Pin It 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 casual family dinner and it instantly became a weeknight hit—the combination of fresh vegetables and juicy grilled steak was irresistible.
Ingredients
- Flank steak or sirloin: 500 g (1.1 lbs), for hearty protein
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, for marinating and sautéing
- BBQ sauce: 2 tbsp (use gluten-free if needed), brings smoky-sweet flavor
- Lime juice: 1 tbsp, adds bright acidity
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp, for a smoky kick
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp, classic Tex-Mex spice
- Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp, savory depth
- Salt: 1/2 tsp for steak, pinch for veggies, 1/2 tsp for rice—seasoning throughout
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp, enhances all flavors
- 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, e.g., basmati or jasmine), fluffy rice base
- Water: 500 ml (2 cups), for rice
- Cherry tomatoes: 100 g (1/2 cup), halved and fresh
- Avocado: 1, sliced, creamy topping
- Corn kernels: 80 g (1/3 cup), fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: 40 g (1/4 cup), melty and rich
- Fresh cilantro: 2 tbsp, chopped, zesty garnish
- Lime wedges: 4, for serving
- Optional: Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for creamy tang
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 or refrigerate up to 2 hours.
- 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 to 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 a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and slightly charred. Remove and keep warm.
- Cook Steak:
- Increase heat to high. Add marinated steak to the pan (or grill). Sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or cook to your preference. Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 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.
Pin It My family loves building their own fajita bowls at the table—it's always fun to watch everyone pick their favorite toppings and enjoy together.
Swaps & Variations
Swap the steak for chicken, tofu, or portobello mushrooms for a different protein. Try cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lighter base, or add black beans for extra protein and fiber.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with lime wedges and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess. Pair with a zesty Mexican lager or a light red wine to complement the smoky flavors.
Allergen & Nutritional Info
This recipe contains dairy (cheese, optional sour cream) and may contain gluten (in BBQ sauce—use gluten-free if needed). Each serving provides about 540 calories, 23 g fat, 47 g carbohydrates, and 34 g protein.
Pin It Make this BBQ Steak Fajita Bowl your own by switching up the toppings and protein. It's perfect for weeknights when you want bold, fresh flavors in one easy meal.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cut of steak works best for this dish?
Flank steak or sirloin are ideal as they marinate well and cook quickly while staying tender when sliced thinly.
- → Can I prepare the rice differently for a lighter base?
Yes, cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative that pairs well with the smoky flavors.
- → How should the vegetables be cooked for best flavor?
Sauté bell peppers and onions until slightly charred and tender, which enhances their natural sweetness and adds smoky depth.
- → Is it necessary to marinate the steak?
Marinating for at least 15 minutes intensifies the smoky, spicy flavors and helps tenderize the meat.
- → What toppings complement the bowl's smoky profile?
Fresh cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, corn kernels, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro add bright, creamy, and savory contrasts.
- → Can this dish accommodate dietary restrictions?
Using gluten-free BBQ sauce ensures it's gluten-free; optional dairy toppings can be omitted for dairy-sensitive diets.