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- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice - 2 cups beef broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 cup queso dip (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 avocado, diced - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving These ingredients come together to create a rich and vibrant dish. The jasmine rice forms a fluffy base, while the beef broth adds flavor. The flank steak offers a hearty protein, and the spices elevate the taste. Queso dip brings creaminess, while fresh veggies add color and crunch. - Sliced jalapeños for heat - Sour cream for creaminess - Chopped green onions for freshness - Extra queso for more cheesy goodness These toppings let you customize each bowl. You can make it spicy, creamy, or extra cheesy, depending on your mood. - Medium saucepan for cooking rice - Large skillet for searing steak and sautéing veggies - Mixing bowl for combining ingredients - Fork for fluffing rice These tools make the cooking process smooth. With them, you can easily manage each step and create a delicious meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by rinsing 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water. You want the water to run clear. This helps remove excess starch and keeps the rice fluffy. In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed rice and 2 cups of beef broth. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. When the rice is done, it should absorb all the liquid. Fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside. Take 1 pound of flank steak and slice it thinly. In a large bowl, mix the steak with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure all the steak pieces are covered in the seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. You want it browned and cooked to your liking. Once done, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add 1 cup of corn and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes. You want them warmed through and slightly charred. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper for extra flavor. Stir well to combine. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked rice, sautéed corn, and cherry tomatoes, along with the cooked steak. Drizzle 1 cup of queso dip over everything. Gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. Now, divide the mixture into serving bowls. Top each bowl with diced avocado and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty touch. Enjoy your flavorful meal! To make great queso rice, start with jasmine rice. Rinse it under cold water until it runs clear. This step removes excess starch and helps keep the rice fluffy. Use beef broth instead of water for deep flavor. Bring the broth and rice to a boil. Then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork. This technique keeps your rice light and airy, perfect for mixing with other ingredients. When cooking steak strips, choose flank steak for its tenderness. Slice the steak thinly against the grain. This cuts the fibers and makes it easier to chew. Season your steak well with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Heat the skillet until it’s hot, then add the steak. Cook it for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning. Don't overcrowd the pan; this helps it sear nicely. Remove the steak once it reaches your desired doneness, and let it rest for a few minutes. To elevate your dish, consider adding more spices. A pinch of chili powder or cayenne can add heat. Fresh lime juice brightens the flavors and balances richness. You can also toss in some fresh herbs like cilantro for extra brightness. If you want a smoky taste, try adding smoked sea salt. This can deepen the flavor profile and make your dish even more delicious. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Steak: Choosing a good quality flank steak can make a significant difference in taste and tenderness. Look for well-marbled cuts for the best results. Don’t Overcook the Steak: For optimal flavor and tenderness, cook the steak just until it reaches your desired doneness. Flank steak is best served medium-rare to medium. Customize Your Queso: Feel free to add ingredients like jalapeños or bell peppers to your queso dip for extra flavor and spice. Homemade queso can elevate the dish even more! Fresh Garnishes Matter: Always use fresh cilantro and lime wedges when serving. They add brightness and freshness that complements the richness of the queso and steak. {{image_2}} You can easily swap the steak for chicken or shrimp. For chicken, use boneless thighs or breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Season them with the same spices as the steak. Cook them in the skillet until they reach 165°F. For shrimp, use large peeled shrimp. Cook them for just 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. This keeps the dish light and fresh. For a vegetarian version, replace the steak with black beans or tofu. Cook the tofu until it’s golden brown in the skillet. Add bell peppers for extra color and flavor. You can also use cooked lentils as a protein boost. They add a nice texture and fit well with the queso dip. This option is hearty and satisfying for non-meat eaters. To change the spice level, adjust the seasonings to fit your taste. If you like it mild, skip the smoked paprika. For a bit of heat, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. You can also serve hot sauce on the side. This way, everyone can spice it up as they like. Cooking is all about making it your own! To keep your queso rice fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the rice cool down first to avoid moisture buildup. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you're ready to eat your leftover queso rice, reheat it gently. You can use the microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, add a splash of beef broth or water. This helps keep the rice moist. Stir it halfway through heating. On the stovetop, warm it in a pan over low heat. Add a little broth if needed, stirring until it's heated through. To freeze queso rice, first let it cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the flavor and texture intact. For this dish, I recommend using jasmine rice. Jasmine rice gives a lovely aroma and soft texture. Its slightly sticky quality helps it blend well with the other ingredients. You can also try basmati rice, but jasmine rice is my top pick. Yes, you can make homemade queso! Start with cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack. Melt it with milk and add spices like cumin or chili powder for flavor. This allows you to control the taste and texture. Homemade queso can be creamier and more personal to your liking. Cooking flank steak takes about 3-4 minutes on high heat. Flip it halfway for even cooking. The steak should be brown on the outside and tender inside. For best results, cook it to medium-rare, which keeps it juicy and flavorful. Absolutely! You can cook the rice and steak ahead of time. Just store them in separate containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them and add the veggies and queso. This makes for a quick meal on busy days. Many sides work well with Queso Rice. Here are a few ideas: - Black beans for protein - A fresh green salad for crunch - Grilled vegetables for added flavor - Cornbread to soak up the queso These sides enhance the meal and add variety. This article covered how to make delicious Queso Rice with Steak Strips. We discussed key ingredients and cooking essentials, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the best results. You learned ways to modify the dish with chicken, shrimp, or vegetarian options. Don't forget about storing leftovers for future meals. With practice, you can impress everyone with your cooking. Enjoy creating this tasty dish, and let your kitchen shine with flavor!

Sizzling Queso Rice Bowls with Steak Strips

A delicious and hearty rice bowl topped with seasoned steak strips, sautéed vegetables, and creamy queso.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup queso dip
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 whole avocado, diced
  • for garnish fresh cilantro
  • for serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, season the sliced flank steak with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the spices.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the seasoned steak strips. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway, until the steak is browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the corn and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and slightly charred. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, and cooked steak. Drizzle the queso dip over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  • Divide the queso rice mixture into serving bowls. Top with diced avocado and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.

Notes

Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite ingredients.
Keyword easy, queso, rice bowl, sizzling, steak