Name: Failproof Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe in 45 Minutes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 lbs flank steak; 1/2 cup avocado or olive oil; Zest of 1 lime; Juice of 2 limes; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 4 cups cooked rice or riced cauliflower; 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; 1 cup sour cream; 2 teaspoons Tajin seasoning

Jump to Recipe

Okay, friends, let’s talk about dinner. Specifically, let’s talk about my current obsession: this Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe! Seriously, I’ve been making these like, *every* week. What’s not to love? They’re packed with flavor, super easy to throw together (even on a crazy weeknight!), and honestly, they just make me feel good. It’s like a fiesta in a bowl, but a healthy one!

I’ve tweaked this recipe over time, testing different marinades and toppings until I landed on *the one*. And trust me, this is it. This recipe is my go-to when I want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, everyone in my family loves them, which is a total win. Get ready to add this Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe to your regular rotation – you won’t regret it!

Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe

Seriously, you’re gonna be obsessed! Here’s why:

Quick and Easy

I’m talking weeknight dinner hero! From fridge to table in under an hour. The marinade does most of the work, so you can chill while the flavors get happy.

Bursting with Flavor

Lime, cilantro, juicy steak… need I say more? It’s a zesty, fresh explosion in your mouth. My favorite part is that little kick of garlic!

Customizable and Healthy

Swap out toppings, add more veggies – make it YOUR bowl! Plus, it’s packed with protein and good-for-you stuff. Win-win!

Ingredients for Your Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need to make these amazing Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls. I always try to use the freshest ingredients possible – it really makes a difference! Don’t worry if you don’t have *everything* on hand, feel free to make some swaps (I’ll give you some ideas later!).

For the Cilantro Lime Marinade

2 lbs flank steak (this is my fave, but skirt steak works too!)
1/2 cup avocado or olive oil (I usually go with avocado)
Zest of 1 lime (trust me, don’t skip the zest!)
Juice of 2 limes (freshly squeezed, of course!)
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced (garlic press is your friend here!)
1/2 cup chopped cilantro (fresh, not dried!)
2 teaspoons kosher salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (also to taste)

For the Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

4 cups cooked rice or riced cauliflower (your choice!)
2 avocados, sliced (perfectly ripe is key!)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, heated (drained and rinsed!)
1 can (15 oz) corn, heated (I like to use fire-roasted for extra flavor)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your fave cheese!)
1/2 red onion, diced (adds a nice little bite!)
1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option!)
2 teaspoons Tajin seasoning (optional, but SO good!)

How to Prepare This Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get cooking? Don’t worry, this Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls recipe is seriously easy-peasy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down in no time! I promise, it’s worth it!

Marinating the Steak for the Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe

First things first, let’s get that steak marinating! In a bowl (or a big ziplock bag – less cleanup!), whisk together the oil, lime zest and juice, garlic, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix! Then, plop in your steak, making sure it’s all coated in that delicious marinade. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it’ll be!

Grilling the Steak for the Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe

Alright, time to fire up the grill! Get it nice and hot – medium-high heat is what we’re aiming for. Now, grill that marinated steak for about 10 minutes per side, but honestly, use a meat thermometer! You want it to be cooked to your liking. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F. Once it’s done, take it off the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This is *super* important! It lets the juices redistribute, making it extra tender. Then, slice it against the grain – this makes it easier to chew. Trust me!

Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe - detail 2

Assembling Your Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

Now for the fun part – building your bowl! Grab your favorite bowl and pile in some rice (or riced cauliflower). Then, add that gorgeous grilled steak, sliced avocado, black beans, corn, cheese, and red onion. Now, for the pièce de résistance: a dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt!) and a sprinkle of Tajin seasoning. Boom! Dinner is served! Feel free to add any other toppings you love – salsa, pico de gallo, whatever floats your boat. Get creative!

Tips for the Best Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe

Want to take these Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls from good to *amazing*? I’ve got you covered! Here are a few of my secret weapons for making them perfect every time. These little tweaks make a BIG difference, trust me!

Choosing the Right Steak

Flank steak is my go-to because it’s flavorful and cooks quickly. But hey, skirt steak works great too! Just avoid anything *too* thick, or it’ll take forever to grill.

Perfecting the Marinade

Taste as you go! Want more lime? Add it! More garlic? Go for it! Don’t be afraid to adjust the marinade to your liking. That’s the fun of cooking!

Grilling Like a Pro

Patience, young Padawan! Don’t overcrowd the grill. Give that steak some space to get a nice sear. And for the love of all that is holy, let it REST before slicing!

Variations on This Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe. Now what? Time to get a little crazy! These bowls are *begging* for variations! Don’t be afraid to play around with different flavors and ingredients. That’s how you discover your new favorite meal! Here are a couple ideas to get you started…

Spicy Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe

Wanna kick things up a notch? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade! Or, throw some sliced jalapeños into your bowl. Boom! Instant heat!

Vegetarian Cilantro Lime Bowls Recipe

No steak? No problem! Swap it out for grilled halloumi cheese or seasoned black beans. Still totally delicious and satisfying. Seriously, try it!

Serving Suggestions for Your Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe

Okay, so you’ve got your amazing Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls… but what goes with them? Honestly, they’re pretty awesome on their own! But if you’re looking to make it a *real* feast, I’d suggest some chips and salsa (duh!), a side of grilled corn, or maybe even a simple black bean soup. Yum!

Storing and Reheating Your Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the steak separately from the other ingredients so it doesn’t get soggy. Everything will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat the steak, a quick zap in the microwave works, but sautéing it in a pan with a little oil is even better! Keeps it nice and juicy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe

Got questions about these Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked. Don’t be shy, if you have more, just ask in the comments!

Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak for This Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe?

Totally! While I love flank steak, skirt steak is a fantastic substitute. Just keep in mind that different cuts cook at different rates, so adjust your grilling time accordingly. Also, tougher cuts will benefit from a longer marinating time!

How Long Should I Marinate the Steak for This Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe?

Okay, so ideally, you want to marinate it for at least 30 minutes. But honestly, even 15 minutes is better than nothing! You can marinate it for up to 3 hours, but I wouldn’t go much longer than that, or the lime juice can start to break down the steak too much.

Can I Make This Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yep! You can definitely prep some of the ingredients ahead of time. Cook the rice, chop the veggies, and even marinate the steak! Just store everything separately in the fridge, and then assemble the bowls right before serving. Easy peasy!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe

Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, but I can give you a *rough* estimate! Expect around 600 calories per bowl, with about 35g of fat, 40g of protein, and 40g of carbs. Obviously, this’ll change based on your toppings!

Enjoy Your Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls Recipe!

Alright, friends, time to dig in! And hey, if you loved these bowls as much as I do, leave a comment below! Or even better, snap a pic and share it on Instagram! I wanna see your creations!