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 for a weekend gathering and it quickly became the star of the evening. The combination of juicy steak, charred veggies, and fresh toppings always impresses our guests.
Ingredients
- Steak and Marinade: 500 g (1.1 lbs) flank steak or sirloin, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp BBQ sauce (gluten-free if needed), 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced), 1 green bell pepper (sliced), 1 large red onion (sliced), 1 tbsp olive oil, Pinch of salt and pepper
- Rice Base: 250 g (1 1/4 cups) long grain rice (e.g., basmati or jasmine), 500 ml (2 cups) water, 1/2 tsp salt
- Toppings: 100 g (1/2 cup) cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 avocado (sliced), 80 g (1/3 cup) corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen), 40 g (1/4 cup) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped), 4 lime wedges, Optional: sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Marinate Steak:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, BBQ sauce, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add steak, turning to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
- Cook Rice:
- Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 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 heat. Add sliced peppers and onion, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and slightly charred. Remove and keep warm.
- Grill Steak:
- Increase heat to high. Add marinated steak to the pan (or grill). Sear for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to desired doneness. Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and rest 5 minutes.
- Slice Steak:
- Slice steak thinly across the grain.
- Assemble Bowls:
- Divide rice among bowls. Top with sautéed peppers and onions, sliced steak, cherry tomatoes, avocado, corn, cheese, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and optional sour cream.
Save When my family sits down to this meal, everyone gets to build their own bowl—it turns dinner into a fun, hands-on experience. The combination of textures and flavors makes this a regular request at our table.
Required Tools
Sharp knife, cutting board, large skillet or grill pan, saucepan with lid, mixing bowls, tongs or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, optional sour cream). May contain gluten (in BBQ sauce—choose gluten-free if needed). Avocado and other toppings may be allergens for some individuals. Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 540, Total fat 23 g, Carbohydrates 47 g, Protein 34 g
Save Enjoy your BBQ Steak Fajita Bowl hot and fresh—the leftovers are delicious the next day. Customize with your favorite toppings to make it your own.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I ensure the steak stays tender?
Marinating the steak with olive oil, lime juice, and smoky spices for at least 15 minutes helps retain juiciness and enhances tenderness when grilled.
- → What is the best way to cook the rice for the bowl?
Rinse the rice until water runs clear, then simmer it gently in salted water until fluffy and all liquid is absorbed for a perfect base.
- → Can I use other proteins instead of steak?
Yes, chicken, tofu, or portobello mushrooms can be used as alternatives to provide variety and accommodate dietary preferences.
- → How should the vegetables be prepared?
Sauté sliced bell peppers and red onion in olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper until softened and slightly charred to maximize flavor.
- → What toppings best complement the bowl?
Fresh cherry tomatoes, avocado, corn, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro add contrasting textures, brightness, and richness to the dish.
- → Are there gluten-free options for this dish?
Using gluten-free BBQ sauce ensures the dish remains gluten-free. Always check labels for hidden gluten sources.