High Protein Steak Fajita Bowl Recipe

Sizzling High Protein Steak Fajita Bowl Recipe for Hearty Meals

Steak sizzles with vibrant peppers in this high protein steak fajita bowl recipe that promises a flavor explosion.

Tender slices of marinated beef dance alongside colorful bell peppers and onions.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of protein-packed goodness and zesty southwestern spices.

Crisp vegetables add a fresh crunch to the hearty meat base.

Quinoa or rice creates a satisfying foundation for this delicious meal.

Simple ingredients combine to create a restaurant-worthy dish you can quickly prepare at home.

This bowl transforms weeknight dinner into a delectable culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Steak Fajita Bowl with a High Protein Boost

  • Packed with lean skirt steak, this recipe delivers a robust protein punch perfect for fitness enthusiasts and muscle-building goals.
  • Quick and straightforward cooking steps make this dish ideal for busy individuals seeking a nutritious, delicious meal without complicated techniques.
  • Flexible ingredients allow easy swaps and personalization, letting home cooks adapt the recipe to their taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Replacing traditional rice with cauliflower rice transforms this bowl into a low-carbohydrate option that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.

Ingredients for a Steak Fajita Bowl

Protein Source:
  • Skirt Steak: A flavorful cut that provides rich protein and becomes tender when marinated.
Vegetables:
  • Red Bell Pepper, Yellow Onion: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and nutrition to the fajita bowl.
  • Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to traditional rice that provides additional nutrients and texture.
Marinade and Seasoning:
  • Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: Adds smoky and spicy flavor to the steak.
  • Lime Juice: Provides bright, citrusy acidity to enhance the marinade.
  • Cumin: Brings warm, earthy spice to the dish.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
Cooking Oils:
  • Avocado Oil, Olive Oil: Neutral oils used for cooking and marinating that add a light, smooth cooking medium.

Simple Steps for Building Fajita Bowls

Step 1: Craft Zesty Marinade for Steak

Mix together chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, avocado oil, lime juice, and cumin in a mixing bowl.

Thoroughly coat the skirt steak with this spicy mixture.

Refrigerate the marinated steak overnight to enhance flavor depth.

Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.

Step 2: Roast Colorful Vegetables

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Slice ingredients:
  • Red bell pepper
  • Yellow onion

Spread vegetable strips on a sheet pan.

Drizzle with avocado oil.

Sprinkle with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Cumin

Toss vegetables to ensure even coating.

Roast for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 3: Sauté Cauliflower Rice

Heat skillet with avocado oil over medium heat.

Add riced cauliflower and cook, stirring occasionally.

Aim for a light golden color, which takes about 15 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper.

Transfer to a covered bowl to keep warm.

Step 4: Sear Steak to Perfection

Remove excess marinade from steak.

Heat skillet to medium-high with avocado oil.

Cook steak 2-3 minutes per side, targeting medium-rare at 130°F.

Let steak rest on cutting board for 5 minutes.

Slice thinly against the grain to maintain juiciness.

Step 5: Build Delicious Protein Bowls

Layer ingredients in serving bowls:
  • Warm cauliflower rice
  • Roasted bell peppers and onions
  • Sliced steak

Serve immediately while ingredients are hot and flavors are vibrant.

Tips for Juicy Steak and Bold Flavor

  • Let the steak soak in the marinade overnight to intensify flavors and tenderize the meat completely.
  • Cut the steak against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing for every bite.
  • Allow steak to reach room temperature before cooking to guarantee even heat distribution and perfect doneness.
  • Stir frequently while sautéing to prevent sticking and achieve a light golden color that adds extra depth to the dish.
  • Always let the steak rest after cooking to lock in juices and maintain optimal moisture and flavor.

Storage Tips for Fajita Bowls

  • Store cooled steak fajita bowl components separately in airtight containers. Separate steak, cauliflower rice, and roasted vegetables to maintain texture and prevent sogginess. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
  • Warm individual portions in microwave using 30-second intervals. Drizzle small amount of water over cauliflower rice to prevent drying. Stir between intervals for even heating. Keep steak separate to avoid overcooking.
  • Revive dish in cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add splash of oil to prevent sticking. Gently warm ingredients, starting with cauliflower rice, then vegetables, and lastly steak. Heat quickly to preserve moisture and prevent toughening.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Place components in oven-safe dish, covering with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes, checking frequently. Remove foil during last few minutes to restore slight crispness to vegetables.

What Goes Well with Steak Fajita Bowls

  • Pair Zesty Mexican Margarita: A classic lime margarita perfectly complements the spicy chipotle and citrus notes in the steak marinade, cutting through the richness of the meat with its bright, tangy profile.
  • Complement Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon that matches the intense flavors of the marinated steak, enhancing the dish's deep, smoky undertones while standing up to its robust character.
  • Balance Fresh Cilantro Lime Agua Fresca: Create a light, refreshing drink that echoes the lime in the marinade, offering a cool counterpoint to the warm, spicy elements of the fajita bowl and cleansing the palate between bites.
  • Elevate Craft Mexican-Style Lager: Select a crisp, clean beer like Modelo Especial or Dos Equis that cuts through the steak's richness, providing a light, refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the dish.

Bowl Variations to Try

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Swap: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb, nutrient-dense alternative that keeps the dish light and healthy.
  • Vegetarian Protein Power Bowl: Swap steak with grilled tofu or tempeh, marinated in the same chipotle-lime mixture, providing a plant-based protein alternative for vegetarian diners.
  • Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Increase healthy fats by adding sliced avocado, drizzling with extra olive oil, and using full-fat sour cream to make the bowl more keto-compliant while maintaining high protein content.
  • Gluten-Free Wellness Bowl: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, replacing any potential gluten-containing seasonings with pure spices to create a safe meal for those with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute skirt steak with flank steak or sirloin. Just adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the meat to ensure proper doneness.

  • Is riced cauliflower necessary for this recipe?

While riced cauliflower adds a low-carb base, you can replace it with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice from the store if you prefer. Each option will slightly change the nutritional profile.

  • How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add more chipotle peppers in adobo sauce during marination or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. You can also include a dash of hot sauce when assembling the bowl for extra heat.

  • What if I don't have avocado oil?

Olive oil works perfectly as a substitute. Both have similar cooking properties and can withstand medium-high heat needed for searing the steak.

Print
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High Protein Steak Fajita Bowl Recipe

High Protein Steak Fajita Bowl Recipe


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4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Mexican-inspired Steak Fajita Bowl delivers bold southwestern flavors packed with protein and zesty spices. Colorful peppers, tender beef, and cilantro-lime rice create a delicious meal that satisfies your craving for robust, balanced cuisine.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) skirt steak

Marinade Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (finely chopped) with sauce
  • 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1.5 teaspoons cumin
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Vegetable and Supporting Ingredients:

  • 0.5 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
  • 1 10-ounce (283 grams) bag riced cauliflower
  • 0.5 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 0.5 yellow onion, sliced
  • 0.5 teaspoon cumin

Instructions

  1. Craft a vibrant marinade by blending chipotle peppers, oil, lime juice, and cumin in a mixing bowl. Thoroughly coat the skirt steak, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for optimal flavor infusion, allowing at least 30 minutes for marination. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature.
  2. Preheat oven to 400F. Slice red bell peppers and yellow onions into thin strips. Arrange on a sheet pan, drizzle with oil, and season with salt, pepper, and cumin. Toss to distribute seasonings evenly. Roast for 15-20 minutes until vegetables reach desired tenderness.
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add riced cauliflower, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for approximately 15 minutes until lightly golden. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a covered bowl to maintain warmth.
  4. Remove excess marinade from steak. Heat skillet to medium-high, adding fresh oil. Sear steak for 2-3 minutes per side, targeting a medium-rare temperature of 130F. Allow steak to rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain to preserve juiciness.
  5. Compose the fajita bowls by layering riced cauliflower as a base. Top with roasted bell peppers and onions. Arrange sliced steak over the vegetables. Serve immediately while ingredients remain warm, creating a protein-rich, flavor-packed meal.

Notes

  • Marinate overnight for maximum flavor infusion, allowing the chipotle and lime to deeply penetrate the steak’s fibers.
  • Use a meat thermometer to precisely check the steak’s internal temperature, ensuring consistent doneness every time.
  • Swap skirt steak with flank or sirloin for different texture variations while maintaining high protein content.
  • For low-carb or keto dieters, replace cauliflower rice with extra roasted vegetables or additional protein to reduce carbohydrate intake.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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