Description
Steak Queso Rice is a quick and flavorful plant-based cheesy dish combining tender thinly sliced steak, fluffy long-grain rice, and a creamy smoky queso sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and customizable with vibrant spices and fresh herbs, delivering a balanced meal bursting with rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Seasoning
- 300g thinly sliced sirloin or ribeye steak
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or as per package instructions
Cheesy (Plant-Based) Queso Sauce
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Additional Flavorings and Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- 1 fresh jalapeño or mild pepper, diced (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Heat olive or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the thinly sliced steak with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook the steak for about 2 minutes on each side until browned on the outside yet tender inside. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Rice: In a separate pot, cook the long-grain white rice according to package instructions until tender and fluffy. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and keep warm.
- Make the Cheesy (Plant-Based) Queso Sauce: Wipe excess oil from the skillet if necessary and reduce heat to medium. Add plant-based milk, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), smoked paprika, and salt. Slowly stir in shredded plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent, whisking continuously until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is creamy with no lumps. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked rice to the queso sauce, folding gently to evenly coat every grain. Stir in the cooked steak slices. Finish by stirring in chopped fresh cilantro and optional diced jalapeño for a bright, fresh kick. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.
Notes
- Use thin steak slices for even cooking and tenderness.
- Choose a heavy-bottom skillet to sear steak without sticking.
- Melt plant-based cheese slowly to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth queso sauce.
- Fluff rice gently with a fork before combining to avoid mushiness.
- Season progressively, tasting and adjusting salt and spices at each stage to build layered flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Steak Queso Rice, plant-based queso, smoky steak, cheesy rice bowl, quick dinner, creamy sauce, gluten free
