Carne Asada Burrito Bowl with Garlic-Infused Rice

Name: Carne Asada Burrito Bowl with Garlic-Infused Rice
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 recipe carne asada; 2.5 cups warm chicken stock; 2 garlic cloves; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1.25 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 cup long grain brown rice; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 16 cherry tomatoes, halved; 4 radishes, thinly sliced; 0.5 cup cotija, crumbled; 1 avocado, thinly sliced; 0.125 red onion, thinly sliced; 1.5 cups romaine hearts, shredded; 0.5 cup crema; 0.25 cup hot sauce; 4 lime wedges

Prep: 20 minCook: 25 min4 servingsmediumMexican

A vibrant Mexican-inspired bowl featuring tender carne asada over garlic-infused brown rice, topped with fresh vegetables and traditional garnishes. The rice gets extra flavor from blended garlic and chicken stock, while crisp radishes, cherry tomatoes, and creamy cotija cheese add texture and brightness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this customizable bowl brings restaurant-quality flavors home with optional crema, hot sauce, and lime for personalized heat and richness.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Nut-Free

Ingredients

4 servings

1 recipe carne asada
2 ½ cups warm chicken stock
2 garlic cloves
½ teaspoon salt
1 ¼ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 cup long grain brown rice
white rice1:1gluten-freequick-cook
Use 2 cups stock and reduce cook time
Full guide →
2 green onions, thinly sliced
16 cherry tomatoes, halved(optional)
4 radishes, thinly sliced
½ cup cotija, crumbled
queso fresco1:1mexicanmild
Milder flavor, similar texture
1 avocado, thinly sliced
⅛ red onion, thinly sliced
1 ½ cups romaine hearts, shredded
½ cup crema(optional)
sour cream1:1commontangyadds dairy
More readily available substitute
¼ cup hot sauce(optional)
4 lime wedges(optional)

Instructions

1
Make carne asada according to recipe
2
Blend chicken stock, garlic, and salt for 2 minutes
3
Heat oil in medium pot over medium-high heat
4
Add rice and toast for 2 to 3 minutes
5
Pour garlic stock into pot with rice and bring to boil
6
Lower heat to medium and simmer partially covered until stock absorbed and rice cooked through
7
Add green onion to rice, season with salt and pepper, and fluff with fork
8
Scoop rice into bowls
9
Top each bowl with about 6 ounces carne asada
10
Add remaining vegetables and toppings
11
Finish with hot sauce, crema, and lime squeeze if desired

Tips

Tip 1

Toast the rice before adding liquid to develop nutty flavor and prevent mushy texture

Tip 2

Prep all toppings while rice cooks for efficient assembly and fresh textures

Tip 3

Let rice rest 5 minutes after cooking before fluffing to achieve perfect grain separation

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate assembled bowls up to 3 days, store avocado separately to prevent browning

Make Ahead

Cook rice up to 3 days ahead, prepare carne asada day before, prep vegetables morning of serving

Serve With

Serve immediately after assembly for best texture contrast between warm rice and cool toppings

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip toasting rice to avoid mushy texture

Watch

Don't add avocado until serving to avoid browning

Watch

Don't overcook rice to maintain individual grains

Substitutions

Gluten-Free Swaps

brown rice→

white rice1:1gluten-freequick-cook

Use 2 cups stock and reduce cook time

Full guide →

General Alternatives

cotija→

queso fresco1:1mexicanmild

Milder flavor, similar texture

Full guide →

crema→

sour cream1:1commontangyadds dairy

FAQ

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, substitute white rice using 2 cups stock instead of 2.5 cups and reduce cooking time to 15-18 minutes until tender.

What if I don't have cotija cheese?

Queso fresco, feta, or even shredded Monterey Jack work well as substitutes with similar salty, crumbly texture.

How long will assembled bowls keep in the refrigerator?

Assembled bowls keep 2-3 days refrigerated, but store avocado separately and add just before eating to prevent browning.