These Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are a perfect blend of fresh, vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. Grilled flank steak, seasoned with a zesty cilantro-lime marinade, is paired with rice, avocado, black beans, and a tangy lime crema. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a summer favorite!
Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 2 lbs flank steak
- 1/2 cup avocado or olive oil
- 1 unit lime zest from 1 lime
- 2 units lime juice from 2 limes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Toppings
- 4 cups cooked rice (or riced cauliflower for a lighter version)
- 2 units avocados, sliced
- 1 can black beans (15 oz, heated)
- 1 can corn (15 oz, heated)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 unit red onion, diced
For the Lime Crema
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons Tajin seasoning
- 1 unit lime juice from 1 lime
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, combine the oil, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- Place the flank steak in a shallow dish or zip-top bag, and pour the marinade over the meat. Seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 3 hours.
Grilling the Steak
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and grill it for about 10 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
- For medium, the internal temperature should be around 145°F.
- Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it against the grain.
Making the Lime Crema
- In a small bowl, combine sour cream, Tajin seasoning, and lime juice. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Assembling the Bowls
- Prepare your rice according to the package instructions.
- For each bowl, add a serving of rice, then top with sliced steak, avocado, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, and diced red onion.
- Drizzle with the lime crema.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are full of fresh, bold flavors, making them an ideal dish for a warm-weather meal. The tender grilled steak is packed with flavor, and the creamy lime crema adds the perfect tangy finish. Plus, this dish is customizable, so everyone can choose their favorite toppings. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
What Makes This Recipe Special
What sets these steak bowls apart is the zesty cilantro-lime marinade that infuses the beef with incredible flavor. The grilled steak is perfectly paired with simple yet flavorful ingredients like rice, black beans, avocado, and cheese. The lime crema brings everything together, making each bite a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and tangy.
Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
What You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 2 lbs flank steak
- 1/2 cup avocado or olive oil
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 2 limes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 4 cups cooked rice (or riced cauliflower for a lighter version)
- 2 avocados, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, heated
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, heated
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 red onion, diced
For the Lime Crema:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons Tajin seasoning
- Juice of 1 lime
Directions for Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, combine the oil, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined. Place the flank steak in a shallow dish or zip-top bag, and pour the marinade over the meat. Seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 3 hours.
Step 2: Grill the Steak
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and grill it for about 10 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium, the internal temperature should be around 145°F. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it against the grain.
Step 3: Make the Lime Crema
In a small bowl, combine sour cream, Tajin seasoning, and lime juice. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Prepare your rice according to the package instructions. For each bowl, add a serving of rice, then top with sliced steak, avocado, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, and diced red onion. Drizzle with the lime crema.
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
These bowls are complete on their own but can also be served with a side of crispy tortilla chips or a light salad. For extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh cilantro over the top or add a squeeze of extra lime juice.
How to Store Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
Refrigerating Leftovers:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The steak and rice will absorb the flavors of the crema, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing:
While this dish can be frozen, the avocado should be omitted as it does not freeze well. To freeze, store the steak, rice, and toppings separately from the crema. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop and add fresh avocado before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to the bright flavors in this dish is using fresh limes and cilantro. Fresh ingredients will make all the difference!
- Adjust the Heat: If you like some spice, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top of the bowls.
- Make it Ahead of Time: You can marinate the steak ahead of time, and the lime crema can be prepared a day in advance for even more flavor.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
- Extra Veggies: Add grilled bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for more color and flavor in your bowls.
- Grilled Chicken: If you prefer chicken, use boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute flank steak with skirt steak, sirloin, or even grilled chicken for a different flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! The steak can be grilled in advance and reheated, and the lime crema can be prepared up to a day ahead.
What should I serve with these steak bowls?
These bowls are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of tortilla chips, a fresh salad, or even guacamole.