoa or cauliflower rice as a base instead of traditional rice for a healthier twist.
Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost nutrition and color.
Make it spicy: Add some jalapeños or hot sauce if you like an extra kick!

How to Make Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls: A Flavorful Recipe for a Quick Dinner

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine the lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until everything is well mixed. This marinade is what brings all those delightful flavors together!

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Place the flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak to ensure it’s fully coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover your dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate this beauty for at least 30 minutes; however, if you have more time (like 2-4 hours), let it marinate longer for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Cook Your Rice

While your steak marinates away in its flavorful bath, cook your rice according to package instructions. Brown rice adds great nutrition here but feel free to use white rice if that’s your preference.

Step 4: Heat the Black Beans

In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm up your black beans until they’re heated through—about five minutes should do it! Adding just a pinch of salt or cumin can really elevate their taste.

Step 5: Prepare Your Corn

If using fresh corn, boil or sauté until tender. For frozen corn lovers like me? Just heat it in the microwave or stovetop until warmed through.

Step 6: Grill the Steak

Time to preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat! Make sure it’s well-oiled so nothing sticks. Remove your marinated steak from its bag/dish and let excess marinade drip off before discarding it. Grill each side for about 4-5 minutes until you reach that perfect medium-rare temperature.

Step 7: Let It Rest

Once grilled to perfection, transfer your steak onto a cutting board. Letting it rest for about 5-10 minutes allows those juices to redistribute throughout—trust me; this makes all the difference!

Step 8: Slice and Assemble Your Bowls

Slice your steak against the grain into thin strips so every bite is tender. In large bowls (or individual serving bowls), start with about half to one cup of cooked rice as your base. Next comes a generous scoop of black beans followed by a sprinkle of corn.

Now pile on those beautiful slices of steak along with cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, diced red onion, and feta cheese if you’re feeling fancy! Don’t forget an extra sprinkle of cilantro on top along with lime wedges on the side.

And there you have it—deliciously vibrant Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls: A Flavorful Recipe for a Quick Dinner

Creating the perfect cilantro lime steak bowl is all about enhancing flavors and textures, so here are some pro tips to take your dish to the next level!

Marinate Longer: For maximum flavor, let your flank steak marinate for at least 2 to 4 hours. This allows the marinade to deeply penetrate the meat, making it tender and flavorful.
Rest the Steak: After grilling, don’t skip resting the steak for 5-10 minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite.
Slice Against the Grain: When cutting your steak, always slice against the grain. This technique ensures each piece is tender and easy to chew.
Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to mix and match toppings based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Try adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra crunch and heat!
Make It Ahead: Prepare components like rice, beans, and veggies ahead of time to make assembly quick on busy weeknights. Just grill the steak fresh before serving!

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls: A Flavorful Recipe for a Quick Dinner

Serving your cilantro lime steak bowls can be as fun as making them! Use vibrant colors and fresh ingredients for an eye-catching presentation that’s sure to impress family and friends.

Garnishes

Extra cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds brightness and enhances the dish’s overall flavor.
Lime wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side so everyone can add a splash of citrus just before digging in.
Sliced jalapeños: For those who enjoy some heat, thinly sliced jalapeños can be a delightful addition.

Side Dishes

Guacamole: Creamy guacamole pairs perfectly with the freshness of the steak bowls, adding richness that complements the other ingredients.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus grilled alongside your steak bring an additional layer of flavor and nutrition.
Corn Salsa: A zesty corn salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, and lime juice brightens up your meal while adding a refreshing crunch.
Tortilla Chips with Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with a side of salsa make for an excellent appetizer or snack alongside your meal.

Now you’re ready to whip up these delicious cilantro lime steak bowls for dinner! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can prepare many components in advance, making it a breeze to whip up a quick and satisfying dinner during a busy week.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover steak bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They will keep well for up to 3 days.
Keep components like avocado separate to maintain freshness for longer.

Freezing

To freeze, store the steak and rice separately from the fresh vegetables and toppings.
Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring you remove as much air as possible.
Frozen steak bowls can be kept for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the steak and rice in a microwave until warm throughout, about 2-3 minutes.
Alternatively, warm them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water for moisture.
Add fresh toppings after reheating to keep them crisp and flavorful.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you!

Can I use chicken instead of steak for the Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breast or thighs using the same marinade. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—chicken usually takes about 6-7 minutes per side on the grill.

What is the best way to enjoy Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls?

Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are best enjoyed fresh, but they also make great leftovers! Serve them chilled or warmed up with your favorite toppings for a quick dinner.

How long can I marinate flank steak for this recipe?

For optimal flavor, marinate your flank steak for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit for 2 to 4 hours really enhances the taste!

Final Thoughts

These Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are not just a meal; they’re an experience filled with vibrant flavors and textures that come together beautifully. I hope you find joy in making this dish as much as I do! It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep, bringing everyone together around the table. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your creations. Happy cooking!

Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Main
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

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Description

Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are a vibrant and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. This quick dinner features marinated flank steak grilled to perfection, served over a bed of hearty rice and topped with fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes and avocado. Bursting with zesty lime and fragrant cilantro, this dish is not only delicious but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a colorful dinner that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound flank steak
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn
1 avocado, sliced
1/2 cup red onion, diced
Lime wedges for serving
Extra cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
Marinate the flank steak in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Cook rice according to package instructions.
Heat black beans in a saucepan until warm.
Grill marinated steak on medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side until medium-rare.
Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Assemble bowls with rice as the base, followed by black beans, corn, sliced steak, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and additional garnishes.