Qdoba's Grilled Steak Bowl Copycat Recipe

The Grilled Steak Bowl from Qdoba features tender, marinated steak grilled to perfection, served atop a bed of cilantro-lime rice, black beans, fresh pico de gallo, and topped with shredded cheese and zesty guacamole, offering a flavorful and vibrant meal with a mix of smoky, savory, and tangy elements.

Equipments

• Grill
• Tongs
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Rice cooker or pot
• Saucepan
• Serving bowls
• Spoon
• Ladle
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (for rice)
• 1 (15 oz/425g) can black beans
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (for beans)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for beans)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for beans)
• 2 medium tomatoes
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped jalapeño
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (for pico de gallo)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for pico de gallo)
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (for guacamole)
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (for guacamole)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for guacamole)

Use flank steak for a tender and flavorful base, marinated with a blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic for authentic taste. Fresh lime juice and cilantro are key to enhancing the brightness of both the cilantro-lime rice and pico de gallo. Black beans seasoned with cumin and garlic powder add a savory depth while balancing the smoky and tangy flavors. For the creamy guacamole, ensure ripe avocados are mixed with lime juice and cilantro to maintain freshness and prevent browning. Your Grilled Steak Bowl from Qdoba copycat menu will perfectly combine these elements to create a bold, smoky, and vibrant dish.

Instructions

• Instructions:
• Prepare the steak marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Add flank steak to the marinade, coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
• Cook the rice: Rinse and cook long-grain white rice using rice cooker or pot as per package instructions.
• When rice is cooked, fluff and stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice for cilantro-lime rice.
• Prepare black beans: In a saucepan, heat canned black beans with ground cumin, garlic powder, and salt until warmed through.
• Make pico de gallo: In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
• Prepare guacamole: In a bowl, mash avocados and mix with lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt.
• Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
• Grill the marinated steak for 3-5 minutes per side until desired doneness is reached.
• Remove from grill and let the steak rest for 5 minutes; then slice thinly against the grain.
• Grate Monterey Jack cheese if not pre-shredded.
• Assemble the bowl: Add cilantro-lime rice and black beans to serving bowls.
• Top with grilled steak slices.
• Add pico de gallo, shredded cheese, and guacamole.
• Serve immediately.

Substitution

The Grilled Steak Bowl from Qdoba copycat menu offers a balanced blend of marinated steak, cilantro-lime rice, black beans, pico de gallo, shredded cheese, and guacamole. If flank steak is unavailable, skirt steak or sirloin can be used as excellent substitutes without compromising flavor. You can swap long-grain white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option or to vary the texture. Fresh jalapeno in pico de gallo can be replaced with serrano pepper or mild bell pepper, depending on your heat preference. When grilling, using a grill pan indoors is a convenient alternative if an outdoor grill is not accessible.

Tips

Ensure your flank steak marinates for at least 30 minutes to develop the rich flavors critical for the Grilled Steak Bowl's signature taste. When grilling, preheat to medium-high and avoid flipping the steak too often to maintain juiciness and achieve perfect grill marks. Rest your steak for 5 minutes post-grilling to allow juices to redistribute, then slice thinly against the grain to enhance tenderness. Freshly grate the Monterey Jack cheese and prepare the guacamole just before serving to preserve texture and vibrant flavors in your bowl.

Nutritions

The Grilled Steak Bowl provides a balanced meal rich in protein from the marinated flank steak, essential for muscle repair and growth. Cilantro-lime rice and black beans add fiber and complex carbohydrates, supporting sustained energy release throughout your day. Fresh pico de gallo and guacamole contribute vitamins A, C, and healthy fats, which promote immune function and heart health. Your meal also benefits from a moderate amount of calcium and antioxidants supplied by shredded Monterey Jack cheese and fresh herbs.

Storage

Store leftover grilled steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Keep cilantro-lime rice, black beans, pico de gallo, and guacamole in separate containers to preserve their individual flavors and textures; guacamole should be covered tightly to prevent browning. When reheating, warm the steak and rice gently to avoid overcooking, while pico de gallo and guacamole are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature for your optimal experience.

Variation or Alternatives

Substitute flank steak with skirt steak or sirloin for varying tenderness and flavor profiles. For a smoky twist, use mesquite or hickory wood chips on the grill or marinate the steak in chipotle adobo sauce instead of chili powder. Replace long-grain white rice with brown rice or quinoa to enhance the nutritional value and texture of your base. You can also swap Monterey Jack cheese for sharp cheddar or cotija to introduce different flavors; alternatively, add a drizzle of spicy chipotle crema for an extra kick.

Allergies

The Grilled Steak Bowl contains several common allergens including dairy from the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and potential cross-reactive allergens in spices like chili powder and cumin. The black beans and fresh ingredients such as tomatoes and avocado may also trigger sensitivities or allergic reactions in some individuals. You should exercise caution if you have known allergies to dairy, legumes, or certain spices when enjoying this dish.

Why this recipe?

Qdoba's Grilled Steak Bowl is popular for its tender, marinated steak cooked over an open flame, delivering a smoky and savory flavor that satisfies meat lovers. The combination of fresh ingredients like cilantro-lime rice, black beans, and vibrant pico de gallo creates a balanced and nutritious meal. You can recreate this bold, restaurant-quality taste at home with the freedom to customize your bowl according to your dietary preferences. Trying the copycat version allows you to enjoy the same crave-worthy flavors while controlling portion sizes and ingredient quality.