Steak with Queso and Rice (Print Version)

Rich steak, creamy queso, and aromatic rice combined in an unforgettable dish.

# Ingredients:

→ For the Steak

01 - 1 pound (450g) flank steak or sirloin
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
04 - 1 teaspoon paprika
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ For the Queso Sauce

07 - 2 tablespoons butter
08 - 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
09 - 1½ cups whole milk
10 - 2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
11 - 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded
12 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
13 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ For the Rice

15 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
16 - 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
17 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
18 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
19 - Salt, to taste

→ Optional Garnishes

20 - Fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
21 - Jalapeño slices
22 - Ripe avocado, sliced
23 - Lime wedges

# Instructions:

01 - Rinse the rice under cool water until it runs clear. In a medium saucepan, warm olive oil over medium heat and add garlic powder and rice. Stir to coat the grains and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes. Pour in water or chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Set aside covered.
02 - Pat steak dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Massage the spices into both sides of the meat.
03 - Heat a large skillet until hot. Sear the seasoned steak for 4-5 minutes per side, adjusting based on desired doneness. For medium-rare, cook 4 minutes per side; for medium, cook 5 minutes per side.
04 - Transfer steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain into strips.
05 - In the skillet with steak drippings, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, around 1 minute. Pour in milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually add shredded cheeses, stirring until smooth. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings as desired.
06 - Spoon rice onto plates as the base. Arrange sliced steak on top, then pour queso sauce generously over. Garnish with cilantro, jalapeño slices, avocado, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.