Steak Queso Rice Delight (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Steak

01 - 450 g flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin, sliced thin against the grain
02 - 15 ml olive oil
03 - 5 g chili powder
04 - 5 g garlic powder
05 - 2 g ground cumin
06 - Salt to taste
07 - Black pepper to taste
08 - Juice of 1/2 lime (optional)

→ Rice

09 - 400 g cooked white or brown rice
10 - 15 ml butter or oil
11 - 2 g onion powder
12 - 2 g paprika
13 - Salt to taste

→ Queso Sauce

14 - 15 ml butter
15 - 8 g plain flour
16 - 180 ml whole milk
17 - 150 g shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
18 - 35 g diced green chilies or jalapeños (optional)
19 - Salt to taste

→ Toppings (optional)

20 - Chopped fresh cilantro
21 - Diced tomatoes
22 - Sliced avocado or prepared guacamole
23 - Sour cream
24 - Chopped green onions

# Instructions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Pat steak slices dry and season with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Sear steak for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked to preference. Remove from the pan and let rest; if needed, slice thinly against the grain.
02 - In a separate pan, melt butter or heat oil over medium heat. Add cooked rice, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Stir and heat through for 2–3 minutes, ensuring all grains are evenly seasoned. Set aside and keep warm.
03 - In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, until lightly bubbling. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously, and cook for 2–3 minutes until mixture begins to thicken. Stir in cheese and optional chilies; mix until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste and keep warm.
04 - Layer seasoned rice onto plates or bowls. Arrange sliced steak atop the rice. Drizzle generously with hot queso sauce. Garnish with cilantro, diced tomatoes, avocado or guacamole, sour cream, and green onions as desired. Serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - For enhanced flavor, substitute Mexican-style or cilantro-lime rice in place of plain rice.
02 - Incorporate jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the queso for added heat.
03 - If time allows, marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes before cooking to develop deeper flavor.
04 - To optimise meal prep, store steak, rice, and queso in separate containers and assemble just before serving.