Print

Grilled Cheesy Steak & Cilantro Rice

Grilled Cheesy Steak & Cilantro Rice
Print Recipe

Grilled Cheesy Steak & Cilantro Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish combining smoky grilled flank or skirt steak layered with melty sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, all served over fragrant cilantro and lime-infused long-grain white rice. Perfect for casual dinners or weekend gatherings, this recipe balances bold, fresh, and comforting flavors with simple preparation and customizable options.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak & Seasoning

  • 1 lb flank or skirt steak
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tsp cumin (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)

Rice & Cilantro Base

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups water or as per package instructions
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt, to taste

Cheese Topping

  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Optional Garnishes

  • Extra chopped cilantro
  • Sliced avocado
  • Sliced green onions
  • Dollop of sour cream

Optional Variations & Extras

  • Chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper (for spicy kick)
  • Grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted cauliflower steaks (vegetarian substitute)
  • Dairy-free cheese alternative (for dairy-free version)
  • Brown rice substituting white rice
  • Additional herbs like parsley, mint, or green onions

Instructions

  1. Marinate and Prepare the Steak: Season the steak generously with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and optional spices like smoked paprika or cumin. Let it marinate at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Cook the Cilantro Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until clear. Cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in chopped cilantro, minced garlic, fresh lime juice, olive oil, and salt to taste for a vibrant and fragrant rice base.
  3. Grill the Steak: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare or adjust as preferred. Remove and let rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
  4. Assemble with Cheese: On a serving plate, place a generous layer of cilantro rice. Top with the sliced steak, then cover evenly with shredded cheese. Optionally, place under a broiler or in a hot oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.
  5. Final Touches: Garnish with extra chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, sliced avocado, or green onions as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the combination of smoky, cheesy, and fresh flavors.

Notes

  • Rest your steak after grilling to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Use fresh cilantro and lime juice to brighten the rice and balance richness.
  • Do not overcook the rice to maintain fluffy grains.
  • Slice steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  • Choose cheeses that melt well and complement the smoky steak.
  • Store steak and rice separately to preserve texture if refrigerating leftovers.
  • Reheat gently on skillet or oven to avoid dryness, avoid microwaving if possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled steak, cilantro rice, cheesy steak, flank steak recipe, easy steak dinner, cilantro lime rice, grilled beef, cheese topping, weeknight meal, crowd pleaser

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/grilled-cheesy-steak-cilantro-rice/