We’ve been trying to be healthier over here, and part of that has been including a decent portion of protein with every meal. These healthy carne asada steak and rice bowls are such a great way to eat the rainbow and get a balanced weeknight dinner ready in 30 minutes. Grilled Mexican style ribeye steaks marinated in orange juice and spices, crunchy pickled jalapenos and radishes, and fresh guacamole served on a bed of rice – a balanced high protein dinner with roughly 40g of protein!
Ribeye is a nice hack for making this carne asada burrito bowl very quickly. Given its inherent juiciness, just 15 minutes of marination is enough to build depth of flavour. The marination also gives us time to quickly prepare the pickles and guacamole that complement the richness of the steak so well. Traditional carne asada is grilled but this recipe shows you how to cook carne asada in a pan.
These carne asada bowls are basically a delicious, fresh and homemade version of Chipotle’s steak bowls. They’re the perfect post workout meal for muscle gain, or just to add to your weekly rotation of healthy lunch or dinner recipes!
Check out my recipe for a high protein pasta salad if you’re looking for more healthy high protein recipes. For more weeknight cooking inspiration, check out a full list of my weeknight dinner recipes! Healthy steak bowls with rice.
Ingredients and Substitutes
For the Carne Asada recipe
- Ribeye Steak: While ribeye steak isn’t the traditional choice of cut, using it helps this dish come together a lot faster. Ribeye has more marbling, making it naturally juicy and less chewy. We don’t need to marinate as long to tenderize it, which means we can achieve a nice depth of flavours after just 15 minutes of marination. You could also use flank steak for a more traditional cut, or skirt steak, or even sirloin. However these leaner cuts would need a longer marination time (30 minutes to an hour at least).
- Onion (optional). This isn’t completely traditional, but I use diced yellow onion for the added texture and slight sweetness. Feel free to use white onions or skip the onion altogether if you’re not a fan.
- Lime: Adds bright acidity to tenderize the meat and enhance its freshness. You could also use lemon or vinegar.
- Orange Juice: Provides subtle sweetness and a citrusy depth while also helping to tenderize the steak. The natural sugars in the juice also helps caramelize the meat slightly when we sear it on a high heat. You could substitute with pineapple juice for a more tropical spin.
- Olive Oil: Helps the marinade coat the steak evenly and aids in searing for a beautiful crust.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A small but mighty addition that boosts umami and enhances the meaty depth of the steak. You could substitute it with coconut aminos or even fish sauce for a deep umami flavour.
- Garlic Powder.
- Ground Cumin.
- Smoked Paprika Powder (optional).
- Chili Powder or Chipotle Powder. Adds mild heat and a bit of smokiness, complementing the citrus and spices.
- Salt.
- Black Pepper.
- Rice. I like to use white jasmine rice, but you could use any type of rice of choice. To up the nutritional profile even more, you can use brown rice (high fiber), cauliflower rice (low calorie) or even just a bed of lettuce.
- Fresh Cilantro (optional). To garnish.
For the quick pickles (Optional)
You could make these at home from scratch very quickly and easily, with the added benefit of controlling the sugar and salt content. If you want to save time you could also just opt for store-bought pickled veg like pickled jalapeños and pickled red onions.
- Radishes and Jalapeños. You could also use other vegetables like red onions or cucumbers.
- Lime. You could also use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
- Salt. Regular table salt is fine.
- Sugar.
For the Guacamole
- Avocado.
- Lime Juice. You could also use lemon juice.
- Cilantro (optional).
- Salt. I like flaky sea salt but you could use regular or Kosher salt.
How To Make Carne Asada Steak And Rice Bowls
In a large mixing bowl, mix the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper and diced onion. Coat the ribeye in the marinade and let it sit for 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for deeper flavour) in the refrigerator.
While waiting for the steak to marinade, (optionally) prepare the pickles. In a small bowl, mix radish, jalapeño, lime juice, salt, and sugar. Let sit for at least 10 minutes while you cook everything else. I prefer to make big batches of pickles so make these in separate jars, but for this portion you could combine both in one container.
Cook the rice according to package instructions using your choice of method. I like to cook it in a rice cooker or instant pot.
To make the guacamole, mash avocado with lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Adjust to taste.
Heat a cast-iron or stainless-steel pan over high heat for 1-2 minutes. Shake off excess marinade and place the ribeye in the hot pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare (130-135°F / 54-57°C) or 3-4 minutes per side for medium (135-140°F / 57-60°C). Add the marinated diced onions to the pan in the last minute of cooking to soften and caramelize. Rest the steak for 5-10 minutes, then chop into small cubes.
Assemble the bowl. Add rice as the base. Top with chopped ribeye, guacamole, and pickled radish/jalapeño. Garnish with roughly torn or chopped cilantro and an optional squeeze of lime and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Carne Asada Steak and Rice Bowls
Is steak and rice good for weight loss?
Ribeye steak is a fattier cut, so it’s higher in calories. While it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, portion control is key if you’re aiming for weight loss. Pairing it with rice and vegetables like we have in this recipe can help balance out the meal.
Is steak and rice healthy?
Steak and rice can be healthy if you choose lean cuts of steak and pair it with whole grains like brown rice. Ribeye steak is rich in flavour but also contains more fat than leaner cuts, making it a higher-calorie choice. It can still be part of a healthy meal when eaten in moderation and by pairing it with whole grains like rice and nutrient-dense vegetables, like in this recipe
Can you cook carne asada in the air fryer?
Yes, you can! While it won’t have the same seared, charred texture as cooking on a stovetop grill pan, the air fryer cooks the steak quickly and can still give it a nice sear. Simply marinate your steak, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), and cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway. The air fryer is a quicker, more hands-off method, but it won’t replicate the grill pan’s crispy crust.
What cut of meat is used in carne asada?
Traditionally, carne asada is made with cuts of beef that are tender and flavourful, such as flank steak or skirt steak. These cuts are ideal for grilling, as they absorb marinades well and cook quickly. However, in this recipe, we’re using ribeye, which is a fattier, more flavourful cut that absorbs the marinade quickly. While not the traditional choice, ribeye is a great hack for quicker and more flavourful carne asada.
Can I make these carne asada rice bowls ahead of time? Are these steak and rice bowls meal prep friendly?
Yes, you can make carne asada rice bowls ahead of time. Simply cook the steak and rice, then store them separately in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The guacamole should be made fresh but can be kept in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to reduce browning, lasting about 1 day. Pickled radish and jalapeños can be made ahead and stored for a few days. When ready to eat, just reheat the rice and steak, then assemble your bowl with the guacamole and pickles!
Carne Asada Steak And Rice Bowls
Ingredients
For the steak and rice
- 500 g ribeye steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil for frying
- 1 cup rice
For the marinade
- 1 lime (juice)
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ yellow onion diced
For the pickles (optional)
- 5 radishes thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño thinly sliced
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
For the guacamole
- 2 medium ripe avocados
- 1 lime (juice)
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro optional
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and diced yellow onion. Mix well.
- Marinate the Ribeye: Place the ribeye steak in the bowl with the marinade and mix, making sure it's evenly coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (or 1 hour for more flavour).
- Optionally prepare the pickles (while waiting for the steak to marinade): In a small bowl, mix radish, jalapeño, lime juice, salt, and sugar. Let sit for at least 10 minutes.
- Prepare the guacamole (while waiting for the steak to marinade/cook): Mash avocado with lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Adjust to taste.
- Make the rice: Cook the rice according to package instructions using your choice of method. I like to cook it in a rice cooker or instant pot.
- Cooking the steak: Heat a cast-iron or stainless-steel pan over high heat for 1-2 minutes. Shake off excess marinade and place the ribeye in the hot pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare (130-135°F / 54-57°C) or 3-4 minutes per side for medium (135-140°F / 57-60°C). Add the marinated diced onions to the pan in the last minute of cooking to soften and caramelize. Rest the steak for 5-10 minutes, then chop into small cubes.
- Assemble the bowl: Add rice as the base. Top with chopped ribeye, guacamole, and pickled radish and jalapeño. Garnish with roughly torn or chopped cilantro and an optional squeeze of lime and enjoy!
This healthy carne asada rice bowl recipe is so delicious and easy, it’s found a safe spot in our monthly meal rotation. They’re easy, quick and come together in just half an hour, making it a great option for not only quick dinners but also a hearty working lunch. With plenty of protein, healthy fats and fiber, this is a pretty nutritionally dense meal too. Try your hand at making your own homemade carne asada bowl Chipotle style!
If you do try your hand at this carne asada bowls recipe, let me know what you think in the comments below. 🙂
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