Mouthwatering Rice and Beef Steak Recipes for Complete, Balanced Meals

Rice is the perfect companion for juicy, flavorful beef steak. The starchy rice soaks up the delicious pan juices and sauces, balancing the richness of the meat beautifully. Rice also provides a fast, easy side that rounds out steak into a complete meal without much fuss. Read on for some sensational rice and beef steak recipe combinations that take weeknight dinners from boring to spectacular!

Benefits of Pairing Rice with Beef Steak

Serving steak with rice offers several advantages:

Balances Flavors

The mild flavor and fluffy texture of rice balances the rich meatiness of steak.

Absorbs Pan Juices and Sauces

Rice soaks up and carries those incredible steak flavors to each bite.

Fast and Easy

Cooking rice stovetop or in the Instant Pot provides a quick, no-fuss side.

Nutritious Combo

Lean steak and whole grain rice provide protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Leftover Versatility

Extra rice and steak make excellent lunch bowls the next day.

Tips for Cooking Rice with Beef Steak

Keep these tips in mind when preparing rice to serve with steak:

Cook Aromatics in Pan First

Sauté onion, garlic, etc. to infuse pan juices and sauce with flavor before adding rice.

Choose a Complementary Rice

Try jasmine, basmati, or sticky rice to soak up sauce. Brown rice offers nutrition.

Cook Until Fluffy

Follow package directions so rice turns out light and tender instead of gummy.

Finish with Fresh Herbs

Stir in chopped cilantro, parsley, etc. for a pop of color and flavor.

Reheat Gently

For leftover rice, add a splash of water and reheat gently to restore fluffiness.

15 Sensational Rice and Steak Recipe Combinations

These winning recipes highlight how rice perfectly completes steak meals:

1. Steak Fajitas with Cilantro Lime Rice

Marinated skirt steak, sautéed peppers and onions served over zesty white rice.

2. Steak Teriyaki Bowls

Juicy steak glazed with a sweet and salty teriyaki sauce, served with fluffy jasmine rice.

3. Steak and Rice Casserole

Browned ground beef and rice baked together casserole-style for an easy one-dish meal.

4. Pepper Steak and Fried Rice

Tender steak and veggies tossed with garlicky fried rice - a Chinese takeout classic!

5. Cuban Steak Bowls

Mojo marinated skirt steak served over cilantro lime rice and black beans - amazing!

6. Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Grilled Korean marinated steak with sesame rice and quick pickled veggies - comfort food.

7. Steak and Broccoli Stir Fry

Seared steak and broccoli florets wok tossed with sticky rice in a savory sauce.

8. Thai Steak Salad

Grilled steak served over rice noodles with a zesty Thai dressing and fresh herbs.

9. Hawaiian Steak Bowls

Grilled steak with pineapple fried rice and stir fried veggies for an island-inspired meal.

10. Taco Steak Bowls

Spiced ground beef skillet steak served over Spanish rice and beans - so flavorful!

11. Beef and Mushroom Risotto

Pan seared steak slices tossed through creamy Arborio rice studded with mushrooms.

12. Salisbury Steak with Gravy

Beef patties in savory gravy ladled over fluffy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles.

13. Beef Stroganoff over Egg Noodles

Fork-tender steak in creamy mushroom stroganoff sauce - divine over buttered egg noodles.

14. Beef Stew with Herbed Dumplings

Slow braised beef stew loaded with veggies and served over a fluffy baked dumpling.

15. Greek Stifado Stew

Beef braised with onions, tomatoes, red wine and spices - served over pillowy orzo pasta.

Conclusion

Rice provides the perfect mild yet hearty pairing for robust, flavorful steak. Soaking up pan juices and sauces, rice balances and completes steak meals beautifully. Everything from quick weeknight bowls to elaborate casseroles and stews benefit from combining tender, juicy beef with fluffy rice. Give these winning global recipes a try for balanced meals the whole family will love.

FAQs

1. What is the best rice for steak?

Jasmine, basmati, Arborio, and medium or short grain white rice all pair well with steak.

2. Does steak go with fried rice?

Yes, steak and fried rice pair deliciously together. Use leftover refrigerated rice to make fried rice.

3. What is a good side dish with steak?

Rice, potatoes, pasta, roasted vegetables, and salad are all excellent pairings with steak.

4. What is a good sauce for steak and rice?

Teriyaki sauce, chimichurri, béarnaise, peppercorn sauce, and red wine reduction are all great with steak and rice.

5. Can you cook rice in the same pan as steak?

Yes, sauté aromatics then add rice and liquid to the pan once steak is cooked for an easy one-pan meal.