Steak & Queso Rice Recipe
Steak & Queso Rice is a delicious and hearty dish that combines juicy steak, creamy queso, and fluffy rice. It’s a perfect meal for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a casual get-together, or a special celebration. This recipe is not only flavorful but also easy to make, ensuring that you can enjoy a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) steak (ribeye, sirloin, or your preferred cut)
- 1 cup (240ml) queso dip (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups (480ml) cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Preparation
Preparing the Steak:
- Season the steak with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Preparing the Queso:
- If using homemade queso, prepare it according to your favorite recipe.
- If using store-bought queso, heat it in a saucepan over low heat until warm and creamy.
Cooking the Rice:
- Cook the rice according to the package instructions.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
Combining Ingredients
Mixing the Steak and Queso with Rice:
- In the skillet used to cook the steak, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Pour the warm queso over the rice and mix until the rice is evenly coated.
- Add the sliced steak to the skillet and gently fold it into the rice and queso mixture.
Cooking Instructions
Final Cooking Steps:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Alternative Cooking Methods:
- Grilling: Grill the steak instead of cooking it in a skillet for a smoky flavor.
- Slow Cooker: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours for a more hands-off approach.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing with Sides:
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or tortilla chips.
- For a heartier meal, pair with refried beans or Mexican street corn.
Garnishing Tips:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and jalapeño slices.
- Serve with lime wedges for a fresh citrusy touch.
Storage Tips
Storing Leftovers:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- Alternatively, microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Variations
Different Meats to Try:
- Substitute the steak with chicken, shrimp, or pork for a different flavor profile.
- Use ground beef or turkey for a quicker and more budget-friendly option.
Vegetarian Options:
- Replace the steak with sautéed mushrooms or black beans for a vegetarian version.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn to make it more filling.
Tips for Success
Ensuring Tender Steak:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Let the steak rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
Perfect Queso Consistency:
- If the queso is too thick, thin it out with a little milk or cream.
- If the queso is too thin, simmer it longer until it reaches the desired consistency.
FAQs
- Can I Use a Different Cheese?
- Yes, you can use your favorite cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
- How Can I Make It Spicier?
- Add more jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the queso.
- What Can I Substitute for Steak?
- Chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu can be used as substitutes for steak.
- Can I Make It Ahead of Time?
- Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and combine them just before serving.
- How Do I Make It Gluten-Free?
- Ensure that all ingredients, especially the queso dip, are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Steak & Queso Rice is a delightful and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a gourmet meal that is easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Steak & Queso Rice Recipe
![Steak & Queso Rice Recipe](https://cheffrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Steak-Queso-Rice-Recipe-735x735.jpg)
Steak & Queso Rice is a delicious and hearty dish that combines juicy steak, creamy queso, and fluffy rice. It's a perfect meal for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner, a casual get-together, or a special celebration. This recipe is not only flavorful but also easy to make, ensuring that you can enjoy a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Basmati Rice
- 2 ½ cups Chicken Broth
- 1 cube Chicken Bouillon
- 1 can, about 14 oz Crushed Tomatoes, you can used diced instead or tomato sauce instead
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 pound Sirloin Steak, cut into thin strips
- 2 tbsp Butter
- Montreal steak seasoning, to taste
- White Queso, for topping
- Fresh Cilantro, for garnish
- Flour tortillas, optional for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
- Sauté Garlic and Onion: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion (if using). Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed basmati rice to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice, allowing it to absorb the flavors of garlic and onion.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Crumble the chicken bouillon cube into the mixture. Add paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Rest and Fluff: Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to settle and become fluffy.
- Prep Steak: While the rice is cooking, season the sirloin steak strips generously on both sides with Montreal steak seasoning.
- Cook Steak: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil and butter in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned steak. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until it’s done to your liking.
- Add Steak to Pan: Fluff the cooked rice and add the cooked steak over top of the rice and generously drizzle with white queso.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with warm flour tortillas on the side if desired.