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 these steak fajita bowls for a weeknight dinner when we wanted something both special and quick. The colorful grilled peppers and juicy steak bring restaurant-style excitement straight to your table, no fuss required.
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 (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 the steak:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, BBQ sauce, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add steak and turn to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in refrigerator.
- Cook the rice:
- Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a saucepan, mix rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for 12 to 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in large skillet or grill pan over medium-high. Add sliced peppers and onion, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and slightly charred. Remove and keep warm.
- Grill or sear the steak:
- Increase heat to high and add marinated steak. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare or until desired doneness. Transfer to plate, cover 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, cilantro, lime wedges, and optional sour cream.
Save This bowl instantly became a family favorite—everyone loves building their own combination of toppings for a meal that feels both fun and memorable.
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 if not gluten-free). Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 540, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 47 g, Protein: 34 g
Save Load your bowl with all your favorite toppings and enjoy every smoky, colorful bite. These BBQ steak fajita bowls are guaranteed to add excitement to your weeknight dinner routine.
Kitchen Help
- → What cut of steak works best for this dish?
Flank steak or sirloin are ideal for their tenderness and quick cooking time, allowing for flavorful, juicy slices.
- → How do I get the peppers slightly charred?
Sauté sliced bell peppers and onions in a hot skillet with a bit of oil for 5–7 minutes until softened and edges develop a light char.
- → Can I prepare the rice ahead of time?
Yes, cooking the rice in advance and fluffing it before assembly helps speed up serving time without compromising texture.
- → What alternatives are there for toppings?
Fresh ingredients like avocado, cherry tomatoes, corn, shredded cheese, and cilantro add freshness and color; optional sour cream or Greek yogurt can add creaminess.
- → How is the steak marinade made?
A mix of olive oil, BBQ sauce, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper imparts smoky, tangy flavors to the steak before grilling.
- → Are there gluten-free options for this dish?
Yes, selecting gluten-free BBQ sauce ensures the dish accommodates gluten sensitivities without altering flavors.