Carne Asada Burrito Bowls
Are you ready to indulge in a bowl filled with vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and a hearty dose of satisfaction? Carne Asada Burrito Bowls are my go-to for a weeknight meal or a weekend feast. They bring together all the delicious components of a traditional burrito but without the tortilla, allowing for a lighter yet equally satisfying experience. You’ll fall in love with the smoky, marinated meat paired with perfectly cooked rice, creamy guacamole, and a medley of toppings. Let’s dive in!
Why It’s My Go-To
These Carne Asada Burrito Bowls are a celebration of flavors and textures. The marinated steak is tender and succulent, while the rice serves as a fluffy base. Topped with fresh veggies, zesty guacamole, and a sprinkle of cheese, each bite is a delightful explosion of taste. Plus, they’re customizable! You can adjust the toppings to suit your preferences, making them perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup orange juice (bottled is fine)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (bottled is fine)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (bottled is fine)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (bottled is fine)
- 2 cloves garlic (pressed or diced)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper or 1 teaspoon finely chopped canned chipotle pepper (optional)
- 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro (chopped, about 3/4-1 cup very loosely packed)
- 1 1/2 pounds skirt, flank, or flap steak
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain or extra-long-grain rice
- 1 lime (zested and juiced, keep juice and zest separated)
- 1 tablespoon butter (14g)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped loosely packed cilantro (divided)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained)
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn (drained)
- 1/2 cup (2oz) shredded Mexican-blend cheese
- 1 large tomato (diced)
- 1/2 cup guacamole
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Gear Up: What to Grab
- Large mixing bowl – for marinating the steak
- Grill or grill pan – to cook the carne asada
- Medium saucepan – to prepare the rice
- Cutting board and knife – for chopping toppings
- Serving bowls – to assemble your delicious burrito bowls
Carne Asada Burrito Bowls: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and optional chipotle pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended. Add the skirt, flank, or flap steak to the marinade, ensuring it’s well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate for 2 to 4 hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, lime zest, butter, and salt. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in half of the chopped cilantro.
Step 3: Grill the Steak
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill the steak for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Once cooked, let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
Step 4: Assemble Your Burrito Bowls
In serving bowls, start with a generous scoop of the cilantro-lime rice as the base. Top with sliced carne asada, black beans, corn, diced tomato, shredded cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. Finish with a sprinkle of the remaining chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Dig in and savor every bite of your Carne Asada Burrito Bowls. Feel free to customize with any additional toppings you love, such as jalapeños, salsa, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice!
Make It Diet-Friendly
- Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a low-carb option.
- Swap out the cheese for a dairy-free alternative or skip it entirely.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the carne asada with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu, and keep the rest of the toppings.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost.
Problems & Prevention
While making Carne Asada Burrito Bowls is straightforward, here are a few common issues and how to avoid them:
- Overcooking the steak: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare.
- Dry rice: Ensure you follow the rice cooking instructions carefully, measuring the liquid and allowing it to steam properly.
- Marinade too salty: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and taste the marinade before adding it to the steak. Adjust with more citrus juice if necessary.
- Unbalanced flavors: Taste as you go! Adjust spices, lime juice, or salt to achieve your preferred flavor profile.
Storing Tips & Timelines
If you have leftovers or want to meal prep, here’s how to store your Carne Asada Burrito Bowls:
- Store cooked rice, steak, and toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat the steak in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent dryness.
- Assemble fresh bowls just before serving to keep toppings crisp and vibrant.
Reader Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for the carne asada?
Absolutely! You can use any cut like ribeye or sirloin, but keep in mind that the cooking times may vary.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add more chili powder or diced jalapeños to the toppings. You can also use a spicier salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick!
Is there a vegetarian alternative for carne asada?
Yes! Grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu are excellent substitutes that will absorb flavor similarly to steak.
Can I freeze the burrito bowl components?
Yes, you can freeze cooked rice and carne asada. Just ensure they’re stored in airtight containers. Toppings like fresh vegetables and guacamole are best enjoyed fresh.
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The Last Word
Carne Asada Burrito Bowls are more than just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavors, a canvas for creativity, and a fantastic way to gather with friends and family. With each bite, you’ll experience the vibrant tastes of marinated beef, zesty rice, and fresh toppings. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, these bowls are sure to please. Dive into your own creation and enjoy the delicious journey of Carne Asada Burrito Bowls!
Carne Asada Burrito Bowls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and optional chipotle pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended. Add the skirt, flank, or flap steak to the marinade, ensuring it's well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate for 2 to 4 hours.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, lime zest, butter, and salt. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in half of the chopped cilantro.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill the steak for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Once cooked, let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
- In serving bowls, start with a generous scoop of the cilantro-lime rice as the base. Top with sliced carne asada, black beans, corn, diced tomato, shredded cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. Finish with a sprinkle of the remaining chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
- Dig in and savor every bite of your Carne Asada Burrito Bowls. Feel free to customize with any additional toppings you love, such as jalapeños, salsa, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice!
Notes
- For a low-carb option, use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
- Swap out the cheese for a dairy-free alternative or skip it entirely.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the carne asada with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu, and keep the rest of the toppings.
