Save A vibrant, smoky bowl featuring tender grilled steak, sautéed peppers and onions, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings—perfect for a satisfying and colorful meal.
I first made this BBQ steak fajita bowl on a summer evening when I wanted something fresh, filling, and fun to share with friends. The smoky aroma of steak and veggies on the grill had everyone asking for seconds and sharing laughs around the dinner table.
Ingredients
- Flank steak or sirloin: 500 g (1.1 lbs)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp (plus 1 tbsp for veggies)
- BBQ sauce: 2 tbsp (gluten-free if needed)
- Lime juice: 1 tbsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (plus pinch for veggies and rice)
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Red bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Yellow bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Green bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Red onion: 1 large, sliced
- Long grain rice: 250 g (1 1/4 cups; basmati or jasmine)
- Water: 500 ml (2 cups)
- Cherry tomatoes: 100 g (1/2 cup), halved
- Avocado: 1, sliced
- Corn kernels: 80 g (1/3 cup; fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: 40 g (1/4 cup)
- Fresh cilantro: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Lime wedges: 4
- Optional: sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Marinate Steak:
- Whisk together olive oil, BBQ sauce, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the steak, coating well, and let marinate at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours refrigerated).
- Cook Rice:
- Rinse rice under cold water. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer 12 to 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff.
- Sauté Veggies:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high. Add peppers and onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook 5 to 7 minutes until softened and slightly charred. Remove and keep warm.
- Cook Steak:
- Increase heat to high. Cook steak 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare or to desired doneness. Transfer to a plate, cover with foil, and rest 5 minutes.
- Slice Steak:
- Thinly slice steak across the grain.
- Assemble Bowls:
- Divide rice among bowls. Top with sautéed veggies, steak slices, tomatoes, avocado, corn, cheese, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and optional sour cream.
Save This bowl is a favorite for busy weeknights when the family gathers together and everyone can build their own perfect fajita bowl. My kids love adding extra cheese and a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for a creamy finish.
Allergen and Nutritional Info
This dish contains dairy from cheese and optional sour cream. Make sure to use a gluten-free BBQ sauce if avoiding gluten. Each serving has about 540 calories, 23 g fat, 47 g carbs, and 34 g protein.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with Mexican lager, a simple green salad, or a scoop of black beans for extra fiber and flavor. Add a squeeze of fresh lime before serving for extra brightness.
Variations
Switch out the steak for chicken, tofu, or portobello mushrooms to suit different preferences. Cauliflower rice works well as a lower-carb option, or pile on more veggies for even more color and crunch.
Save This colorful bowl brings together smoky steak, crisp veggies, and fresh toppings for a meal everyone will love. Make it your own and enjoy every bite!
Recipe Guide
- → What cut of steak works best for this dish?
Flank steak or sirloin are ideal as they grill well and slice thinly across the grain for tenderness.
- → How should the rice be prepared for this bowl?
Use long grain rice like basmati or jasmine, rinsed until clear, then simmered with salt until fluffy.
- → Can I substitute the vegetables used?
Yes, bell peppers and onions create a colorful base, but you can add or swap with other sautéed vegetables.
- → How do I achieve the smoky flavor in the steak?
Marinate the steak with smoked paprika and grill or sear it to impart natural smoky notes.
- → What toppings complement the bowl best?
Fresh cherry tomatoes, avocado, corn, shredded cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges add freshness and balance.
- → Is there a lighter alternative to rice for this dish?
Cauliflower rice works well as a lower-carb option while retaining texture and flavor balance.