Description
Imagine sitting down to a meal that’s a feast for both your eyes and your taste buds. Vibrant colors, smoky aromas, and tangy lime undertones greet you as you take your first bite. A Carne Asada Bowl with Avocado Lime Crema isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Packed with fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and endless customization possibilities, this recipe is a game-changer for your kitchen. Perfect for a healthy, satisfying, and downright delicious meal that’s simple enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pre-cooked brown or white basmati rice
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Salt to taste
- 1 pound skirt, flank, or bavette steak
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Olive oil
- 1 cup sweet corn (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup black beans (canned, drained, and rinsed)
- 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
- 12 cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 avocado, diced
- ⅓ cup cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
Optional Toppings:
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 4 tablespoons salsa
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Preparing the Rice:
- Start by heating your pre-cooked rice or preparing fresh rice. Once ready, mix in the lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. This simple addition transforms plain rice into a flavorful base that complements the other ingredients.
- Cooking the Steak:
- Season the steak with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Heat a skillet or grill with a drizzle of olive oil, and cook the steak over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. This step ensures tender, juicy slices of meat.
- Assembling the Bowl:
- Start with a generous scoop of the cilantro-lime rice as the base.
- Add layers of shredded romaine, sweet corn, black beans, and cherry tomatoes.
- Arrange the sliced steak on top and scatter diced avocado and crumbled cheese.
- Making the Avocado Lime Crema:
- Blend the following ingredients until smooth:
- 1 ripe avocado
- Juice of 1 lime
- 4 tablespoons sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt to taste
- If needed, add water a teaspoon at a time to achieve your desired consistency. Drizzle this crema generously over your bowl.
- Blend the following ingredients until smooth:
Notes
- Steak Selection and Cooking: Choose cuts like skirt or flank steak for their flavor and quick cooking time. Don’t skip the resting step—it allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender bite.
- Customization Ideas: For a vegetarian option, swap the steak for grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu. Add heat with sliced jalapeños, spicy salsa, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Storage and Meal Prep: Store ingredients separately in airtight containers to keep them fresh. Reheat the steak and rice before assembling your bowl, and add toppings just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican