A high protein steak fajita bowl is a winning choice for a weeknight dinner. It offers bold flavors, essential nutrients, and the satisfying crunch of fresh veggies. Plus, the aroma of sizzling steak and roasted peppers fills your kitchen, making every bite feel like a fiesta. Let’s get right into the details that make this recipe shine.
High Protein Steak Fajita Bowl
- Total Time: 155 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delicious high protein steak fajita bowl that combines flavorful marinated steak, roasted veggies, and riced cauliflower for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound skirt steak
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (finely chopped) with sauce
- 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- Salt and pepper to season
- 1 (10-ounce) bag riced cauliflower
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1/2 yellow onion (sliced)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the chipotle peppers, avocado oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the skirt steak and marinate for at least a couple of hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a sheet pan, toss the sliced red bell pepper and onion with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of cumin. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- In a non-stick skillet, heat the remaining oil over medium heat and sauté the riced cauliflower for about 15 minutes until golden and tender. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet to medium-high. Sear the marinated steak for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until your desired doneness. Let it rest before slicing thinly against the grain.
- To assemble the bowl, start with a base of riced cauliflower, add the roasted veggies, and top with the sliced steak. Optionally garnish with lime juice and fresh cilantro.
Notes
Letting the steak marinate overnight enhances the flavor. For added texture, consider topping the bowl with crushed tortilla chips or toasted pumpkin seeds.
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Why This High Protein Steak Fajita Bowl Never Fails
Cooking should always feel rewarding, and this bowl is practically foolproof. With straightforward ingredients and a quick cooking method, you’ll get that delicious, restaurant-quality outcome without the fuss. Let’s dive into the steps that make this high protein meal happen.
Your Ingredient Lineup
- 1 pound skirt steak
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (finely chopped) with sauce
- 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- Salt and pepper to season
- 1 (10-ounce) bag riced cauliflower
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1/2 yellow onion (sliced)
Cooking Method Made Simple
In a large bowl, stir together the chipotle peppers, avocado oil, lime juice, cumin, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Add the skirt steak, ensuring it’s well-coated. Marinate for at least a couple of hours, preferably overnight for the best flavor.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a sheet pan, toss the sliced red bell pepper and onion with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of cumin. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes until tender and caramelized.
In a non-stick skillet, heat the remaining oil over medium heat. Add the riced cauliflower and sauté for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s golden and tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Heat a grill pan or skillet to medium-high. Sear the marinated steak for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until your desired doneness is reached. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
To assemble your bowl, start with a base of riced cauliflower, add the roasted veggies, and top with the sliced steak. Optionally, squeeze more lime juice and sprinkle fresh cilantro to elevate those flavors.
Healthy Reasons to Love This High Protein Steak Fajita Bowl
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: Approximately 400
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 8g
Balanced and filling without feeling heavy, this steak fajita bowl offers a robust dose of protein while still being light enough for a weekday meal.
How to Serve It Best
This dish is versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering. Serve it up in a colorful bowl, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for extra zest. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or tortilla chips with salsa to bring that festive feel alive.
Keep It Fresh
When it comes to leftovers, you’ll want to handle them wisely. Store any uneaten components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The steak can be reheated gently over a low flame to avoid dryness, while the roasted veggies and riced cauliflower should be heated in the microwave or a skillet until warm. For longer storage, freeze portions of the marinated steak before cooking for easy meal prep later on.
Pro Notes
- Marination Is Key: Letting the steak marinate overnight allows those flavors to really permeate the meat, making every bite burst with smoky goodness.
- Cooking Technique: Use a cast-iron skillet for a perfect sear. The heat retention helps lock in juices and enhances that delicious crust.
- Texture Matters: If your riced cauliflower seems a bit watery, make sure to drain it well, or Pat it dry with paper towels before sautéing for that tender, yet slightly crispy texture.
Flavor Experiments
- Seasonal Citrus Twist: Swap the lime juice for fresh orange or grapefruit juice during the winter months to enhance sweetness.
- Spice It Up: Add fresh diced jalapeños to the veggie mix before roasting for an extra kick.
- Unexpected Crunch: Toss in some crushed tortilla chips or toasted pumpkin seeds right before serving for an added textural surprise.
Kitchen Blunders to Avoid
Overcooking the Steak: Don’t cook the steak for too long, or it’ll become tough. Stick to 2 to 3 minutes on each side based on your preferred doneness.
Soggy Cauliflower: Make sure to dry the riced cauliflower properly to prevent sogginess. Too much moisture will lead to a mushy texture.
Skipping the Marinade: Don’t skip marinating the steak; it’s where all the flavor comes from. Plan ahead to let those spices work their magic!
Quick Questions, Straight Answers
What can I substitute for skirt steak?
Flank steak or sirloin can be used as a substitute. Both will deliver a nice flavor when marinated properly, though the cooking times may vary slightly.
How can I make this bowl vegetarian?
Replace the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu. Both options will absorb flavors beautifully.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all components, store them separately, and then assemble when ready to eat for simple weeknight meals.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Every ingredient is gluten-free, so you can enjoy this dish worry-free.
With these tips and tricks up your sleeve, you’re well on your way to mastering the high protein steak fajita bowl. It’s a straightforward, flavorful meal that will surely become a staple in your kitchen rotation. Enjoy!