Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

The aroma of cilantro lime steak bowls fills the kitchen with delicious anticipation. A memorable family gathering featured these bowls, where flavors and vibrant colors came together to create a feast that delighted everyone. Each bite offers a perfect balance of savory steak, creamy avocado, and fresh veggies, making it an irresistible dish.

As friends gathered around the table, the enticing scent of grilled flank steak mingled with zesty lime and fresh cilantro. Conversations flowed, laughter echoed, and each person dove into their bowl, excited to discover the combination of tastes and textures. Cilantro lime steak bowls represent not only a meal but a celebration of togetherness, a testament to the joy of cooking with care.

The simple yet bold ingredients come together to create something special. Flank steak soaked in zesty marinade brings a burst of flavor while complementing the freshness of the vegetables and the creaminess of the avocado. Let’s explore how to craft this delightful dish that can easily become a family favorite.

Marinating Flank Steak

Fundamentals

Marinating the flank steak is essential to achieving deep flavor in these cilantro lime steak bowls. Flank steak is a lean cut that’s known for its rich taste, perfect for grilling. Marinating not only infuses the meat with flavors but also tenderizes it, ensuring each bite is juicy and satisfying.

The marinade combines fresh lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. The acidity from the lime juice helps break down the meat’s fibers, making the steak more tender. The spices offer depth, complementing the natural flavors of the flank steak.

Preparation/setup

Gather all the necessary ingredients to prepare the marinade effectively. You’ll need a medium bowl, where you can whisk together the marinade components. Combine ¼ cup of fresh lime juice, ¼ cup of olive oil, ¼ cup of chopped cilantro, and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Adding 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper follows.

Once the marinade is ready, place the flank steak into the bowl, ensuring it gets thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, although letting it sit for 2-4 hours helps deepen the flavors. This step is crucial for creating a memorable taste profile in your cilantro lime steak bowls.

Ingredients

Prepare your cilantro lime steak bowls with the following key ingredients:

• 1 pound flank steak
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 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
• ½ cup red onion, diced
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• Extra cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the flank steak and coat it thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours.
3. Cook the rice according to package directions.
4. Heat the black beans in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, seasoning with a pinch of salt or cumin if desired.
5. If using fresh corn, boil or sauté briefly. Heat frozen corn as needed.
6. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
7. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting the excess drip off before discarding the marinade.
8. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare.
9. After grilling, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
10. To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked rice into serving bowls.
11. Add black beans, corn, halved cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and diced red onion.
12. Top with sliced steak and feta cheese if desired.
13. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Exploring Flavor Variations with Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

Technique

Creating cilantro lime steak bowls doesn’t just revolve around the ingredients; technique plays a significant role in achieving the best results. For instance, ensure that you let the flank steak marinate long enough to absorb the flavors from the marinade.

Grilling the steak is an art in itself. Use a preheated grill for optimal sear marks and a delightful smoky flavor. When grilling, avoid flipping the steak too often; this helps maintain the juices inside. Use tongs to flip the steak halfway through the cooking time for an even cook.

Tips/tricks

• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, ensuring a perfectly cooked steak every time.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the veggie mix.
• Let the cooked rice cool slightly before adding other ingredients to avoid wilting the fresh vegetables.
• For added texture, consider grilling the cherry tomatoes for a smoky twist.

Perfecting the Results of Your Steak Bowls

Perfecting results

Achieving perfect cilantro lime steak bowls involves attention to detail. For perfectly sliced steak, always cut against the grain. This technique shortens the muscle fibers and results in a more tender bite.

As for the rice, choose between white or brown based on your preference. Brown rice adds nuttiness and a chewier texture, while white rice offers a softer consistency. Either choice complements the primary ingredients beautifully.

Troubleshooting/variations

If the steak turns out chewy, it might mean it overcooked or wasn’t cut against the grain. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, substitute flank steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu.

If you need a lighter version, consider using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. This alternative allows you to enjoy the same delicious flavors while keeping it low-carb.

Serving and Storing Your Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

Serving/presentation

Presenting cilantro lime steak bowls can be as simple or extravagant as you desire. Use colorful bowls to showcase the vibrant ingredients, layering them for a visually appealing dish. Start with a base of rice, then add black beans, corn, and fresh vegetables in separate sections.

For garnish, always include fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor and color. This added touch enhances the overall presentation, inviting everyone to dig in.

Pairings/storage

Cilantro lime steak bowls pair well with a fresh green salad or tortilla chips for a crisp side. For toppings, try adding a drizzle of sour cream or a dollop of guacamole for added richness.

Store any leftover steak bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently to preserve the flavors and textures. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of cilantro lime steak bowls again as a quick and easy meal!

Cilantro lime steak bowls cultivate a sense of joy around the dinner table, bringing people together over delicious food.

Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring marinated flank steak, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado served over rice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound flank steak
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 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
• ½ cup red onion, diced
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• Extra cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the flank steak and coat it thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours.
3. Cook the rice according to package directions.
4. Heat the black beans in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, seasoning with a pinch of salt or cumin if desired.
5. If using fresh corn, boil or sauté briefly. Heat frozen corn as needed.
6. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
7. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting the excess drip off before discarding the marinade.
8. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
9. After grilling, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
10. To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked rice into serving bowls.
11. Add black beans, corn, halved cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and diced red onion.
12. Top with sliced steak and feta cheese if desired.
13. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and consider grilling the cherry tomatoes for added flavor.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: steak bowls, marinated steak, cilantro lime