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Mexican Steak Fajita Bowl with Cauliflower Rice (Paleo)

Mexican Steak Fajita Bowl with Cauliflower Rice (Paleo)

By abbey f

Tex‑Mex / Mexican-inspiredIntermediate

A bright, smoky Tex‑Mex fajita bowl built for flavor and texture: juicy, quick‑seared skirt steak with caramelized onions and charred bell peppers over fluffy cauliflower rice, finished with creamy avocado, fresh cilantro and lime. Paleo, low‑carb and restaurant‑polished, this bowl layers spice‑bloomed aromatics, a caramelized sear on the beef and tangy citrus to create big, satisfying flavors without grains.

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
3 servings
PaleoMexicanTex‑MexLow CarbGluten FreeWeeknight DinnerBowl

Ingredients

  • 350 g skirt or flank steak
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cups cauliflower, riced (about 4 cups)
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1

Prepare the steak and aromatics: Pat the 350 g skirt/flank steak dry with paper towels (dry surface browns better). Season both sides with 3/4 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp chili powder and 1 tsp cumin—rub the spices in so they cling. Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes while you prep vegetables. Resting at room temperature shortens searing time and helps even cooking.

2

Rice the cauliflower and drain moisture: Trim and core the cauliflower, then pulse in a food processor to make ~4 cups riced cauliflower. Spread it on a clean towel and press gently to remove excess surface moisture—drier riced cauliflower sautés into fluffy grains rather than steaming soggy clumps.

3

Slice the vegetables: Cut 1 large onion into 1/3" (8 mm) slices and 2 bell peppers into 1/3" strips. Thin even slices cook evenly and develop those characteristic sweet, caramelized edges.

4

Sear the steak (high heat for a quick crust): Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy skillet or cast‑iron pan over high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the steak in an even layer (work in batches if your pan is small) and sear 2–3 minutes per side for medium‑rare (internal temp ~130–135°F / 54–57°C). A hot pan creates a Maillard crust that delivers intense flavor—avoid moving the steak around while it’s searing. Transfer steak to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil to rest (this lets the juices redistribute).

5

Quickly slice the rested steak: After 5–7 minutes resting, slice the steak thinly across the grain. Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers and yields tender bites—important for skirt/flank which can be chewy if sliced incorrectly.

6

Sauté onions and peppers to develop sweetness and char: In the same hot pan (add the remaining 1 tbsp oil if dry), reduce heat to medium‑high and add the sliced onion and peppers. Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges are softened and charred in places. Add minced garlic in the last 60 seconds to avoid burning. Using the same pan captures beef fond (browned bits) left behind and builds layered flavor.

7

Season the veg: Sprinkle 1/2 tsp salt, a pinch of black pepper and a light dusting (about 1/2 tsp) of chili powder over the vegetables while they cook—this helps the vegetables release moisture and caramelize evenly, and keeps the fajita flavor consistent.

8

Make the cauliflower rice: Push the veg to the side of the pan (or use a second large skillet) and add the riced cauliflower. Over medium heat, sauté the cauliflower for 5–7 minutes until just tender and slightly toasted—stir occasionally. Add a squeeze of lime and 1/4 tsp salt toward the end to brighten flavor. Toasting the riced cauliflower concentrates flavor and prevents it from becoming watery.

9

Warm the steak with the veg: Return the sliced steak to the pan with the vegetables for 1–2 minutes to warm through and marry flavors—this short finish prevents overcooking while letting spices and fond mingle.

10

Assemble the bowls: Divide the cauliflower rice between 3 bowls. Top each with a portion of the steak, a generous scoop of onions and peppers, sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing. The layering keeps textures distinct—cool avocado and lime cut through the warm, smoky steak.

11

Finishing touches: Taste and adjust salt, pepper and lime. If you want a touch of extra richness, drizzle 1 tsp olive oil or a tiny knob of ghee on the cauliflower rice before serving.

Chef's Tips

  • 1Bring steak to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before searing—this short step helps ensure a quick, even sear without overcooking the interior.
  • 2Remove excess moisture from riced cauliflower by patting or a quick squeeze: drier rice sautés and toasts rather than steams, giving a better texture similar to real rice.
  • 3Slice the steak across the grain into thin strips to ensure tenderness—if you slice with the grain, the chew will be tougher.
  • 4Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing steak or sautéing peppers—crowding lowers pan temperature and prevents proper browning. Work in batches if necessary.
  • 5If your steak is thicker or you prefer medium, reduce heat after searing and finish in a 400°F (205°C) oven for 4–6 minutes, then rest before slicing.

Variations

  • Spicier fajita: Add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika and 1/4–1/2 tsp cayenne to the steak rub, and serve with sliced jalapeños or pickled red onions for extra kick.
  • Citrus‑marinated steak: Marinate the steak for 30–60 minutes in 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt instead of a dry rub for a brighter, more tender result.
  • Chicken or shrimp swap: Replace steak with 500 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into strips) or 400 g shrimp; adjust searing time to 3–4 minutes for chicken pieces or 2 minutes per side for shrimp.
  • Add roasted corn and black olives for more Tex‑Mex character (note: adding corn makes it non‑strict paleo).

Nutrition per Serving

490

Calories

37g

Protein

27g

Carbs

27g

Fat

11g

Fiber

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Mexican Steak Fajita Bowl with Cauliflower Rice (Paleo)

By abbey f

PaleoMexicanTex‑MexLow CarbGluten FreeWeeknight DinnerBowl
Mexican Steak Fajita Bowl with Cauliflower Rice (Paleo) - skirt or flank steak, sea salt recipe

A bright, smoky Tex‑Mex fajita bowl built for flavor and texture: juicy, quick‑seared skirt steak with caramelized onions and charred bell peppers over fluffy cauliflower rice, finished with creamy avocado, fresh cilantro and lime. Paleo, low‑carb and restaurant‑polished, this bowl layers spice‑bloomed aromatics, a caramelized sear on the beef and tangy citrus to create big, satisfying flavors without grains.

Tex‑Mex / Mexican-inspiredIntermediate3 servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 350 g skirt or flank steak
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cups cauliflower, riced (about 4 cups)
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1

Prepare the steak and aromatics: Pat the 350 g skirt/flank steak dry with paper towels (dry surface browns better). Season both sides with 3/4 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp chili powder and 1 tsp cumin—rub the spices in so they cling. Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes while you prep vegetables. Resting at room temperature shortens searing time and helps even cooking.

2

Rice the cauliflower and drain moisture: Trim and core the cauliflower, then pulse in a food processor to make ~4 cups riced cauliflower. Spread it on a clean towel and press gently to remove excess surface moisture—drier riced cauliflower sautés into fluffy grains rather than steaming soggy clumps.

3

Slice the vegetables: Cut 1 large onion into 1/3" (8 mm) slices and 2 bell peppers into 1/3" strips. Thin even slices cook evenly and develop those characteristic sweet, caramelized edges.

4

Sear the steak (high heat for a quick crust): Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy skillet or cast‑iron pan over high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the steak in an even layer (work in batches if your pan is small) and sear 2–3 minutes per side for medium‑rare (internal temp ~130–135°F / 54–57°C). A hot pan creates a Maillard crust that delivers intense flavor—avoid moving the steak around while it’s searing. Transfer steak to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil to rest (this lets the juices redistribute).

5

Quickly slice the rested steak: After 5–7 minutes resting, slice the steak thinly across the grain. Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers and yields tender bites—important for skirt/flank which can be chewy if sliced incorrectly.

6

Sauté onions and peppers to develop sweetness and char: In the same hot pan (add the remaining 1 tbsp oil if dry), reduce heat to medium‑high and add the sliced onion and peppers. Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges are softened and charred in places. Add minced garlic in the last 60 seconds to avoid burning. Using the same pan captures beef fond (browned bits) left behind and builds layered flavor.

7

Season the veg: Sprinkle 1/2 tsp salt, a pinch of black pepper and a light dusting (about 1/2 tsp) of chili powder over the vegetables while they cook—this helps the vegetables release moisture and caramelize evenly, and keeps the fajita flavor consistent.

8

Make the cauliflower rice: Push the veg to the side of the pan (or use a second large skillet) and add the riced cauliflower. Over medium heat, sauté the cauliflower for 5–7 minutes until just tender and slightly toasted—stir occasionally. Add a squeeze of lime and 1/4 tsp salt toward the end to brighten flavor. Toasting the riced cauliflower concentrates flavor and prevents it from becoming watery.

9

Warm the steak with the veg: Return the sliced steak to the pan with the vegetables for 1–2 minutes to warm through and marry flavors—this short finish prevents overcooking while letting spices and fond mingle.

10

Assemble the bowls: Divide the cauliflower rice between 3 bowls. Top each with a portion of the steak, a generous scoop of onions and peppers, sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing. The layering keeps textures distinct—cool avocado and lime cut through the warm, smoky steak.

11

Finishing touches: Taste and adjust salt, pepper and lime. If you want a touch of extra richness, drizzle 1 tsp olive oil or a tiny knob of ghee on the cauliflower rice before serving.

Chef's Tips

  • 1Bring steak to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before searing—this short step helps ensure a quick, even sear without overcooking the interior.
  • 2Remove excess moisture from riced cauliflower by patting or a quick squeeze: drier rice sautés and toasts rather than steams, giving a better texture similar to real rice.
  • 3Slice the steak across the grain into thin strips to ensure tenderness—if you slice with the grain, the chew will be tougher.
  • 4Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing steak or sautéing peppers—crowding lowers pan temperature and prevents proper browning. Work in batches if necessary.
  • 5If your steak is thicker or you prefer medium, reduce heat after searing and finish in a 400°F (205°C) oven for 4–6 minutes, then rest before slicing.

Variations

  • Spicier fajita: Add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika and 1/4–1/2 tsp cayenne to the steak rub, and serve with sliced jalapeños or pickled red onions for extra kick.
  • Citrus‑marinated steak: Marinate the steak for 30–60 minutes in 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt instead of a dry rub for a brighter, more tender result.
  • Chicken or shrimp swap: Replace steak with 500 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into strips) or 400 g shrimp; adjust searing time to 3–4 minutes for chicken pieces or 2 minutes per side for shrimp.
  • Add roasted corn and black olives for more Tex‑Mex character (note: adding corn makes it non‑strict paleo).

Nutrition per Serving

490

Calories

37g

Protein

27g

Carbs

27g

Fat

11g

Fiber

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🌍 Mexican Recipes🥗 Paleo Recipes🥗 Low Carb Recipes🥗 Gluten Free Recipes🥘 More with skirt or flank steak🥘 More with sea salt🥘 More with freshly ground black pepper

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