Steak Queso Rice Bowl (Printable Version)

Cumin-spiced steak with warm queso and fluffy rice, garnished with avocado, cilantro, and lime for a comforting meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Steak

01 - 450 g flank or sirloin steak
02 - 15 ml olive oil
03 - 5 g ground cumin
04 - 5 g smoked paprika
05 - 3 g garlic powder
06 - 3 g salt
07 - 3 g black pepper

→ Rice

08 - 200 g long grain white rice, rinsed
09 - 10 ml olive oil
10 - 3 g garlic powder
11 - 480 ml chicken or vegetable broth

→ Queso Sauce

12 - 30 g unsalted butter
13 - 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
14 - 240 ml whole milk
15 - 100 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
16 - 100 g Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
17 - 3 g ground cumin
18 - 3 g chili powder
19 - 3 g salt
20 - 2 g black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

21 - Cilantro leaves, fresh
22 - Lime wedges
23 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced
24 - Jalapeños, sliced (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Pat steak dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, then coat evenly with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside while preparing other components to allow flavors to penetrate.
02 - Rinse rice under cold water until clear. Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add rice and garlic powder; stir constantly to lightly toast. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for approximately 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
03 - Preheat a large skillet over high heat until very hot. Add steak and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
04 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring continuously until fully melted and smooth. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
05 - Divide rice into serving bowls. Layer sliced steak on top, then ladle warm queso sauce over. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices, and jalapeños if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Notes:

01 - Let cooked steak rest before slicing to maintain tenderness. Toasting rice before cooking enhances its flavor. Grate cheese fresh to ensure smooth queso texture.