Paleo Carne Asada Bowl (Whole30, AIP-friendly)
Introduction
A Paleo Carne Asada Bowl (Whole30, AIP-friendly) packs all the bold, smoky flavors of classic carne asada into a vibrant and nourishing bowl that fits into specialized diets. With marinated steak, plenty of colorful veggies, and an herby dressing, this meal is as visually stunning as it is delicious—making it an easy favorite for fans of robust flavors and healthful eating. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry crowd, this bowl pleases with ease and leaves you feeling satisfied and energized.
Why You’ll Love These Paleo Carne Asada Bowls
This recipe stands out for its irresistible flavor: tender, marinated steak seared to perfection, accompanied by crisp, fresh veggies and a zesty homemade dressing. It’s grain-free, dairy-free, and free from refined sugars—perfect for anyone following Paleo, Whole30, or even AIP (with minor tweaks). Customizable and vibrant, these bowls keep mealtime interesting and enjoyable, proving that nourishing food can be deeply delicious.
Building the Perfect Bowl
Start with a juicy carne asada made from a citrus-and-herb marinade, then layer it over cauliflower rice or leafy greens. Add roasted or raw vegetables such as bell peppers, avocado, and radishes for crunch and color. Top with a drizzle of simple aip-friendly chimichurri or a cilantro-lime sauce (options provided!), keeping everything compliant and full of flavor.
The Magic is in the Marinade
The heart of this dish is the carne asada marinade: fresh lime and orange juice, olive oil, garlic, and AIP-friendly spices infuse flank steak with tang and depth. Marinate the steak for at least an hour—overnight is even better—for maximum tenderness and mouthwatering taste. This step is simple but pays off with every bite.
Layer and Assemble Your Carne Asada Bowl
Once your steak is perfectly seared and sliced, arrange it on a bed of cauliflower rice or greens. Layer on your favorite seasonal vegetables, add some creamy avocado, and finish with a fresh, herby sauce. You can batch prep every element ahead of time, making weekday lunches or quick dinners effortless.
Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Carne Asada Bowl
Serve your bowls with lime wedges, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños (if tolerated) for extra pizzazz. For a family-style meal, let everyone customize their bowls with their favorite toppings—this makes it even easier to accommodate dietary needs.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe serves 4, with each bowl delivering around 320–360 calories (depending on steak cut and toppings). It’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables—a nourishing, satisfying meal any night of the week.
Paleo Carne Asada Bowl: Flavor-Forward Meal for Every Plan
By combining juicy marinated steak, savory cauliflower rice, and fresh, colorful vegetables, this bowl is a nutrient-dense crowd pleaser that never sacrifices flavor for function.
Ingredients
💡 Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to generate a detailed shopping list automatically—with every ingredient categorized by store section. Simplifies your Whole30 or AIP meal planning and makes grocery trips stress-free!
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: Whisk together lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, cumin (omit for AIP), onion powder, black pepper (omit for AIP), and cilantro. Place steak in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish, add the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight for best flavor).
- Prepare Cauliflower Rice: In a large skillet, heat olive or avocado oil over medium heat. Add cauliflower rice, seasoning lightly with salt, and sauté for 5–8 minutes until tender but not mushy. Set aside and keep warm.
- Cook the Steak: Remove steak from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill or sear in a heavy skillet over high heat for 3–4 minutes per side (for medium rare), or until desired doneness. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, and salt together in a small bowl.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide cauliflower rice among four bowls. Top with steak slices, avocado, tomatoes, bell pepper, and radishes. Drizzle with dressing and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Weekly Meal Planning
This Paleo Carne Asada Bowl is perfect for building balanced, ready-to-eat lunches or dinners. Save and schedule this recipe—CookifyAI automatically compiles every ingredient into one organized shopping list, adjusted for your household size and planned meals.
Planning Benefits:
- Smartly calculates ingredient quantities across your entire week
- Organizes shopping lists by grocery section for faster trips
- Reduces food waste by preventing duplicate purchases
- Makes whole-week meal prep streamlined and stress-free
Pro tip: When planning multiple recipes, try scheduling your meals with CookifyAI: it will calculate total amounts needed for items like limes, olive oil, and steak, so you can buy just what you’ll use and nothing extra!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus at least 1 hour marinade time)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes active (plus marinade)
Enjoy a flavorful, nourishing Paleo Carne Asada Bowl that fits your meal plan, keeps weeknight dinners delicious, and makes healthy eating effortless!
