Grilled steak, zesty lime, creamy avocado, and a tangy lime crema – what more could you want in a meal? These Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls bring all your favorite Mexican-inspired flavors together in a bowl. Juicy grilled steak is paired with rice, black beans, corn, and the creaminess of avocado and lime crema. This dish is not only bursting with flavor, but it’s also quick to prepare and perfect for any night of the week!
Why Make This Recipe?
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Bold, Fresh Flavors: With cilantro, lime, and a grilled steak base, each bite is full of vibrant, fresh flavors.
- Easy to Make: This meal is straightforward to assemble, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Customizable: Set up a toppings bar and let your family build their own bowl just the way they like it!
- Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the juicy steak, creamy avocado, and crunchy toppings – it’s a hit for all ages!
- Healthy and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber, these bowls are a satisfying meal that’s still on the lighter side.
“My picky teenager said this was ‘bussin’! It’s a favorite in our house, and I can’t wait to make it again.”
How to Make Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
Step-by-Step Overview
- Marinate the Steak: Whisk together a simple marinade of oil, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and spices. Coat the flank steak and refrigerate it to marinate for 30 minutes to 3 hours.
- Grill the Steak: Cook the steak on a medium-high grill for 10 minutes per side (or until your desired doneness). Let it rest before slicing.
- Char the Corn: In a skillet, sauté corn with onions and jalapeños for a quick char and smoky flavor.
- Assemble the Bowls: Layer the rice, black beans, corn, avocado, and steak in bowls. Top with shredded cheese, red onion, and the lime crema.
- Serve: Drizzle the lime crema over the top, and serve with a lime wedge for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 2 lbs flank steak
- ½ cup avocado or olive oil
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 2 limes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Bowls:
- 4 cups cooked rice (or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
- 2 avocados, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, heated
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, heated
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ red onion, diced
For the Lime Crema:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons Tajín seasoning
- Juice of 1 lime
Directions
- Marinate the Steak: In a shallow dish or zip-top bag, combine oil, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Add the flank steak, turning to coat it evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 3 hours.
- Grill the Steak: Heat your grill to medium-high. Place the steak on the grill and cook for 10 minutes on each side or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness (145°F for medium). Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.
- Char the Corn: In the same skillet, heat a bit more oil. Add corn, onion, and jalapeño. Sauté on high heat for about 4-5 minutes until the corn is charred and tender. Remove from heat and stir in half of the lime crema.
- Assemble the Bowls: In individual bowls, add a scoop of rice, followed by a layer of sliced steak, a generous serving of charred corn, black beans, avocado, shredded cheese, and diced red onion.
- Top with Lime Crema: Drizzle the remaining lime crema over the top of each bowl. Serve with lime wedges for an extra kick of freshness.
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
- Toppings: Consider adding extra toppings like fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of cheese, or even a drizzle of extra lime crema.
- Side Dishes: These bowls pair well with crispy tortilla chips, a side salad, or grilled veggies.
- For a Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice for a healthier, low-carb version.
How to Store
- Refrigerate: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the cooked steak, rice, and corn in separate containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- Reheat: Reheat the bowls in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
Tips to Make the Best Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro, lime juice, and garlic will make a huge difference in the flavor of the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Steak: Flank steak can get tough if overcooked, so make sure to grill it to medium or medium-rare for the best texture.
- Customize Your Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like black olives, bell peppers, or grilled onions to enhance the dish.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Use mushrooms or a plant-based protein in place of the steak for a vegetarian version.
- Add Grilled Veggies: Toss in some grilled bell peppers, zucchini, or other veggies for added flavor and color.
- Spicy: Add extra jalapeños or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier dish.
FAQs
- Can I use a different cut of steak?
- Yes, you can use other cuts of steak like skirt steak or ribeye. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as thicker cuts may need longer grilling times.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, you can marinate the steak ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Assemble the bowls just before serving to keep everything fresh.
- What can I serve with this dish?
- You can serve this with a simple salad, tortilla chips, or even a side of salsa for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
Conclusion
These Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are bursting with vibrant, fresh flavors and are perfect for any weeknight dinner. With tender grilled steak, creamy avocado, zesty lime crema, and flavorful toppings, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy!
Print
Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
Juicy grilled steak paired with rice, black beans, corn, avocado, and zesty lime crema, creating a flavorful, customizable meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs flank steak
- ½ cup avocado or olive oil
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 2 limes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups cooked rice (or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
- 2 avocados, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, heated
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, heated
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ red onion, diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons Tajín seasoning
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: Whisk together oil, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Coat flank steak and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 3 hours.
- Grill the Steak: Heat your grill to medium-high. Cook steak for 10 minutes per side. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Char the Corn: In a skillet, sauté corn with onions and jalapeños for about 4-5 minutes until charred.
- Assemble the Bowls: Layer rice, black beans, corn, avocado, and steak in bowls. Top with cheese, red onion, and lime crema.
- Serve: Drizzle lime crema over each bowl and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Customize toppings to your taste. Can be made ahead by marinating steak in advance.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican