Experience the perfect balance of juicy, zesty skirt steak and crisp, colorful veggies layered over tender cauliflower rice. The blend of lime, garlic, and spices delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. This high protein, low carb bowl makes healthy eating exciting and satisfying, tailor-made for keto and gluten-free lifestyles.
I was excited to try out this High Protein Steak Fajita Bowl recipe because its nutritional benefits are incredible. It’s packed with protein from a full pound of skirt steak and loaded with vitamins from the red and yellow bell peppers and onion.
The steak gets a nice flavor boost from a tablespoon of olive oil, the juice of one lime, and garlic along with spices like ancho chili powder and cumin. The cauliflower rice takes the place of traditional rice which lowers the carbs and calories making it perfect for someone keeping things low carb and keto-friendly.
The vibrant veggies not only add a pop of color, they are rich in antioxidants. I found that this recipe is balanced and filled with essential nutrients for a healthy dinner that’s high in protein and low in unwanted carbs.
The low calorie count makes it an ideal meal for anyone looking to eat clean and stick to their dietary goals.
Why I Like this Recipe
1. I really love how the marinade of lime, garlic, and spices makes the steak burst with flavor. When I cook it, the meat gets a tangy, spicy taste that just makes my mouth water every time.
2. I like how the veggies come out soft with a nice charred flavor. The red and yellow bell peppers along with the onions add a crisp texture and a sweet, smoky vibe to every bite.
3. The dish is super healthy and low-carb, which is a big deal for me. The cauliflower rice keeps it light while still being filling, so it totally fits my keto lifestyle.
4. I also enjoy that extra touch of creaminess from the avocado and sour cream. It balances out all the spicy flavors and gives the bowl a richer taste that I find really satisfying.
Ingredients
- Skirt steak: rich protein source with a bold flavor that fuels muscle growth.
- Olive oil: heart healthy fat that carries flavors and adds a smooth texture.
- Lime juice: packs a sour tang that brightens flavors and helps tenderize meat.
- Garlic: small but mighty, boosting taste and adding natural health benefits.
- Bell peppers: crunchy veggies loaded with vitamin C and natural sweetness.
- Cauliflower rice: low carb yet fiber-rich, acting as a healthy rice substitute.
- Avocado: creamy and filling, providing healthy fats and a mild, buttery taste.
- Sour cream: optional topping lending a velvety tang and richer mouthfeel.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 lb skirt steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ancho chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thinly
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or defrosted if frozen)
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
- 2 tbsp sour cream (optional)
How to Make this
1. Mix 1 tbsp of olive oil, juice of 1 lime, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ancho chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Place the 1 lb skirt steak in there and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated steak and cook it for about 3-5 minutes on each side until it’s done to your liking, then take it off the heat and let it rest.
3. In the same pan, add the sliced 1 red bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, and 1 sliced medium onion. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes until they get soft and a little charred.
4. While the veggies are cooking, get your 2 cups of cauliflower rice ready. You can either microwave it for a couple of minutes or toss it in a pan with a little oil until it becomes tender.
5. After the steak rests, slice it thinly against the grain.
6. In a serving bowl, start with a base of the cauliflower rice.
7. Layer the sliced steak on top of the cauliflower rice.
8. Spoon over the sautéed peppers and onions evenly.
9. Add 1 sliced avocado on top if you like that extra creaminess.
10. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and add 2 tbsp sour cream over the bowl if you want a bit of tang. Enjoy your high protein steak fajita bowl!
Equipment Needed
1. A medium sized mixing bowl for marinating the steak
2. A set of measuring spoons to get the right amount of oil, spices, and lime juice
3. A sharp knife and a cutting board for mincing garlic and slicing the steak, peppers, onion, and avocado
4. A sturdy frying pan to sear the steak and then to sauté the veggies
5. Tongs or a spatula for flipping the steak and stirring the vegetables
6. A microwave-safe bowl (or a second small pan) for heating the cauliflower rice if you choose that method
7. A large serving bowl for assembling your steak fajita creation
FAQ
High Protein Steak Fajita Bowl Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- If you don’t have skirt steak, try using flank steak or sirloin tip instead. They work great and are easier to find.
- No lime? You can use lemon juice as a substitute. It isn’t exactly the same but it still gives a nice tang.
- If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil or even canola oil can be used. They add a similar healthy fat content.
- Don’t have ancho chili powder? Mix 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika with a pinch of cayenne pepper. It gives a close enough flavor.
- Instead of sour cream, try using Greek yogurt. It has that creamy tang and boosts the protein too.
Pro Tips
1. For a more flavorful steak try marinating it longer than just 15 minutes if you got the time, but don’t overdo it or the acid might start breaking down the meat too much.
2. Make sure you get the pan real hot before laying down that steak – a sizzling start helps lock in the juices and gives that nice sear you want.
3. When you cook the veggies, keep an eye on ’em. A little chirping char is awesome for flavor, but if they burn they can easily turn bitter.
4. Let the steak rest after cooking; cutting it too soon can make it lose all those tasty juices so take a moment before slicing and serving.
High Protein Steak Fajita Bowl Recipe
My favorite High Protein Steak Fajita Bowl Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. A medium sized mixing bowl for marinating the steak
2. A set of measuring spoons to get the right amount of oil, spices, and lime juice
3. A sharp knife and a cutting board for mincing garlic and slicing the steak, peppers, onion, and avocado
4. A sturdy frying pan to sear the steak and then to sauté the veggies
5. Tongs or a spatula for flipping the steak and stirring the vegetables
6. A microwave-safe bowl (or a second small pan) for heating the cauliflower rice if you choose that method
7. A large serving bowl for assembling your steak fajita creation
Ingredients:
- 1 lb skirt steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ancho chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thinly
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or defrosted if frozen)
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
- 2 tbsp sour cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Mix 1 tbsp of olive oil, juice of 1 lime, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ancho chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Place the 1 lb skirt steak in there and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated steak and cook it for about 3-5 minutes on each side until it’s done to your liking, then take it off the heat and let it rest.
3. In the same pan, add the sliced 1 red bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, and 1 sliced medium onion. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes until they get soft and a little charred.
4. While the veggies are cooking, get your 2 cups of cauliflower rice ready. You can either microwave it for a couple of minutes or toss it in a pan with a little oil until it becomes tender.
5. After the steak rests, slice it thinly against the grain.
6. In a serving bowl, start with a base of the cauliflower rice.
7. Layer the sliced steak on top of the cauliflower rice.
8. Spoon over the sautéed peppers and onions evenly.
9. Add 1 sliced avocado on top if you like that extra creaminess.
10. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and add 2 tbsp sour cream over the bowl if you want a bit of tang. Enjoy your high protein steak fajita bowl!
