Steak Queso Rice Bowl (Print Version)

Seared steak and rice topped with smooth queso, perfect for cozy dinners and gluten-free meals.

# Ingredients:

→ Steak

01 - 450g flank or sirloin steak
02 - 1 tsp paprika
03 - Salt and pepper, to taste
04 - 2 tsp ground cumin
05 - 1 tbsp olive oil
06 - 1 tsp garlic powder

→ Queso Sauce

07 - 1½ cups whole milk
08 - Salt and pepper, to taste
09 - ½ tsp ground cumin
10 - 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
11 - 2 tbsp butter
12 - 1 tsp chili powder
13 - 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
14 - 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

→ Rice

15 - 2 cups broth or water
16 - Salt, as needed
17 - 1 tbsp olive oil
18 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
19 - 1 tsp garlic powder

→ Optional Garnishes

20 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
21 - Wedges of lime
22 - Slices of avocado
23 - Cut jalapeños

# Steps:

01 - Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in milk and bring to a light simmer.
02 - Rinse the rice under cold water to remove starch. Heat olive oil in a pot, then stir in rice and garlic powder, coating well. Toast the grains lightly for 2 minutes. Add broth or water, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for 18-20 minutes until soft.
03 - After cooking, let the steak rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes to retain juices. Slice thinly against the grain to maintain tenderness.
04 - Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over both sides, pressing gently into the meat.
05 - Gradually stir in shredded cheeses, one handful at a time, allowing each to melt before adding more. Stir until smooth, then season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
06 - Serve rice on plates, add steak strips, and drizzle warm queso sauce over the top. Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, avocado slices, and lime wedges as desired.
07 - Heat a large skillet to high heat. Cook seasoned steak for 4-5 minutes per side, adjusting for thickness and preferred doneness. For medium-rare, cook 4 minutes per side; for medium, cook 5 minutes per side.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Resting steak before slicing helps retain its juices and tenderness.