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 after craving Tex-Mex flavors and fresh summer produce, and it quickly became a favorite for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
- Flank steak or sirloin: 500 g (1.1 lbs) for tender, juicy slices
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp for steak marinade, plus 1 tbsp for vegetables
- BBQ sauce: 2 tbsp (gluten-free if needed) to add smoky sweetness
- Lime juice: 1 tbsp for bright flavor in marinade
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp for subtle smokiness
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp for earthy notes
- Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp to deepen flavor
- Salt: 1/2 tsp for marinade, plus pinch for vegetables and 1/2 tsp for rice
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp for steak marinade, pinch for vegetables
- Red bell pepper: 1, sliced for color and crunch
- Yellow bell pepper: 1, sliced to add sweetness
- Green bell pepper: 1, sliced for variety
- Red onion: 1 large, sliced for mild tang
- Long grain rice: 250 g (1 1/4 cups) basmati or jasmine, cooked as base
- Water: 500 ml (2 cups) for rice
- Cherry tomatoes: 100 g (1/2 cup) halved for freshness
- Avocado: 1, sliced for creamy texture
- Corn kernels: 80 g (1/3 cup) fresh or thawed for sweetness
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack: 40 g (1/4 cup) for savory topping
- Fresh cilantro: 2 tbsp, chopped for fragrance
- Lime wedges: 4, to serve
- Optional toppings: Sour cream or Greek yogurt for tang
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak:
- Whisk together olive oil, BBQ sauce, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Coat steak and marinate at least 15 minutes or refrigerate up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Rice:
- Rinse rice under cold water until clear. Combine rice, water, and salt in saucepan. Boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer 12–15 minutes until absorbed. Remove heat and fluff.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high. Add peppers and onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook 5–7 minutes till softened and slightly charred. Keep warm.
- Grill the Steak:
- Increase heat to high, grill steak 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare or preferred doneness. Rest 5 minutes covered loosely with foil.
- Slice Steak:
- Thinly slice steak across the grain.
- Assemble Bowls:
- Divide rice into bowls. Top with vegetables, steak, tomatoes, avocado, corn, cheese, cilantro, lime wedges, and optional sour cream.
Save We love letting everyone build their own bowl at the dinner table, making this fajita feast a fun and interactive family meal.
Required Tools
Sharp knife, cutting board, large skillet or grill pan, saucepan with lid, mixing bowls, tongs or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains dairy in cheese and optional sour cream, may contain gluten depending on BBQ sauce brand. Always check all labels if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 540 calories, 23 g total fat, 47 g carbohydrates, and 34 g protein.
Save Enjoy this hearty bowl straight away for best flavor and freshness, and let everyone add their favorite toppings for a personal touch.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should the steak marinate?
Marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor, up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper taste.
- → Can I substitute the rice base?
Yes, cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative that pairs well with the sautéed vegetables and steak.
- → What is the best way to cook the steak?
Cook on medium-high heat, searing each side for 3–4 minutes for medium-rare. Let it rest before slicing thinly across the grain.
- → Which peppers work best for sautéing?
Using a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers creates a colorful and flavorful sauté alongside onion slices.
- → Are there suitable topping alternatives?
Cherry tomatoes, avocado, corn, shredded cheese, and cilantro add freshness. Sour cream or Greek yogurt can be optional creamy toppings.
- → How can this dish be made gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free BBQ sauce to ensure the marinade and flavors remain safe for gluten-sensitive diets.