Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

Update : December 31, 2025

why make this recipe

Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are a great choice for a delicious and healthy meal. This recipe is colorful, full of flavor, and super easy to make. It brings together tender marinated steak, fresh vegetables, and wholesome grains, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, you can customize each bowl to fit your taste!

how to make Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

Ingredients:

1 pound flank steak
¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ 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
½ cup red onion, diced
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Extra cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges for serving

Directions:

Marinate the Steak:

In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add flank steak and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours.

Prepare Rice and Beans:

Cook rice according to package directions.
Heat black beans in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt or cumin if desired.
Cook corn if using fresh (boil or sauté briefly). Heat frozen corn as needed.

Cook the Steak:

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high.
Remove steak from marinade and let excess drip off. Discard marinade.
Grill steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare or until desired doneness (130°F for medium-rare).
Let rest for 5-10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.

Assemble Bowls:

Divide rice into bowls.
Add black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and red onion.
Top with sliced steak and feta, if using.
Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy!

how to serve Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

Serve the bowls warm or at room temperature. You can add extra lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick. These bowls make a great meal prep option since you can pack them for lunch or dinner throughout the week!

how to store Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

Store the bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The steak and veggies can last for about 3-4 days. For best results, store components separately to keep everything fresh.

tips to make Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

For even more flavor, marinate the steak overnight.
Feel free to add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or salsa.
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked grilled chicken or shrimp instead of steak.

variation (if any)

You can swap out the flank steak for chicken, shrimp, or tofu to change up the protein. Additionally, you can add different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini based on your preference.

FAQs

1. Can I make Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice, beans, and marinade the steak ahead of time. Just assemble before serving.

2. Can I freeze leftover steak bowls?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled bowls without the toppings. Just thaw and reheat when ready to eat.

3. What can I use instead of flank steak?
You can use sirloin, skirt steak, or even chicken for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time according to the type of meat you use.