Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are fresh, bold, and full of vibrant flavor — featuring juicy marinated steak, fluffy rice, zesty lime, and a punchy cilantro finish. Layered with toppings like avocado, beans, and salsa, it’s a customizable, meal-prep-friendly dish that’s both hearty and refreshing. I love how every bite brings together spice, tang, and rich grilled meat in one balanced bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy these bowls are to build and how much flavor they pack in with minimal effort. The cilantro lime marinade infuses the steak with brightness and depth, while the rice and toppings make it satisfying and versatile. Whether I’m making dinner for the family or prepping lunches for the week, these steak bowls always deliver bold flavor and satisfying textures.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the steak and marinade:

• Flank steak or skirt steak
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime juice and zest
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

For the bowls:

• Cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro lime rice)
• Black beans or pinto beans
• Corn (fresh, frozen, or grilled)
• Avocado or guacamole
• Cherry tomatoes or salsa
• Red onion, finely chopped
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Lime wedges
• Optional: sour cream, shredded cheese, jalapeños

Directions

1. I start by whisking together the marinade ingredients — lime juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro.
2. I place the steak in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. I let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
3. While the steak marinates, I prepare the rice and any toppings I want to include.
4. I heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. I remove the steak from the marinade and cook for 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
5. I let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
6. I assemble the bowls by layering rice, beans, corn, tomatoes or salsa, avocado, and sliced steak.
7. I top each bowl with chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and any other desired toppings.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes (or more)
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap the steak for grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for variety. For a lower-carb option, I use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. If I want extra spice, I add hot sauce or sliced jalapeños. And when I’m meal prepping, I keep the ingredients separate so everything stays fresh and easy to reheat.

Storage/reheating

I store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm the steak and rice gently in the microwave or on the stove, then assemble fresh bowls with cold toppings like avocado, cilantro, and salsa just before serving.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of steak for these bowls?

I usually use flank or skirt steak — they’re flavorful, quick to cook, and slice beautifully against the grain.

Can I make these bowls ahead of time?

Yes, I prep all the components in advance and store them separately. I slice the avocado fresh before serving to keep it from browning.

Do I have to grill the steak?

Not at all — I often sear it in a hot skillet or cook it under the broiler if I don’t want to fire up the grill.

How do I keep the steak tender?

I don’t overcook it, and I always slice it thinly against the grain. Marinating also helps keep it flavorful and tender.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

The cooked steak freezes well — I store it in a freezer bag and thaw in the fridge overnight. I don’t recommend freezing avocado or fresh toppings.

Conclusion

Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something bold, balanced, and endlessly customizable. The zesty marinade brings the steak to life, and the colorful bowl format makes every bite interesting. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe always brings the flavor and keeps things fresh.

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