Skirt Steak Rice Bowl Recipe

Juicy Skirt Steak Rice Bowl Recipe: A Hearty Dinner Delight

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that pack a punch of satisfaction.

This hearty skirt steak rice bowl delivers bold, robust flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender, marinated skirt steak becomes the star of a delicious one-bowl meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Crisp vegetables and perfectly seasoned rice provide a delectable backdrop for the succulent meat.

Each bite promises a harmony of textures and tastes that will excite your taste buds.

The recipe offers a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.

Bring this exciting dish to your table and watch everyone devour every last morsel.

Storage for Skirt Steak Rice Bowls

Storage for Skirt Steak Rice Bowls
  • Wrap leftover steak tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and texture.
  • Place sliced steak in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve tenderness.
  • Gently warm steak in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth or water to prevent overcooking. Alternatively, use a microwave with 30-second intervals, checking to avoid toughening the meat.

FAQs

  • What is the best way to season skirt steak?

Use kosher salt and black pepper. Season generously and let the steak sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to help it cook evenly and develop a great crust.

  • Why should I cook skirt steak on a cast iron skillet?

Cast iron skillet provides extremely high heat that helps create a perfect sear, developing a delicious caramelized crust on the steak while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

  • How do I know when skirt steak is cooked perfectly?

Aim for medium-rare with an internal temperature of 125-130°F. After cooking, let the steak rest so the temperature rises to 130-135°F, ensuring a tender and flavorful result.

Skirt Steak Rice Bowl Hearty Appeal

Skirt Steak Rice Bowl Hearty Appeal
  • Quick Mastery: Perfect for home cooks wanting to elevate their steak skills with simple, professional-level techniques.
  • No-Fuss Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for anyone seeking a delicious weeknight dinner.
  • Customizable Comfort: Flexible bowl concept allows personalization with various toppings and side ingredients to match individual taste preferences.
  • Restaurant-Quality Meal: Delivers gourmet restaurant-style experience right in your kitchen without complicated cooking methods or expensive equipment.

Skirt Steak Rice Bowl Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
  • Skirt Steak: A flavorful, tender cut of beef perfect for quick, high-heat cooking and slicing for rice bowls.
  • Rice: The hearty base of the bowl that provides a soft, neutral backdrop for the seasoned steak.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the steak and provide a simple, robust seasoning.
  • Flaky Salt: Adds a final burst of texture and seasoning to finish the dish.
  • Chimichurri Sauce: A vibrant Argentine herb sauce that brings fresh, tangy complexity to the steak.
Cooking Components:
  • Oil: Helps prevent sticking and enables high-heat searing of the steak in the cast iron skillet.
  • Cast Iron Skillet: The ideal cooking surface for achieving a perfect sear and developing a delicious crust on the steak.

Steps for Building a Skirt Steak Rice Bowl

Steps for Building a Skirt Steak Rice Bowl

Step 1: Prepare Steak

Grab your skirt steak and gently pat it dry with paper towels.

Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper generously over both sides of the meat.

Let the steak sit at room temperature to absorb the seasonings and ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Fire Up the Skillet

Select a sturdy cast iron skillet and place it on high heat.

Allow the pan to get blazing hot for about 5 minutes.

The pan should be smoking slightly, indicating it’s ready for searing.

Step 3: Sear the Meat

Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil into the scorching hot skillet.

Carefully place the seasoned steak into the pan.

Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, aiming for a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 125-130°F for a perfect medium-rare.

Step 4: Let the Steak Rest

Transfer the seared steak to a cutting board.

Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes.

During this time, the meat continues cooking, reaching a final temperature of 130-135°F and redistributing its delicious juices.

Step 5: Slice with Precision

Using a sharp knife, slice the steak thinly against the grain.

Cutting against the grain ensures tender, easy-to-chew pieces that will melt in your mouth.

Step 6: Create Your Bowl

Start with a base of fluffy rice in serving bowls.

Arrange the beautifully sliced steak on top.

Drizzle with vibrant chimichurri sauce.

Sprinkle flaky sea salt for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Tender Skirt Steak Bowls

Tips for Tender Skirt Steak Bowls
  • Pat steak completely dry to ensure a crispy, golden-brown sear without steaming the meat.
  • Let steak rest at room temperature before cooking to guarantee even cooking and maximum tenderness.
  • Use a screaming-hot cast iron skillet to create a delicious crust while keeping the inside juicy and medium-rare.
  • Always cut skirt steak against the grain to break down muscle fibers, making each bite more tender and easier to chew.
  • Drizzle chimichurri sauce generously and sprinkle flaky salt to elevate the dish's overall taste and texture.

Variations for Skirt Steak Rice Bowl

  • Vegetarian Protein Bowl: Replace skirt steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu, seasoned similarly and sliced for a plant-based protein option.
  • Chicken Rice Bowl: Swap skirt steak with grilled chicken breast, using same seasoning and cooking method for a leaner protein alternative.
  • Spicy Korean-Inspired Bowl: Use gochujang marinade instead of simple salt and pepper, top with quick pickled vegetables and sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Lamb Bowl: Substitute skirt steak with sliced lamb, season with oregano and rosemary, serve with tzatziki sauce and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.

Serving Up Skirt Steak Rice Bowls

  • Flavor Fusion Feast: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or chopped green onions over the steak for a burst of herbal freshness that complements the rich meat.
  • Texture Paradise: Add crispy fried shallots or toasted sesame seeds on top to create a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender steak and soft rice.
  • Spice Adventure: Drizzle sriracha or a zesty chili oil for those who love an extra kick of heat that elevates the entire rice bowl experience.
  • Veggie Boost: Toss in quick-pickled vegetables like radishes or cucumber to introduce a tangy, bright element that cuts through the steak's richness.
Print
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Skirt Steak Rice Bowl Recipe

Skirt Steak Rice Bowl Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Skirt Steak Rice Bowl blends Mexican-inspired flavors with tender grilled meat and zesty toppings. Fragrant rice, perfectly seared steak, and fresh garnishes create a satisfying meal that delivers bold, complex tastes you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 1/22 pounds skirt steak
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Cooking Oils and Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (grapeseed, canola, or avocado)
  • 1 cup chimichurri sauce

Accompaniments and Garnishes:

  • 23 cups cooked white rice
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Flaky sea salt for finishing
  • Pickled red onions for serving
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the skirt steak by thoroughly drying its surface and generously coating with kosher salt and black pepper. Allow the meat to equilibrate to room temperature for a quarter-hour.
  2. Position a cast iron skillet over maximum heat, allowing it to thoroughly warm for approximately 5 minutes until surface becomes scorching hot.
  3. Introduce a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil to the searing skillet. Carefully place seasoned steak into the pan, creating an immediate sizzling reaction.
  4. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side, aiming for an internal temperature between 125-130°F, which indicates a perfect medium-rare doneness.
  5. Transfer steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest undisturbed for 5-10 minutes, enabling internal temperature to stabilize around 130-135°F and juices to redistribute.
  6. Using a sharp knife, slice the rested steak against the grain into thin, elegant strips to maximize tenderness.
  7. Construct rice bowls by distributing cooked rice as a foundational layer in serving dishes.
  8. Artfully arrange sliced steak atop the rice, drizzle with vibrant chimichurri sauce, and sprinkle flaky sea salt for enhanced flavor complexity.
  9. Customize with optional garnishes like fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, or additional condiments according to personal preference.

Notes

  • Invest in a high-quality cast iron skillet for the best sear and heat distribution when cooking skirt steak.
  • Allow the steak to reach room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking and a more tender result.
  • Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness and consistently perfect steak every time.
  • Slice the steak against the grain to break down muscle fibers, creating a more tender and easier-to-chew texture.
  • Try different marinades or seasonings to customize the flavor profile of your rice bowl.
  • For a lighter option, swap white rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa to reduce carbohydrates.
  • Meal prep friendly – cook extra steak and store in airtight container for quick lunches throughout the week.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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