This one-pot steak and rice dish is the ultimate go-to for a quick, satisfying dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and a single pan, you can have a flavorful, hearty meal ready in about 30 minutes. The combination of tender steak, perfectly cooked rice, and a blend of spices makes every bite a delight. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your tastes—swap in your favorite spices, add more veggies, or even use basmati rice for a different texture. For a complete meal, serve it with a refreshing side salad or creamy plain yogurt. This recipe is not only quick but also versatile, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
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What you need to make this one pot steak and rice
Steak adds a rich, savory flavor and tender texture, making it the star of the dish.
Parboiled rice absorbs the delicious flavors from the meat and spices, creating a soft and fluffy base.
Onions bring natural sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Garlic adds a fragrant, savory element that complements the meat and vegetables perfectly.
Jalapeño provides a mild heat, adding a subtle kick without overwhelming the dish.
Mushrooms offer an earthy richness that pairs wonderfully with the steak and spices.
Salt helps to bring out the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
Black pepper adds a mild, sharp heat, balancing the richness of the steak.
Paprika introduces a smoky depth and slight sweetness to the dish.
7-spice adds a unique blend of warmth and complexity, giving the dish a distinct flavor.
Oil is used to sauté the ingredients and brown the steak, helping to create a crispy texture.
how to prepare one pot steak and rice
Step 1: Soak the parboiled rice for 30 minutes. This helps the rice cook evenly.
Step 2: Cut the steak into thin slices. This allows the meat to cook quickly and stay tender.
Step 3: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced steak and cook on both sides until browned.
Step 4: Season the cooked steak with salt and black pepper. This adds flavor to the meat.
Step 5: Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside on a plate. This helps the meat rest and stay juicy.
Step 6: In the same pan, add more oil. Sauté the onion and garlic for one minute, then add the jalapeños and mushrooms. Cook for a couple of minutes.
Step 7: Add the soaked rice to the pan with the spices. Mix everything well to coat the rice with the spices.
Step 8: Move the rice to the side of the pan and add the cooked steak back in. Top with the rice and pour in the water.
Step 9: When the water starts to bubble, lower the heat and cover the pan. Let it cook for 25 minutes.
Step 10: Turn off the heat and keep the pan covered for another 5 minutes.
Step 11: Uncover the pan and gently flip the rice and steak.
Serve with a side of salad or yogurt and enjoy!
Frequently asked questions for One pot steak and rice recipe
1. Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can. While parboiled rice works well for this recipe, you can also use basmati rice or jasmine rice if you prefer a different texture or flavor.
2. How can I make the dish spicier?
To make the dish spicier, simply add more jalapeños or include a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can adjust the heat level to your liking.
3. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic to incorporate them into the dish.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can. It’s a great make-ahead dish. Once cooked, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
5. What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or plain yogurt. The yogurt adds a cool, creamy contrast to the savory flavors.
6. Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef, such as flank steak or sirloin. Just slice the meat thinly for quick cooking.
7. What should I do if the rice is still too firm after cooking?
If the rice is too firm, add a little more water, cover, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will help soften the rice.
Tips and Tricks for One pot steak and rice recipe
1. Use a heavy-bottomed pan: A good-quality pan helps distribute heat evenly, ensuring the steak cooks perfectly and the rice doesn’t burn.
2. Brown the steak well: For maximum flavor, make sure the steak gets a nice brown crust when you sear it. This caramelization adds depth to the dish.
3. Don’t skip soaking the rice: Soaking parboiled rice for an hour ensures it cooks more evenly and absorbs the flavors better.
4. Customize the spices: If you like a specific flavor profile, feel free to add your own spice mix. For instance, cumin, garlic powder, or turmeric can give it a unique twist.
5. Rest the steak: After cooking, let the steak rest for a few minutes before adding it back to the pan. This helps retain its juices and keeps it tender.
6. Stir the rice gently: When mixing the rice and steak, be gentle. Stirring too aggressively can break up the steak and make the rice mushy.
7. Use broth instead of water: For more flavor, use beef or vegetable broth in place of water when cooking the rice. This will infuse the rice with a richer taste.
8. Cover tightly: When simmering the rice, make sure the lid is on tightly. This traps the steam and ensures the rice cooks evenly.
9. Add a squeeze of lemon: A little lemon juice right before serving can brighten up the dish and balance the richness of the steak.
10. Leftovers taste great: This dish stores well in the fridge for 2-3 days and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
choosing the right cut of meat
First, you can use tenderloin, which is known for its tenderness and mild flavor. It cooks quickly and remains juicy, making it ideal for a one-pot dish.
Alternatively, ribeye is a fantastic choice if you prefer a cut with more marbling and richer flavor. The fat in ribeye adds extra juiciness and depth to the dish.
Another option is sirloin. While slightly leaner than ribeye, it is still flavorful and works well when sliced thinly.
Lastly, if you want to use a more affordable cut, flank steak can be a great choice. Though a bit leaner, it has great flavor and can be tenderized by slicing thinly against the grain.
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One pot steak and rice recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb tenderloin or ribeye cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion sliced
- 2 garlic cloves sliced or chopped
- 1 small mild jalapeño sliced (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups parboiled rice
- 4 cups water or beef broth for more flavor
- 1/4 cup vegetable or olive oil
- Fresh parsley to garnish
Spices
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp 7-spice or a mix of cinnamon, allspice, and black pepper if you don’t have 7-spice
Instructions
- Soak the parboiled rice for one hour.
- Cut the meat into thin slices.
- In a pan, add oil and cook the sliced meat on both sides.
- Season the meat with salt and black pepper.
- Move the cooked steak to a plate.
- In the same pan, add more oil, then sauté the onion and garlic for a minute. Add the jalapeños and mushrooms and sauté for a couple of minutes. Next, add the rice with the spices and mix well.
- Move the rice to the side of the pan, then add the cooked steak back in, topping it with the rice. Pour in the water.
- When the water starts to bubble, lower the heat and cover the pan.
- Cook for 25 minutes, then turn off the heat and keep covered for another 5 minutes.
- Uncover and flip the rice and meat gently.
- Enjoy this dish with a side of salad or yogurt.