Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

When the weather starts to warm up, there’s nothing better than firing up the grill and making a meal that feels like summer on a plate. These Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are exactly that — fresh, flavorful, and packed with protein, vibrant veggies, and zesty lime crema. They’re the kind of meal you’ll crave all season long (and probably all year, too).

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We love grilling all year round, but when the days get sunnier, I find myself wanting to be outside as much as possible — cooking, eating, and enjoying the sunshine. That’s how these Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls were born. It’s the perfect mix of smoky, citrusy, and creamy flavors that bring a little fiesta to your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love These Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

This bowl is everything you want in a healthy and satisfying dinner. Tender slices of marinated flank steak are grilled to perfection, served over fluffy rice, and topped with creamy avocado, black beans, juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, sharp cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of tangy lime crema.

It’s an ideal recipe for weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep — everyone can build their own bowl just the way they like it. My teenagers love it, and even the picky eaters at home go back for seconds.

Bonus: It’s gluten-free, customizable, and can easily be made lighter by swapping the rice for cauliflower rice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these mouthwatering Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls, you’ll need simple ingredients that come together for a restaurant-worthy meal.

For the Steak Marinade

• Flank steak: Tender, lean, and perfect for grilling.
• Avocado oil or olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to the steak and adds richness.
• Limes (zest + juice): The star of the show — bright and zesty.
• Fresh garlic: Adds depth and savory flavor.
• Cilantro: Fresh and aromatic, it ties the marinade together.
• Salt & pepper: Simple but essential.

For the Bowls

• Rice: White, brown, or cilantro lime rice — your choice.
• Avocados: Creamy and cooling against the zesty steak.
• Black beans: A great source of fiber and protein.
• Corn: Adds sweetness and color.
• Cheddar cheese: For that melty, savory touch.
• Red onion: A little crunch and sharpness for balance.

For the Lime Crema

You only need three ingredients for the magic drizzle that ties everything together:

• Sour cream
• Tajin seasoning (or chili-lime seasoning)
• Fresh lime juice

How to Make Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls

This recipe is easy, fresh, and doesn’t take much hands-on time. Here’s how to make it from start to finish.

1. Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together avocado oil, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the lime to taste if you want it extra tangy.

Pour the marinade into a shallow dish or a zip-top bag, add the flank steak, and turn it a few times to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes — or up to 3 hours for maximum flavor.

💡 Tip: The longer the steak marinates, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.

2. Grill the Steak

Preheat your grill (gas, charcoal, or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the steak from the marinade, letting the excess drip off.

Grill the steak for about 10 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired doneness. For medium, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing — this helps keep the juices inside and ensures tender bites.

🥩 Don’t skip resting time! It’s the secret to juicy steak.

3. Make the Lime Crema

While the steak rests, mix together sour cream, Tajin, and lime juice in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed — more Tajin for spice, more lime for brightness.

4. Assemble Your Bowls

Now comes the fun part! In individual bowls, start with a base of warm rice (or cauliflower rice). Add slices of steak, avocado, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, and diced red onion.

Drizzle generously with the lime crema and sprinkle a bit of extra cilantro or Tajin on top for color and flavor.

🌿 Customization idea: Set up a “bowl bar” with all the toppings laid out — let everyone build their own perfect combo!

5. Make It Your Own

These Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls are endlessly customizable. You can swap or add toppings depending on what you have on hand:

• Add grilled bell peppers or caramelized onions for extra sweetness.
• Top with jalapeños or pickled onions for a kick.
• Sprinkle with queso fresco or cotija cheese instead of cheddar.
• Serve with cilantro lime rice for an extra burst of flavor.

However you make it, these bowls will deliver bold flavor and vibrant color every time.

6. The Perfect Summer Meal

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping lunches, or just craving something bright and satisfying, Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls check every box. They look beautiful, taste incredible, and come together with minimal fuss.

The smoky grilled steak paired with the fresh lime and creamy sauce is unbeatable — a little bit of sunshine in every bite

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