If you’re craving a delicious, vibrant meal that combines savory, fresh, and zesty flavors, you absolutely have to try this Herby Lemon Garlic Steak and Rice Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of tender marinated flank steak infused with garlic and herbs, paired with fluffy, fragrant jasmine rice that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish brings warmth and zest to your table in under 30 minutes, making every bite feel like a flavorful celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Herby Lemon Garlic Steak and Rice Recipe truly shine is its straightforward yet purposeful ingredient list. Each element plays a key role in building layers of flavor, from the fragrant herbs to the bright lemon notes and the nutritious, satisfying rice base.
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain: Choosing flank steak ensures tenderness and quick cooking time.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps to marinate the steak and adds a silky richness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic delivers a pungent aroma and deep flavor.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: Both bring a sunny brightness that balances the savory steak.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: Thyme adds an earthy, slightly minty note that complements the meat.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary: Rosemary’s piney aroma enhances the herby profile.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano brings warmth and a subtle pungency to the marinade.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a hint of heat without overpowering spice.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning that brings out all the natural flavors.
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice: Provides a fluffy, fragrant base that absorbs all the marvelous juices.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Perfect for extra zing at the table.
How to Make Herby Lemon Garlic Steak and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by combining olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This flavorful marinade infuses the steak with vibrant herbaceous and citrus notes. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and toss everything together to coat the meat evenly. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes, or for an even deeper flavor, refrigerate for up to 4 hours—the longer, the better for tender, succulent results.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully place the marinated steak slices in the pan, cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll want to see a beautiful caramelized crust form while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Remove the steak from the heat and let the slices rest for 5 minutes—this step helps the juices redistribute for maximum moistness.
Step 3: Prepare the Rice
While the steak rests, warm the pre-cooked jasmine rice in a pan or microwave. Gently fold in the chopped fresh parsley to add vibrancy and a fresh herbal note that complements the steak perfectly. The rice acts as a neutral, buttery-textured bed that soaks up the lovely steak marinade and herb flavors.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
To serve this Herby Lemon Garlic Steak and Rice Recipe, simply plate a generous mound of the parsley-infused jasmine rice, then layer the tender slices of steak on top. Garnish with extra herbs and lemon wedges for those who want an added citrus punch just before digging in.
How to Serve Herby Lemon Garlic Steak and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or thyme sprigs work wonders as green, aromatic accents that boost the dish’s visual appeal and flavor. A squeeze of lemon wedge right before eating awakens every taste bud and adds a natural brightness that pairs beautifully with the herbs and garlic.
Side Dishes
For a balanced meal, serve this steak and rice with grilled vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers, or keep things cool and crisp with a simple cucumber salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. Either option contributes texture contrasts and fresh flavors to round out the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish family-style on a large platter topped with scattered parsley and lemon slices for a charming, rustic look. You can also turn it into wraps using warm flatbreads, adding a dollop of yogurt or hummus for creaminess—perfect for an easy picnic or casual lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover steak and rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen after resting, making for a delicious second meal. Just be sure to keep steak and rice together to maintain their harmonious blend.
Freezing
This Herby Lemon Garlic Steak and Rice Recipe freezes well. Pack portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep the rice moist, and a quick drizzle of olive oil before reheating can revive the steak’s juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is recommended for its tenderness and quick cooking time, skirt steak or sirloin are excellent alternatives that hold up well to the marinade and grilling.
Is it necessary to marinate the steak for 4 hours?
Marinating for at least 30 minutes is sufficient to infuse the flavors, but if time allows, 2 to 4 hours will improve tenderness and depth of taste significantly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses simple fresh ingredients and jasmine rice, which contains no gluten.
What can I substitute for jasmine rice?
If you prefer, basmati rice or even cauliflower rice can be used. Just keep in mind that jasmine rice’s floral aroma and soft texture complement the herby steak particularly well.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The half teaspoon of red pepper flakes provides a mild heat that can easily be omitted or adjusted to your taste, keeping the focus on the fresh lemon and herbs.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Herby Lemon Garlic Steak and Rice Recipe quickly became one of my go-to meals when I want something that’s both satisfying and bright with flavor. It’s simple to make but feels elevated enough to impress anyone at your table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
Print
Herby Lemon Garlic Steak and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and quick Herby Lemon Garlic Steak served over warm jasmine rice, infused with fresh herbs and citrus for a vibrant, gluten-free main course perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Steak Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Rice and Garnish
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, fresh thyme, rosemary, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Steak: Add the thinly sliced flank steak to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Cook the Steak: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Place the marinated steak slices onto the pan, searing each side for 2 to 3 minutes until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
- Rest the Meat: Remove the steak from heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat.
- Prepare the Rice: While the steak rests, gently warm the cooked jasmine rice. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Divide the herby lemon garlic steak slices over the warm parsley rice. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges for an extra touch of brightness. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Flank steak can be substituted with skirt steak or sirloin depending on preference.
- For an extra burst of flavor, reserve a tablespoon of marinade before adding the raw meat and drizzle it over the finished dish.
- Serve alongside grilled vegetables or a light cucumber salad for a complete meal.
