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A vibrant featured image showcases delicious Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls with colorful toppings.

Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

These Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are a flavorful and easy weeknight meal. Juicy steak marinated in lime and cilantro is served over cilantro lime rice with your favorite toppings for a vibrant and satisfying dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs Flank steak or skirt steak
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 Jalapeño, seeded and minced optional
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 cup Long-grain rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups Water or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons Lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt, or to taste
  • 1 can Black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can Corn, or grilled corn
  • 1 Avocado, diced
  • 2 Tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 Red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups Shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup Salsa
  • 2 Lime wedges, for garnish

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
  • medium saucepan
  • Lid for saucepan
  • fork
  • Grill or large skillet (cast iron recommended)
  • Meat Thermometer
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • Bowls

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, minced jalapeño (if using), cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the flank steak or skirt steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it's evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  3. Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  4. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water or chicken broth, olive oil, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during cooking!
  5. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro.
  6. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Alternatively, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
  7. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill or sear the steak for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches your desired internal temperature.
  8. Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Slice the steak thinly against the grain.
  9. Divide the cilantro lime rice among bowls. Top with the sliced steak, black beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, shredded lettuce, sour cream or Greek yogurt, salsa, and a lime wedge.
  10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Marinating the steak infuses it with flavor, so don't skip it! Don't overcook the steak; use a meat thermometer for best results. Slice the steak against the grain for tenderness. Customize your bowls with your favorite toppings. You can cook the rice and marinate the steak ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights. For extra spice, add cayenne pepper to the marinade or hot sauce to your bowls. If you don't have a grill, you can use your broiler or sear the steak in a pan. Consider shrimp or chicken as alternatives to steak. Quinoa or cauliflower rice can be substituted for a healthier option. Make burrito bowls by adding refried beans and tortillas, or salad bowls by serving over mixed greens.