Seared Cilantro Beef Bowl with Tomato Rice, Sautéed Corn, and Avocado Lime Cream
A complete and original lunch bowl featuring beef strips marinated with cilantro, cumin, and lime, served over tomato rice with sautéed corn and red onion, plus a smooth avocado yogurt cream. It balances freshness, toasted flavor, and creamy texture.
Ingredients
- 500 g beef steak, thinly sliced (tipo sirloin or similar)
- 180 g long-grain white rice (enjuagado)
- 480 ml water (for cocer the arroz)
- 180 g crushed tomato (for the arroz)
- 250 g corn kernels (fresh or congelados)
- 120 g red onion, thinly sliced (divided)
- 1 unit ripe avocado (for the cream)
- 120 g plain yogurt (for the cream)
- 30 g fresh cilantro (leaves and stalks tiernos, divided)
- 12 g minced garlic (divided)
- 45 ml lime juice (divided)
- 45 ml olive oil (divided)
- 4 g ground cumin (divided)
- 2 g smoked paprika (for the res)
- 1 g dried oregano (for the res)
- 4 g chicken bouillon powder (for the arroz)
- 8 g salt (or to taste, divided)
- 2 g black pepper (divided)
- 14 g butter (for elote)
- 30 g toasted pumpkin seeds (for terminar)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. In a bowl, combine the beef with half of the chopped cilantro, half of the garlic, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lime juice, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil, 1 teaspoon cumin, the smoked paprika, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Let it marinate for 15 minutes while you prepare the rest.
- 2
2. For the tomato rice, heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring. Add the crushed tomato, water, chicken bouillon powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Let it rest for 5 minutes and fluff with a fork.
- 3
3. While the rice cooks, make the avocado lime cream. Blend or mash the avocado with the plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lime juice, 2 tablespoons cilantro, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water if you need a looser texture. Set aside.
- 4
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and half of the red onion. Cook for 2 minutes. Add the corn kernels, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the corn is tender and lightly browned in spots. Keep warm.
- 5
5. In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until well seared and cooked to your preferred doneness. If you prefer to finish it in the oven, transfer the oven-safe skillet and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Add the remaining red onion during the last 30 seconds to soften it slightly.
- 6
6. To serve, divide the tomato rice among 4 bowls. Top with the beef, sautéed corn, and spoonfuls of avocado lime cream. Finish with the remaining cilantro and toasted pumpkin seeds.
- 7
7. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of hot rice, juicy beef, golden corn, and cool creamy sauce.
Chef tips
Slice the beef against the grain for a more tender result. If using frozen corn, pat it dry before sautéing so it browns better.
Substitutions
You can substitute the beef with sliced chicken breast. Plain yogurt can be replaced with lactose-free yogurt or sour cream. The pumpkin seeds can be omitted if you want a simpler texture.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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