Cilantro Lime Steak and Rice Bowl

$- 1 lb flank steak - 2 cups cooked jasmine rice - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 2 limes (juice and zest) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 avocado, sliced - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional) - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup corn (fresh or canned) The ingredients for the cilantro lime steak and rice bowl come together to create a fresh and zesty meal. Each ingredient plays a role in building layers of flavor. Flank steak gives you a tender bite, while the lime juice brightens it up. The jasmine rice provides a warm base, soaking up all the juices. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and taste. Don't forget the lime zest! It adds depth. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness, and avocado provides creaminess. If you like some heat, add thin jalapeño slices. Red onion adds crunch, and corn brings a hint of sweetness. - Additional vegetables - Alternative proteins (chicken, shrimp, etc.) - Low-carb substitutions Feel free to make this dish your own! You can add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. You can swap the steak for chicken or shrimp if you prefer. If you're watching carbs, try cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice. This meal is all about your taste. I love how easy it is to adjust based on what you have on hand. You can find the full recipe in the earlier section. Enjoy making this flavorful meal! To start, you need to make a tasty marinade. Combine lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix it well. Then, take the flank steak and place it in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, let it sit for up to 2 hours. Next, prepare the jasmine rice. Follow the package instructions carefully. This usually involves rinsing the rice, then cooking it in water until tender. Once it's done, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside. This will be the base of your bowl. Now, it’s time to grill the steak. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and throw away the marinade. Grill the steak for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. This should get you a nice medium-rare steak. Once cooked, let the steak rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. After resting, slice the steak against the grain. While the steak is resting, it’s a great time to prep your toppings. Slice the cherry tomatoes and avocado. If you like heat, thinly slice the jalapeño. Finally, chop the red onion. These toppings add freshness and crunch to your bowl. To put it all together, grab a bowl. Start with a generous layer of jasmine rice as your base. Then, add the sliced steak on top. Next, pile on the cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, corn, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. For the final touch, drizzle some extra lime juice over the top. This adds brightness and flavor. You can garnish with more cilantro if you like. Now your Cilantro Lime Steak and Rice Bowl is ready to enjoy! For the complete details on making this dish, check out the Full Recipe. Grilling or searing both work well for this dish. Grilling gives a nice smoky flavor. It adds beautiful grill marks and a juicy texture. Searing in a pan also works. Use medium-high heat to get a good crust. Each method has its charm, so choose what fits your kitchen best. Using a meat thermometer is key for perfect doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F. Let the steak rest after cooking. This helps keep the juices inside, making each bite tender and flavorful. Letting the steak marinate longer improves flavor. I suggest at least one hour, or even overnight. This allows the lime and spices to soak into the meat. A well-marinated steak makes a big difference. Adding spices and herbs to the rice elevates the dish. I like to mix in some garlic powder or cumin while cooking. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley also add a burst of flavor. Experiment with what you have on hand to make it your own. To serve, use large shallow bowls. Arrange the ingredients in sections for a colorful display. Keep the rice at the base. Lay the steak slices on top, then add the veggies around. This not only looks great but also makes it easy for guests to customize their bowls. Add lime wedges on the side. They enhance the visual appeal and offer extra zing. A bright presentation makes the meal feel special and inviting. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily switch to vegetarian options. Try using paneer or tofu as a protein base. Both options absorb flavors well. They add a creamy texture and protein boost. You can also customize with more vegetables. Consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. These veggies add crunch and nutrition. Mix and match to fit your taste. While jasmine rice is delicious, you can try other grains. Quinoa is a great choice for added protein and fiber. It cooks quickly and has a nutty flavor. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. This option is light and very healthy. Other rice types like brown rice or basmati also work well. They offer different textures and flavors to enjoy. For a creamy touch, try avocado crema. It adds richness and balances the dish nicely. Just blend ripe avocados, lime juice, and a bit of salt. If you like spice, explore different salsa options. A mango salsa adds sweetness, while a tomatillo salsa brings heat. Each sauce gives a unique twist to the bowl. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas and details! To keep your cilantro lime steak and rice bowl fresh, store leftovers right. First, let the bowl cool to room temperature. Then, transfer the food into airtight containers. This helps prevent moisture loss. For best results, refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking. Store the steak, rice, and toppings separately if possible. This keeps each ingredient fresh and tasty. I recommend using glass containers. They are durable and easy to clean. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating carefully is key. For the best taste, use the stovetop. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the steak juicy. Heat for about 3-4 minutes, turning the steak halfway. For rice, you can microwave it. Add a few drops of water and cover it. Heat for one minute, stir, then heat for another minute. This keeps the rice fluffy. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Divide the steak, rice, and toppings into portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to label each bag with the date. To thaw safely, move the portion to the fridge the night before. This keeps the food at a safe temperature. If you need it fast, use the microwave on the defrost setting. Just remember to cook it right after thawing for the best flavor. To make steak tender, you can use a few techniques. First, marinate the meat. Use an acid like lime juice from the recipe. This will break down tough fibers. Second, use a meat mallet. Gently pound the steak to break down its fibers. Third, slice the steak against the grain. This makes each bite easier to chew. Yes, you can use other cuts. Some great alternatives include skirt steak, sirloin, or ribeye. Each has its own flavor and texture. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed. For a leaner option, consider chicken breast or pork tenderloin. This dish goes well with many sides. You might try a fresh salad or grilled vegetables. Corn on the cob or black beans also pair nicely. For a crunchy option, consider tortilla chips with salsa. Each side adds a unique flavor to your meal. Cooked steak and rice can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Store them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. In the freezer, they can last for about 2 to 3 months. Yes, this dish is gluten-free! All the ingredients are safe. Just make sure to check any packaged items, like corn, for hidden gluten. This makes it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Enjoy this meal without worry! To sum up, we explored a delicious Cilantro Lime Steak and Rice Bowl. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and tips for enhancing flavor. You can also customize this dish with various proteins and grains. Remember, letting the steak marinate and using fresh toppings can elevate your meal. Whether you're cooking for yourself or sharing, this recipe is sure to impress. Now, get cooking and enjoy each bite of your tasty creation!$

Cilantro Lime Steak and Rice Bowl

Savor the delicious flavor of this Cilantro Lime Steak and Rice Bowl, the ultimate meal for any occasion! This dish features tender marinated flank steak, fluffy jasmine rice, and a vibrant mix of fresh toppings like cherry tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro. Ready in just 50 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

1 lb flank steak

2 cups cooked jasmine rice

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 limes (juice and zest)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 avocado, sliced

1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup corn (fresh or canned)

Instructions

Marinate the Steak: In a small bowl, mix the lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the flank steak in a resealable bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

Cook the Rice: Prepare the jasmine rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Grill the Steak: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness. Once cooked, let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Prepare the Toppings: While the steak is resting, prepare the toppings. Slice the cherry tomatoes, avocado, and jalapeño (if using), and chop the red onion.

Assemble the Rice Bowl: In a bowl, place a generous serving of jasmine rice as the base. Top with slices of grilled steak, followed by cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, corn, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Finish with Lime: Drizzle with extra lime juice if desired and garnish with additional cilantro for a fresh finish.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve in large shallow bowls, arranging the ingredients in sections for a colorful display. Adding lime wedges on the side enhances the visual appeal and allows guests to add more lime as they wish.