If you are looking for a vibrant and delicious meal that brings together bold flavors and fresh ingredients, the Steak, Avocado & Roasted Corn Bowl with Creamy Cilantro Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish is a harmonious blend of tender, juicy steak, creamy avocado, and sweet roasted corn, all brought to life by a zesty and smooth cilantro sauce. It’s a flavorful, nutritious bowl that satisfies both your taste buds and your soul, perfect for a hearty lunch or a lovely dinner with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential to build layers of taste, texture, and color in this bowl. Each component plays a vital role, from the smoky grilled steak to the refreshing avocado and the creamy cilantro sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
- 1 pound flank steak: Choose a good quality, well-marbled cut for juicy and flavorful steak.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to keep the steak moist while grilling and adds a subtle richness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Basic seasoning that enhances all the natural flavors.
- 2 ears of corn, husked: Fresh corn brings a sweet, smoky crunch when roasted.
- 2 avocados, diced: Creamy texture and healthy fats that perfectly balance the savory steak.
- 2 cups cooked brown rice: Nutty base that adds fiber and satisfies the hunger.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy bursts of acidity and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a sharp bite and crisp texture.
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Fresh herbaceous notes that brighten the entire bowl.
- 1 lime, cut into wedges: For a fresh citrus finish that lifts the dish.
- For the Creamy Cilantro Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt: Provides a luscious, tangy base for the sauce.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: The star herb for that fresh, zesty flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Adds brightness and balances the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon honey: A touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: To season and elevate the sauce perfectly.
How to Make Steak, Avocado & Roasted Corn Bowl with Creamy Cilantro Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Grill
Kick off by heating your grill or grill pan to medium-high. This ensures you get those signature char marks on your steak and corn that add smoky flavor and fantastic texture. A properly preheated grill is the secret to juicy, perfectly cooked steak and beautifully roasted corn kernels.
Step 2: Season and Grill the Steak
Rub your flank steak generously with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. This simple step locks in moisture and enhances the meat’s natural flavors. Place the steak on the hot grill, cooking it for about 5-6 minutes per side. This timing gets you a lovely medium rare to medium, tender and flavorful every time.
Step 3: Rest and Slice the Steak
After grilling, give the steak a well-deserved rest for at least 5 minutes. This is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the steak moist. When ready, slice the steak thinly against the grain, which makes every bite tender and easy to enjoy.
Step 4: Roast the Corn
While your steak rests, place the corn ears on the grill. Turn them occasionally to get an even char all over. The corn should take about 10 minutes to roast to perfection, with smoky, sweet kernels packed with flavor. Once cooked and cooled slightly, slice the kernels off the cob and get ready to assemble your bowl.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Cilantro Sauce
In a small bowl, combine sour cream or Greek yogurt with fresh cilantro, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. This fresh, tangy sauce is what makes this recipe unforgettable — a luscious dressing that complements the steak, avocado, and corn so beautifully.
Step 6: Assemble Your Bowl
Start by layering your cooked brown rice as the hearty base. Add the roasted corn kernels, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion in generous portions. Top it all with your sliced steak, then drizzle the creamy cilantro sauce liberally over the top for that ultimate flavor boost.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. The citrus adds a final zing that brightens every bite and makes this Steak, Avocado & Roasted Corn Bowl with Creamy Cilantro Sauce Recipe a complete, delightful meal.
How to Serve Steak, Avocado & Roasted Corn Bowl with Creamy Cilantro Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges are simple yet transformative. The cilantro adds an herbal punch that elevates flavors, while lime wedges give guests a chance to add an extra burst of citrus brightness, which pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and savory steak.
Side Dishes
This bowl pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or even some grilled vegetables to keep the meal balanced but flavorful. If you want to add some crunch, a handful of tortilla chips or crispy plantain chips on the side works beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Steak, Avocado & Roasted Corn Bowl with Creamy Cilantro Sauce Recipe in edible bowls made from hollowed-out bell peppers or large avocado halves. You could also turn it into a hearty wrap by using warm tortillas and folding all the components inside. Salad jars are another trendy, portable option perfect for meal prep or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the creamy cilantro sauce separate to avoid sogginess. Your steak and roasted corn will stay flavorful for up to 3 days, making this an excellent next-day lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
While the steak and rice freeze well, avocado and creamy sauce do not hold up to freezing. For the best flavor and texture, freeze steak and rice separately, then thaw and reassemble your bowl with fresh avocado and sauce when ready to eat.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the steak and rice in a skillet or microwave. Avoid overheating to keep the steak tender. Add diced avocado fresh and drizzle with the stored creamy cilantro sauce just before serving to maintain the bowl’s delightful textures and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, skirt steak or sirloin work equally well. Just adjust grilling times slightly depending on thickness.
Is there a dairy-free option for the creamy cilantro sauce?
Yes, you can substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or a cashew-based cream to keep the sauce creamy without dairy.
Can I prepare the creamy cilantro sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
What’s the best way to dice the avocado without it turning brown?
For best results, dice the avocado just before assembling the bowl and toss it gently with a little lime juice to prevent browning and keep it fresh and vibrant.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can make a vegan version by swapping the steak for grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu and using a plant-based yogurt for the creamy cilantro sauce. The roasted corn and avocado will add plenty of great flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Steak, Avocado & Roasted Corn Bowl with Creamy Cilantro Sauce Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines fresh ingredients and rich flavors in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight or an impressive weekend meal, this bowl brings together textures and tastes you’ll adore. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a new favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Steak, Avocado & Roasted Corn Bowl with Creamy Cilantro Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Steak, Avocado & Roasted Corn Bowl with Creamy Cilantro Sauce is a vibrant, flavorful dish combining perfectly grilled flank steak with charred sweet corn, creamy avocado, and fresh vegetables over a bed of brown rice. The tangy and smooth cilantro sauce ties all the flavors together, making it an ideal nutritious and satisfying meal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Steak and Vegetables
- 1 pound flank steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 ears of corn, husked
- 2 avocados, diced
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Creamy Cilantro Sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough for a good sear on the steak and corn.
- Prepare Steak: Rub the flank steak with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the flavor.
- Grill Steak: Place the steak on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side or until it reaches your preferred doneness level, ensuring a nice crust forms.
- Rest Steak: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the steak tender and juicy. Then slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Grill Corn: While the steak rests, place the husked ears of corn on the grill. Turn occasionally, cooking until the corn is nicely charred and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Afterward, allow to cool slightly, then slice the kernels off the cob carefully.
- Make Cilantro Sauce: In a small bowl, combine sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble Bowls: In serving bowls, layer the cooked brown rice, roasted corn kernels, diced avocado, cherry tomato halves, and sliced red onion to create a colorful base.
- Add Steak and Sauce: Top the bowls with the thinly sliced grilled steak and drizzle generously with the creamy cilantro sauce for a burst of flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and serve the bowls with lime wedges on the side for an extra fresh tang.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in the cilantro sauce for a healthier option.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the cilantro sauce.
- Brown rice can be replaced with quinoa or white rice depending on preference.
- Ensure to rest the steak after grilling to maintain juiciness.
- Grilled corn adds a smoky sweetness that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
