Pin Recipe 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 always make this BBQ steak fajita bowl when my friends crave something hearty yet fresh—they love customizing toppings and the bold Tex-Mex flavors.
Ingredients
- Flank steak or sirloin: 500 g (1.1 lbs)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, plus 1 tbsp for sautéing
- BBQ sauce (gluten-free if needed): 2 tbsp
- Lime juice: 1 tbsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp for marinade, pinch for vegetables, 1/2 tsp for rice
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp for marinade, pinch for vegetables
- Red bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Yellow bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Green bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Large red onion: 1, sliced
- Long grain rice: 250 g (1 1/4 cups)
- 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 for topping
Instructions
- Marinate the steak:
- Whisk olive oil, BBQ sauce, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add steak, coating well. Marinate at least 15 minutes, up to 2 hours refrigerated.
- Cook the rice:
- Rinse rice well. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil. Cover, simmer on low 12–15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high. Add sliced peppers and onion, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté 5–7 minutes until soft and charred. Remove and keep warm.
- Cook steak:
- Increase heat to high. Add marinated steak to skillet or grill. Sear 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness. Transfer to a plate, loosely cover with foil, and let rest 5 minutes.
- Slice steak:
- Cut steak thinly across the grain.
- Assemble bowls:
- Divide rice into bowls. Top with peppers, onions, steak slices, cherry tomatoes, avocado, corn, cheese, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and optional sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Pin Recipe This recipe quickly became a family favorite–the kids love piling their bowls high, and it’s a great way to get everyone gathered around the table.
Required Tools
Sharp knife, cutting board, large skillet or grill pan, saucepan with lid, mixing bowls, tongs or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains dairy if you use cheese or sour cream. May contain gluten in BBQ sauce–choose carefully if needed. Avocado and other toppings may be allergens for some. Always check labels for safety.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 540. Total Fat: 23 g. Carbohydrates: 47 g. Protein: 34 g.
Pin Recipe Fajita bowls are easy to adjust for taste and diet so everyone leaves the table satisfied—enjoy your colorful creation and savor the smoky BBQ flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I marinate the steak for best flavor?
Whisk together olive oil, BBQ sauce, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the steak and marinate at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.
- → What type of rice works best for this dish?
Long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine is ideal, as it stays fluffy and absorbs the flavors well without becoming mushy.
- → Can I substitute vegetables in the sautéed pepper mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different peppers or add mushrooms and onions to enhance the texture and flavor profile.
- → How do I achieve a perfect sear on the steak?
Heat a skillet or grill pan on medium-high, sear the marinated steak 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, then rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly across the grain.
- → Are there lighter alternatives to rice in this bowl?
Cauliflower rice can be used as a lower-carb base while maintaining the dish’s vibrant appeal and complementing the steak and veggies.
- → What toppings enhance the overall flavor and presentation?
Fresh cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, corn kernels, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, and chopped cilantro add freshness, color, and texture.