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A vibrant cilantro lime steak bowl with fresh ingredients.

Zesty Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

These vibrant Zesty Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls feature tender, marinated steak strips served over rice with fresh toppings, offering a healthy and flavorful meal option. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or meal preparation, this dish is both satisfying and easy to customize.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 bowls
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • whisk
  • large skillet or cast-iron pan

Ingredients
  

For the Steak & Marinade

  • 1 lb flank steak, sirloin steak, or skirt steak cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice from 1-2 limes
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bowls (Suggestions)

  • Cooked rice white, brown, or cauliflower rice
  • Black beans rinsed and drained
  • Corn fresh, frozen, or canned
  • Avocado diced or sliced
  • Cherry tomatoes halved
  • Red onion thinly sliced or finely diced
  • Extra fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together cilantro, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
  • Add steak strips to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 1-2 hours for best flavor.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated steak in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until desired doneness, cooking in batches if needed.
  • Remove steak from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes.
  • Divide cooked rice among serving bowls, then arrange the cooked steak strips over the rice.
  • Artfully add your desired toppings, such as black beans, corn, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
  • Garnish with extra fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. Feel free to customize your bowls with other vegetables like bell peppers or roasted sweet potatoes. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; store toppings separately for best freshness if possible.