Ingredients
Rice and Base
- 2 cups Basmati Rice
- 2 ½ cups Chicken Broth
- 1 cube Chicken Bouillon
- 1 can (about 14 oz) Crushed Tomatoes (or diced tomatoes or tomato sauce as alternatives)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 small Onion (finely chopped, optional)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Steak
- 1 pound Sirloin Steak (cut into thin strips)
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- Montreal steak seasoning (to taste)
Toppings and Garnish
- 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 to remove excess starch and prevent sticky rice.
- Sauté Garlic and Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion (if using) and sauté for 2-3 minutes until onion is translucent and garlic fragrant.
- Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir continuously for about 2 minutes to lightly toast it and absorb the flavors of garlic and onion.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Crumble the chicken bouillon cube into the mixture, then add paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine fully.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with a lid and let simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove skillet from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes to settle and become fluffy.
- Prep Steak: While rice cooks, season sirloin strips evenly on both sides with Montreal steak seasoning.
- Cook Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter together in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add steak strips and cook 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to desired doneness.
- Add Steak to Pan: Fluff the cooked rice and then add the cooked steak on top. Generously drizzle white queso over the steak and rice.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and optionally serve with warm flour tortillas on the side.
Notes
- Rinsing basmati rice is essential to avoid overly sticky rice.
- Adjust seasoning and spice level with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Steak cooking time can be modified depending on preferred doneness.
- Flour tortillas add a nice touch for wrapping or scooping.
- White queso can be substituted with any creamy melting cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion