Steak Queso Rice Bowl (Print Version)

Savor steak strips with creamy queso atop fragrant rice, finished with cilantro and tortillas for a hearty dinner.

# Ingredients:

→ Rice Base

01 - 2 cups Basmati Rice
02 - 2 ½ cups Chicken Broth
03 - 1 cube Chicken Bouillon
04 - 1 can (14 oz) Crushed Tomatoes or diced tomatoes or tomato sauce
05 - 2 cloves Garlic, minced
06 - 1 small Onion, finely chopped (optional)
07 - 1 teaspoon Paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
09 - Salt and pepper to taste
10 - 2 tablespoons Olive Oil

→ Steak and Garnish

11 - 1 pound Sirloin Steak, cut into thin strips
12 - 2 tablespoons Butter
13 - Montreal steak seasoning, to taste
14 - White Queso, for topping
15 - Fresh Cilantro, for garnish
16 - Flour tortillas, optional for serving

# Directions:

01 - Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
03 - Add the rinsed basmati rice to the skillet. Stir continuously for 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice and absorb the flavors of garlic and onion.
04 - Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Crumble the chicken bouillon cube into the mixture. Add paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir all ingredients together.
05 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
06 - Remove the skillet from heat. Let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to settle and fluff.
07 - Season the sirloin steak strips generously on both sides with Montreal steak seasoning while the rice is cooking.
08 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned steak. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare or until done to your liking.
09 - Fluff the cooked rice and add the cooked steak on top. Drizzle generously with white queso.
10 - Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro. Serve with warm flour tortillas if desired.

# Notes:

01 - Rinsing the rice ensures it does not become too sticky during cooking.
02 - Adding a splash of broth when reheating keeps the dish moist.