Ingredients
1.5 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
Marinade:
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 2–3 limes)
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Cilantro Lime Rice:
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
2 cups water or chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt to taste
For the Bowls (Toppings):
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
1–2 ripe avocados, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced or diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Optional garnishes: extra cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, hot sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steak Marinade. In a shallow dish or a large zip-top bag, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the flank steak, ensuring it is fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Do not marinate for more than 4 hours as the acid can toughen the meat.
Step 2: Cook the Cilantro Lime Rice. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water (or broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Once cooked, remove from heat, let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Stir in 1/4 cup fresh lime juice and 1/2 cup chopped cilantro. Season with salt to taste.
Step 3: Prepare the Toppings. While the steak is marinating and rice is cooking, prepare all your desired toppings: dice the avocados, slice the red onion and cherry tomatoes, and rinse and drain the black beans and corn. Set aside.
Step 4: Sear the Steak. Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Add a tablespoon of high-smoke-point oil. Remove the steak from the marinade (discarding excess marinade) and sear for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to your preferred doneness. Achieve a nice crust on the outside. Let the steak rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls. Divide the cilantro lime rice among 4 bowls. Top generously with the sliced steak, black beans, corn, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and any other desired toppings like sour cream or hot sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious cilantro lime steak bowls!
Notes
For best flavor, marinate the steak for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours. Do not exceed 4 hours as the lime juice can begin to denature the meat. Rest the cooked steak for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain for maximum tenderness. For spicier bowls, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or serve with a spicy salsa.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner Dishes
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: cilantro lime steak bowls, steak bowl recipe, flank steak recipe, healthy dinner, meal prep, mexican inspired, lime cilantro steak, easy steak recipe, weeknight dinner

