Imagine transforming a mundane meal into a vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With our Steak & Queso Rice, you’ll do just that. This meal combines juicy steak and rich queso sauce to create an unforgettable taste profile. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving comfort food, this recipe is exactly what you need. To perfect your side dish, learn How to Cook Perfect Rice.
Ingredients List
Creating the most delicious Steak & Queso Rice requires fresh and quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of jasmine rice
- 1 lb of flank steak
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of queso blanco
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime, juiced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Optional: Jalapeños for heat
These core ingredients ensure a balanced flavor, by harmonizing the savory elements of the steak with the smoothness of the queso. Additionally, understanding different Guide to Different Types of Rice can enhance your culinary repertoire.
Timing
Time management is crucial in any kitchen, and the Steak & Queso Rice is no exception. Let’s break down the timing for each component to keep you on schedule:
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
You’ll find that organization is your best friend here. Line up your mise en place before starting to cook, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cooking process. For more ways to keep your dinners efficient and delicious, check out our quick and easy dinner recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by preparing all your ingredients: thinly slice your flank steak, mince the garlic, and have your spices within reach. You’ll want everything ready when the cooking heat turns up.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil, then add the jasmine rice, stirring to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 15 minutes.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your steak with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear each side to your desired level of doneness, remembering that medium rare yields the most tender results. Remove the steak and let it rest. If you need tips on achieving a perfectly seared steak, check out How to Sear a Steak Perfectly.
Step 4: Make the Queso Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the queso blanco with shredded cheddar cheese over low heat, stirring frequently. Add in a little lime juice and minced garlic to enhance the flavor. This creamy sauce will be the heart of your Steak & Queso Rice.
Step 5: Assemble Your Dish
Toss the cooked rice with the melted queso cheese. Add sliced steak on top, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and, if you like, some sliced jalapeños for a spice kick.
For an experience similar to a Steak & Queso Rice, consider trying our other rice bowl variations!
Nutritional Info
The Steak & Queso Rice is not only flavorful but also provides substantial nutritional benefits. Here’s a breakdown for one serving:
- Calories: Approximately 650
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fats: 30g
The high protein content, derived from the steak, supports muscle growth and repair, while the rich cheese sauce adds healthy fats to keep you satiated longer. Meanwhile, the rice serves as a great energy source due to its carbohydrate profile. For more insight into protein and its sources, explore Protein Food Sources.
For more ideas on how to integrate rice into your diet, check this Steak Queso Rice Bowl.
Healthier Alternatives
While the original Steak & Queso Rice is indulgent and hearty, there are several adjustments to make it healthier:
- Use brown rice: It’s a whole grain and retains more fiber and nutrients than white rice, keeping you fuller longer.
- Lean cuts of steak: Substitute flank steak with a leaner cut like sirloin to reduce fat content.
- Low-fat cheese: Opt for low-fat cheese versions that still provide great taste without excess calories.
- Vegetarian option: Replace steak with grilled portobello mushrooms for a similar umami flavor.
These changes help in reducing the calorie count while enhancing the dish’s nutritional value. For inspiration on a vegetarian twist, try our grilled vegetable stir fry.
Serving Suggestions
The versatility of Steak & Queso Rice makes it a dining star for various occasions:
- Dinner Parties: Serve it in a large dish, allowing guests to serve themselves family-style. Garnish each portion with extra cilantro and a lime wedge for a pop of color.
- Kid-Friendly Meal: Keep it simple by serving with additional queso on the side. Kids enjoy the creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Leftover Lunch: Wrap leftovers in a tortilla for a quick lunch the next day, adding lettuce and tomatoes for extra freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Achieving the perfect Steak & Queso Rice can be tricky if these common pitfalls are not avoided:
- Overcooking the steak: Avoid cooking past medium as this can make the steak tough. A quick sear is often all that is needed.
- Clumping rice: Use a fork to fluff the rice after cooking to avoid it sticking together, which is especially useful when mixing with queso.
- Uneven spice distribution: Season the steak evenly before cooking to ensure each bite is full of flavor.
- Ignoring resting time: Allow the steak to rest after cooking for juicy, flavorful slices.
Storing Tips
Leftovers of Steak & Queso Rice can
📝 Recipe: How to Make the Best Steak & Queso Rice
🍽️ Ingredients
- 1 pound of steak (sirloin or ribeye), thinly sliced
- 1 cup of uncooked rice
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1 cup of shredded queso cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
👨🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and beef broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender, about 15 minutes.
- Cook the Steak: While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until browned on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the chili powder, mixing well with the onion and garlic.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked steak to the skillet and stir everything together, ensuring the steak slices are coated with the onion mixture.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded queso cheese over the steak mixture. Allow it to melt and combine with the juices.
- Serve: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and serve it topped with the steak and queso mixture. Enjoy!
⏱️ Preparation Time
10 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time
25 minutes
🍴 Servings
4
