Name: Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls: A Flavorful Recipe for a Quick Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound flank steak; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes); 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown); 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 avocado, sliced; 1/2 cup red onion, diced; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional); Extra cilantro for garnish; Lime wedges for serving

Jump to Recipe

Say hello to your new favorite weeknight meal: Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls. This dish is vibrant, satisfying, and comes together so quickly, you’ll wonder how you ever managed dinner without it! A Flavorful Recipe for a Quick Dinner is all about simplicity without sacrificing taste, and these bowls tick every box: juicy marinated steak, zesty fresh toppings, hearty rice, and an effortless assembly that lets you customize each serving. When you crave bold flavors and a colorful dinner that doesn’t chain you to the stove, it’s ready to deliver.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A Flavorful Recipe for a Quick Dinner Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s beauty in a streamlined ingredient list where every piece pulls its weight: bold steak, fresh veggies, and a crave-worthy marinade that makes everything pop. With just a handful of accessible ingredients, you’ll achieve a harmony of textures, colors, and flavors in each bite.

Flank steak (1 pound): Lean, easy to cook, and loves soaking up that lively cilantro-lime marinade.
Fresh lime juice (1/4 cup, about 2 limes): Brings brightness, tang, and helps tenderize the steak.
Olive oil (1/4 cup): Deepens the marinade and assists with a golden sear on the grill.
Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Gives the bowls their signature herbal freshness—don’t skip it!
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds punchy, savory flavor that balances the citrus and herbs.
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Lends earthy warmth and that classic Tex-Mex aroma.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Offers gentle heat and color, not overwhelming, just right.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for drawing out flavors in both your marinade and toppings.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A little sharpness to enhance every other note in the dish.
Rice (1 cup cooked, white or brown): A fluffy, hearty foundation for all your toppings.
Black beans (1 can, rinsed and drained): Creamy texture and a boost of protein—feel free to season further!
Corn (1 cup, fresh, frozen, or canned): Sweet bursts add sunshine and crunch to every bite.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Juicy pops of color and freshness—go for ripe, in-season tomatoes.
Avocado (1, sliced): Buttery smoothness that mellows out the zest and spice.
Red onion (1/2 cup, diced): Sharp, vibrant, and crunchy—it enlivens the bowl.
Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled, optional): Salty, tangy goodness for a Mexican-Mediterranean twist.
Extra cilantro for garnish: You can never have too much, trust me!
Lime wedges for serving: A squeeze at the very end brings every flavor into sharp focus.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls: A Flavorful Recipe for a Quick Dinner

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk your lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. The scent alone is reason to get excited—the fresh lime and cilantro immediately set the tone for a zesty dinner you’ll crave again and again!

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Nestle your flank steak into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the lively marinade all over, making sure the steak is coated thoroughly. Seal it up or cover, and set it in the fridge. While 30 minutes works in a pinch, giving it 2 to 4 hours means maximum flavor in every juicy bite.

Step 3: Prep the Rice

While your steak soaks up all that goodness, cook up your rice—either brown for added chew and nutrition, or classic white for a soft, neutral base. Follow the package instructions and keep it fluffy and ready for assembly.

Step 4: Warm the Beans and Prepare the Corn

In a small saucepan, gently heat your rinsed black beans with a pinch of salt or cumin if you like. Meanwhile, cook the corn however you prefer—boil, sauté, microwave, whatever’s easiest. You want it sweet and hot, ready to add bursts of sunshine to your bowls.

Step 5: Grill the Steak

Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high and make sure it’s lightly oiled (no sticking, please!). Remove the steak from the marinade, shaking off the extra. Grill each side for about 4-5 minutes for medium-rare, or keep it on until you reach your perfect doneness. The grill marks and sizzle? Pure dinnertime magic.

Step 6: Rest and Slice the Steak

Transfer that beautiful steak to a cutting board and let it rest 5 to 10 minutes. This keeps all the wonderful juices right where you want them. Then, slice thinly against the grain for the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth strips.

Step 7: Build Your Bowls

Now the fun part! In a large bowl or individual bowls, start with a generous scoop of rice. Layer on the black beans and corn, then crown it all with those juicy steak slices. Scatter on the cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, sharp red onion, and that irresistible feta (if using).

Step 8: Add Final Touches and Serve

Shower the finished bowls with extra chopped cilantro and nestle in fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the top. Every element is customizable, so let everyone make their bowl their own—perfect for the whole family or a fun gathering with friends.

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls: A Flavorful Recipe for a Quick Dinner

Garnishes

A handful of extra cilantro never hurt anyone—scatter it over your bowls for a blast of color and leafy freshness. Lime wedges add a personalized tangy finish, while a sprinkle of crumbled feta offers creamy contrast. If you like heat, thinly sliced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce on the table is always a crowd-pleaser!

Side Dishes

While these steak bowls are certainly a showstopper on their own, they play well with others. Pair them with crispy tortilla chips and fresh guacamole, a simple mixed greens salad, or even a cup of chilled gazpacho for summer vibes. Balance the zesty, hearty bowls with cool and crisp sides for a simply perfect spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Give your A Flavorful Recipe for a Quick Dinner an extra-special twist by serving the components family-style, allowing everyone to customize their own. Try assembling mini bowls or taco cups for parties, or layer everything in a wide platter for a beautiful, help-yourself centerpiece. Play with colorful bowls, quirky garnishes, or even edible flowers for an Instagram-ready presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extras, store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps everything fresh and makes for easy assembly of A Flavorful Recipe for a Quick Dinner on busy days. Be sure to keep the avocado separate and slice fresh when serving to prevent browning.

Freezing

While the fresh veggies and toppings aren’t freezer-friendly, you can absolutely freeze the marinated (raw) steak in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months or cooked steak slices for future bowls. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed as usual for a nearly effortless meal.

Reheating

Reheat steak gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short bursts to keep it tender. Beans can be quickly warmed in the microwave or on the stove. Assemble everything fresh, adding creamy avocado and bright toppings at the last minute to revive every bowl to its freshly-made glory.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for these steak bowls?

Absolutely! Skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye work wonderfully in A Flavorful Recipe for a Quick Dinner. Just adjust grilling times according to thickness and always cut against the grain for max tenderness.

How can I make these bowls vegetarian?

Simply omit the steak and amp up the beans, corn, and avocado—or add grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned tofu. You’ll still have all the color and zip of A Flavorful Recipe for a Quick Dinner with a plant-based twist!

Can I prep any ingredients in advance?

Yes! You can marinate the steak the night before, cook rice and beans ahead of time, and chop veggies a few hours in advance. Keep each element sealed separately and build bowls right before serving—so convenient for a quick dinner.

What’s the best way to slice flank steak?

Always slice thinly against the grain. This breaks up the muscle fibers and makes each bite melt-in-your-mouth tender, a key to the success of A Flavorful Recipe for a Quick Dinner.

Is feta cheese necessary in the bowls?

It’s totally optional. Feta adds salty tang, but the bowls are delicious even without it. Try cotija, queso fresco, or skip the cheese to keep things dairy-free!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe inspires you to take a spin on A Flavorful Recipe for a Quick Dinner. Every bite is packed with zesty marinade, vibrant veggies, and satisfying steak—giving you a meal that’s as fun to assemble as it is to devour. Don’t wait for a special occasion; give these steak bowls a try and fall in love with quick, bold flavors any night of the week!

Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls: A Flavorful Recipe for a Quick Dinner

★★★★★

4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines marinated grilled steak with fresh vegetables and zesty lime. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
Marinate the Steak: Place flank steak in a resealable bag or dish, pour marinade over the steak, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Rice: Prepare the rice according to package instructions.
Heat the Beans and Corn: Warm black beans in a saucepan and cook corn if using fresh.
Grill the Steak: Preheat and oil the grill, then grill the steak to desired doneness.
Rest and Slice: Let the steak rest, then slice thinly against the grain.
Assemble the Bowls: Start with rice, add beans, corn, steak, tomatoes, avocado, onion, and feta.
Garnish and Serve: Top with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mexican