Steak Fajita Bowls Recipe – Flavorful, Healthy & Customizable
When I first made these steak fajita bowls, I couldn’t believe how bursting with flavor they were. The perfectly marinated steak combined with charred bell peppers, seasoned cauliflower rice, and all the delicious toppings made this an instant favorite.
I loved that it hit all the notes of a hearty, nourishing meal while being customizable to everyone’s taste. These bowls are not just satisfying but also versatile, giving you a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
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Ingredients for Steak Fajita Bowls Recipe
For the perfect steak fajita bowls, gather these key ingredients.
- 1.5 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon for cooking
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 3 bell peppers, sliced into strips
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 12 oz cauliflower rice (frozen or fresh)
- Salt to taste (for cooking cauliflower rice and veggies)
- Fresh lime juice for seasoning
Toppings (optional):
- Avocado or guacamole
- Dairy-free sour cream or regular sour cream
- Fresh salsa
- Cilantro for garnish
Note: This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Variations to Try
Fajita bowls are easy to adapt based on your preferences. Here are a few variations!
- Swap cauliflower rice with white or brown rice for a traditional base.
- For a low-carb version, load up on extra veggies and skip the rice.
- Replace steak with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for different proteins.
- Add shredded cheese, spicy jalapeños, or a rich chipotle sauce as extra toppings.
- Use coconut cream to make a Whole30-friendly sour cream substitute.
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Cooking Time
Get ready for a quick and delicious meal with this timing breakdown!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time (optional): 2 hours
- Total Time (including marinating): 2 hours 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
To create these steak fajita bowls, you’ll need just a few basic tools.
- Mixing bowls: For marinating the steak and prepping ingredients.
- Large skillet: To cook the steak and sauté the veggies.
- Small skillet: To cook cauliflower rice or an alternative base.
- Knife and cutting board: Essential for slicing the steak and vegetables.
How to Make Steak Fajita Bowls?
These steak fajita bowls come together with step-by-step simplicity. The flavorful marinade and toppings will elevate this dish to restaurant quality!
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Marinating is key to tender, flavorful steak. Whisk olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and cilantro in a bowl. Add the steak and turn it to coat evenly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for two hours or overnight for the best flavor. If you’re short on time, even an hour will work.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
When ready to cook, heat a large skillet with olive oil over high heat. Remove excess marinade from the steak and sprinkle both sides with a touch of sea salt. Sear the steak for about 4 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred doneness. Medium-rare is ideal (130°F-135°F). Once done, rest the steak under foil for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

Step 3: Prepare the Veggies
Using the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and toss in the sliced peppers and onions. Sprinkle with salt and cook on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the veggies are soft and slightly charred, complementing the smoky flavor of the steak.

Step 4: Cook the Cauliflower Rice
For a light and nutritious bowl base, sauté cauliflower rice in olive oil over medium-high heat. Straight from frozen works perfectly! Season with salt and lime juice to taste, cooking until the rice is warmed through and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Build the Bowls
Now, for the fun part! Layer cauliflower rice into your bowl as a base. Add slices of steak, sautéed veggies, and a variety of toppings. Guacamole, salsa, dairy-free sour cream, and fresh cilantro make the perfect combination, though you can customize as desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Get inspired by what makes this dish irresistible.
- Highly customizable with endless topping options.
- Packed with smoky and zesty flavors from the marinated steak and lime rice.
- Great for healthy eaters as it’s gluten-free, low-carb, and Whole30-friendly.
- Easy to make ahead for a quick lunch or dinner option.
How to Serve Steak Fajita Bowls?
Presentation matters with fajita bowls! Use wide, shallow bowls to display the colorful ingredients. Arrange components like charred veggies, juicy steak, and fresh toppings in neat sections or layered beautifully.
For an elegant touch, squeeze a wedge of lime over the bowl and garnish with cilantro leaves. Serve with tortilla chips on the side for extra crunch!

Nutritional Information
Here’s a glance at the nutrients in each serving.
- Calories: 299
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 20g
Make Ahead and Storage
These steak fajita bowls are ideal for meal prep or saving leftovers!
If preparing ahead, store each component separately in airtight containers. Steak and veggies can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days, while cauliflower rice stays fresh for 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the steak and cauliflower rice for up to two months in freezer-safe containers. When reheating, warm each component separately over low heat to maintain their texture and taste.
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Tips for Making the Recipe
After testing this recipe multiple times, here are my top tips to make it even better.
- Always marinate the steak longer if you can; it enhances the flavor.
- Don’t overcook the steak. Medium-rare keeps it juicy and tender.
- Slice the steak against the grain to ensure every bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Adjust heat levels in the marinade if you like a milder or hotter kick.
- Prep toppings in advance to save time when assembling the bowls.
What Type of Steak is Best for Fajitas?
Skirt steak and flank steak are the best choices for fajitas. They’re lean, flavorful cuts that become tender and juicy when marinated. Skirt steak typically has a more robust flavor, while flank steak offers a slightly leaner profile. Whichever you choose, slicing thinly against the grain is key to the perfect fajita bite.
Can I Customize My Fajita Bowl?
Absolutely! A fajita bowl is perfect for personalizing. Swap proteins, use your favorite veggies, and add flavorful toppings like shredded cheese, guacamole, or a tangy salsa. You can also change the base depending on your dietary preferences, moving from rice to greens or low-carb options like zoodles.
Are Fajita Bowls Healthy?
Yes! Fajita bowls are a healthy and balanced option. They combine protein, fiber-rich veggies, and wholesome fats while steering clear of processed ingredients. By using cauliflower rice or greens, they can accommodate low-carb and paleo diets while adding a nutrient-dense boost.
Transform your mealtime with these steak fajita bowls, full of flavor, texture, and nutritious elements. Perfect for busy nights and meal prep, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe over and over again!

Steak Fajita Bowls Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Marinating is key to tender, flavorful steak. Whisk olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and cilantro in a bowl. Add the steak and turn it to coat evenly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for two hours or overnight for the best flavor. If you’re short on time, even an hour will work.
- When ready to cook, heat a large skillet with olive oil over high heat. Remove excess marinade from the steak and sprinkle both sides with a touch of sea salt. Sear the steak for about 4 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred doneness. Medium-rare is ideal (130°F-135°F). Once done, rest the steak under foil for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
- Using the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and toss in the sliced peppers and onions. Sprinkle with salt and cook on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the veggies are soft and slightly charred, complementing the smoky flavor of the steak.
- For a light and nutritious bowl base, sauté cauliflower rice in olive oil over medium-high heat. Straight from frozen works perfectly! Season with salt and lime juice to taste, cooking until the rice is warmed through and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Now, for the fun part! Layer cauliflower rice into your bowl as a base. Add slices of steak, sautéed veggies, and a variety of toppings. Guacamole, salsa, dairy-free sour cream, and fresh cilantro make the perfect combination, though you can customize as desired.