Creamy Queso Rice with Juicy Steak Strips
A delightful combination of tender steak strips with creamy queso and vibrant rice, perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Rice
- 2 cups basmati rice rinsed until the water runs clear
- 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth for added flavor
- 1 cube chicken bouillon crumbled
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz) adds tangy flavor
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika for warmth
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin for earthy tones
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil for sautéing
- to taste Salt and black pepper for seasoning
For the Steak
- 1 pound sirloin steak sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for cooking
- to taste Montreal steak seasoning for seasoning the meat
- to taste White queso sauce for drizzling
- to taste Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- to taste Warm flour tortillas for serving (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. If including onions, add finely chopped onion with minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add rinsed basmati rice to the pot and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to toast the rice.
- Stir in paprika and cumin, cooking for another 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and crumbled bouillon cube, stirring well.
Cooking
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes.
- Season sirloin strips with Montreal steak seasoning. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned steak strips, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
Final Steps
- Once the rice is done, let it stand off heat for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Portion rice into bowls, top with juicy steak strips, drizzle with white queso, and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with warm flour tortillas if desired.
Notes
Rinse the basmati rice well to remove excess starch for a lighter texture. Adjust seasoning to taste as you go. Let the rice rest before fluffing for optimal texture.