If you’re looking for a meal that delivers bold flavors, vibrant colors, and a real restaurant-style wow factor, look no further than this Steak Avocado and Roasted Corn Bowl with Cilantro Cream Sauce! Juicy marinated steak, smoky sweet roasted corn, creamy avocado, and zippy cilantro cream swirl together to create a bowl you’ll want to eat on repeat—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a meal-prep lunch that will instantly brighten your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vibrant Flavors: Every bite of this Steak Avocado and Roasted Corn Bowl with Cilantro Cream Sauce is a flavorful fireworks show—smoky, creamy, zesty, and herbaceous, all at once.
- Hearty & Nourishing: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this bowl fills you up and keeps you energized for hours.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: All the components can be made ahead, so weeknight dinners and packed lunches just got a serious upgrade.
- Beautiful Presentation: With its rainbow of fresh ingredients and the luscious drizzle of cilantro cream, this bowl always looks as good as it tastes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Steak Avocado and Roasted Corn Bowl with Cilantro Cream Sauce is that each ingredient shines on its own, yet comes together to create a bowl that celebrates color, texture, and mouthwatering taste. Let’s walk through what you’ll need—and why you’ll love every single element.
- Flank steak or sirloin: These cuts are tender, juicy, and the perfect canvas for a quick, flavorful marinade.
- Olive oil: Adds richness to the marinade and helps coat and brown both steak and corn beautifully.
- Lime juice: Brightens everything up—essential for both steak and the cilantro sauce.
- Garlic: Lends savory depth to the marinade and the cilantro cream.
- Ground cumin, chili powder & smoked paprika: These spices team up for a warm, smoky, slightly spicy steak and corn.
- Salt & black pepper: The backbone of flavor—don’t skimp!
- Corn kernels (fresh or frozen): Roasted corn gives sweet smoky pops that really set this bowl apart.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For a touch of heat if you like things spicy.
- Greek yogurt & sour cream: The dream duo behind the tangy, creamy cilantro sauce.
- Fresh cilantro: Both stems and leaves make the sauce intensely fresh and green.
- Jalapeño: Just enough bite to zip up the cilantro cream (remove seeds for less heat).
- Rice: Serves as a hearty, fluffy base for all those delicious toppings.
- Avocados: Buttery slices add creaminess and gorgeous green color.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and the perfect pop of red summer flavor.
- Red onion: Thin slices add crunch and gentle sharpness.
- Cotija or feta cheese: Salty, tangy crumbles that round everything out.
- Lime wedges & extra cilantro: Essential garnishes for brightness and that final flourish!
Variations
This Steak Avocado and Roasted Corn Bowl with Cilantro Cream Sauce is totally customizable—perfect for feeding a crowd with different tastes or making use of what’s in your fridge. Here are some of my favorite tweaks and swaps!
- Swap the Protein: Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or even black beans for a vegetarian twist. Each option brings its own delicious vibe to the bowl.
- Make it Low-Carb: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice or chopped romaine for a lighter, veggie-packed version.
- Tweak the Cream Sauce: For a dairy-free bowl, use a vegan yogurt or cashew-based alternative—the sauce will still be creamy and herbaceous.
- Change Up the Cheese: Crumbled queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack also shine if you don’t have cotija or feta on hand.
How to Make Steak Avocado and Roasted Corn Bowl with Cilantro Cream Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by whisking together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl or zip-top bag. Add the steak and make sure it’s coated on all sides, then let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (an hour is even better for richer flavor). If you scored the steak before marinating, you’ll notice how the flavors really soak in!
Step 2: Roast the Corn
While the steak marinates, heat your oven to 425°F. Toss your corn with a drizzle of olive oil, smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and cayenne if you love a little kick. Spread the kernels out on a baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway, until they’re golden and sweetly caramelized at the edges. The smell is unreal!
Step 3: Make the Cilantro Cream Sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, jalapeño, and salt. Blitz until silky-smooth and vibrant green. Give it a taste and adjust lime or salt to your liking—this sauce makes the whole bowl sing.
Step 4: Cook and Slice the Steak
When ready to cook, let the steak sit out for a few minutes to reach room temperature. Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron is my go-to) over high heat, then add the steak. Sear for about 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time as needed for your preferred doneness. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain for buttery, melt-in-your-mouth bites.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Spoon warm rice into each bowl, then layer on steak slices, a generous scoop of roasted corn, creamy avocado slices, halved cherry tomatoes, and a few rings of red onion. Drizzle with a generous swirl of the cilantro cream sauce, sprinkle with cotija, and finish with a flourish of fresh cilantro and lime wedges. It’s a true feast for the senses!
Pro Tips for Making Steak Avocado and Roasted Corn Bowl with Cilantro Cream Sauce
- Marinate with Confidence: Scoring the surface of your steak before marinating helps the flavors penetrate deep for more robust, unforgettable bites.
- Char that Corn: To take your roasted corn up another level, broil it for the last minute or two after roasting for extra smoky edges—so irresistible!
- Sauce Consistency Matters: If your cilantro cream is too thick to drizzle, whisk in a splash of water or extra lime juice until you reach the perfect pourable texture.
- Cut Avocado Last: To keep your bowl looking its freshest, slice the avocado just before serving to avoid browning and maximize that creamy, buttery goodness.
How to Serve Steak Avocado and Roasted Corn Bowl with Cilantro Cream Sauce
Garnishes
Don’t be shy with toppings! I love a generous sprinkle of crumbled cotija or feta, extra fresh cilantro leaves, and a bright squeeze of lime to make every flavor pop. Thin red onion, sliced jalapeños, or even radish add crunch and color—the garnishing possibilities are endless and so much fun.
Side Dishes
This hearty bowl truly stands alone, but if you want to round out the meal, serve it with homemade tortilla chips and fresh salsa, a simple green salad, or even some grilled vegetables. For a festive vibe, a pitcher of agua fresca or sparkling limeade on the side always hits the spot!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Steak Avocado and Roasted Corn Bowl with Cilantro Cream Sauce into a DIY “bowl bar” for parties, letting everyone build their own masterpiece with extra toppings and sauces. For lunchboxes, layer the ingredients in jars for pretty, portable parfaits. Or try serving it family-style, spread out on a gorgeous platter for sharing—no one can resist those colors arrayed together!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep everything fresh, store each component—steak, corn, sauce, veggies, and rice—in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This way, nothing gets soggy or loses its pep, and you can build fresh bowls throughout the week.
Freezing
While the steak, rice, and corn freeze quite well, I recommend enjoying the avocado and cilantro cream sauce fresh for best flavor and texture. Freeze cooked steak and corn in separate containers for up to 2 months; simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling your bowl.
Reheating
Reheat steak and corn gently in a skillet or microwave until just warmed through. To keep the steak juicy, drizzle with a little extra lime juice or olive oil before reheating. Assemble fresh with new avocado, tomatoes, and sauce for that just-made taste every time.
FAQs
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What cut of steak is best for this bowl?
Flank steak and sirloin both work beautifully for the Steak Avocado and Roasted Corn Bowl with Cilantro Cream Sauce—flank is a bit leaner and super flavorful, while sirloin is tender and easy to slice. No matter which, marinate and slice against the grain for the best texture!
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Can I make the cilantro cream sauce ahead?
Absolutely! The cilantro cream sauce can be made 2–3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container—just give it a stir and thin with a splash of water or more lime juice if needed before drizzling.
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How can I keep avocado from browning if meal prepping?
For meal prep, store whole avocados and slice them just before eating. If you must prep ahead, brush the cut avocado with lime juice, tightly wrap in plastic, and refrigerate—it’ll help keep browning at bay for up to a day.
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Can I make the bowl without an oven?
Definitely! If you don’t have an oven, sear the corn in a hot skillet on the stovetop instead. Just toss with oil and spices, then cook over medium-high heat until some kernels are deep golden and caramelized.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience all the colors, crunch, and irresistible freshness packed into this Steak Avocado and Roasted Corn Bowl with Cilantro Cream Sauce! Every forkful promises a fireworks show of flavor and texture. Give it a try, make it your own, and let it bring a burst of joy to your table—your future self will thank you!
PrintSteak Avocado and Roasted Corn Bowl with Cilantro Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Roasting
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Steak Avocado and Roasted Corn Bowl with Cilantro Cream Sauce recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines tender marinated steak with roasted corn, creamy avocado, and a flavorful cilantro cream sauce. Perfect for a nutritious and flavorful dinner!
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Roasted Corn:
- 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt to taste
For the Cilantro Cream Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 jalapeño, seeds removed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Bowl Assembly:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 ripe avocados, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- Lime wedges for serving
- Additional cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: Combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and seasonings. Coat steak and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Cilantro Sauce: Blend all sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Roast Corn: Toss corn with oil and seasonings, roast at 425°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Cook Steak: Cook in hot skillet 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Rest and Slice: Let steak rest 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Assemble: Layer rice, steak, corn, vegetables, and sauce in bowls. Garnish with cheese and cilantro.
Notes
- Bring steak to room temperature before cooking for even results.
- Score steak surface before marinating for better flavor absorption.
- Reserve some sauce thinned with water for drizzling.
- For meal prep, store components separately.
- Cut avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg