DinnerEasyGluten-Free

Carne Asada with Rice

Citrus-marinated flank steak with charred grill marks, sliced thin against the grain and served over white rice. The acid marinade tenderizes the meat while keeping this low-FODMAP and well-suited for remission—many of us find lean beef easier to tolerate when we're feeling stable.

Carne Asada with Rice
Total Time
30m
Servings
4
Calories
425
Fiber
1g
Protein
32g
Carbs
40g
Fat
14g
Best ForSafe for Crohn's & UC
RemissionPost-Op (Late)J-Pouch

Watch Out For

red meatmoderate

Research suggests limiting red meat during active flares as high consumption is associated with increased IBD inflammation

Tip: Best reserved for remission or maintenance phases. Start with a smaller 3-4 oz portion if unsure about tolerance.

citrusmild

Acidity from lime and orange juice may irritate sensitive stomachs or active mouth sores

Tip: Reduce lime juice by half and add an extra tablespoon of oil if citrus-sensitive. The marinade still works with less acid.

black peppermild

Some find black pepper irritating during sensitive periods

Tip: Omit entirely—the cumin and oregano provide enough flavor without it.

Ingredients

    Carne Asada

  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Rice

  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP

Instructions

  1. Whisk together lime juice, orange juice, garlic-infused oil, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish until combined.

    Equipment: shallow dish, whisk
  2. Place steak in the marinade and turn to coat both sides. Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours, turning once halfway through. The citrus acids help break down tough muscle fibers, making the meat easier to chew and digest.

    Tip: 2 hours minimum for tenderness, up to overnight for deeper flavor
  3. About 30 minutes before cooking, start the rice. Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rice, water, salt, and butter in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.

    Equipment: medium saucepan
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.

    Tip: Do not lift the lid—trapped steam is essential for properly cooked rice
  5. Remove rice from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes to steam and fluff.

  6. Meanwhile, remove steak from marinade and pat completely dry with paper towels.

    Equipment: paper towels
    Tip: Dry meat is key for achieving good browning and char
  7. Heat a grill or cast iron pan over high heat until very hot, about 3-4 minutes. The pan should be almost smoking.

    high heatEquipment: grill or cast iron pan
  8. Cook steak for 4-5 minutes per side without moving it, until nicely charred and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.

    145°F (63°C)
  9. Transfer steak to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes.

    Tip: Resting allows juices to redistribute for a more tender result
  10. Slice steak thinly against the grain at a slight angle. Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite significantly easier to chew and digest.

    Equipment: sharp knife
    Tip: Look for the direction of muscle fibers and slice perpendicular to them
  11. Fluff the rice with a fork and divide between four plates. Top each portion with sliced steak and garnish with fresh cilantro.

    Equipment: fork

Notes

Storage

Refrigerate cooked steak and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Rice stores best in a shallow container and can be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking. Reheat steak gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven or covered in the microwave to prevent drying.

Dairy-free option

Use olive oil instead of butter in the rice—equally gentle on the gut and adds healthy monounsaturated fats.

Cut selection

Flank steak is leaner and easier to digest than fattier cuts like ribeye. Skirt steak has more fat and flavor but may be harder to tolerate during sensitive periods. Both benefit from slicing thin against the grain.

SCD alternative

White rice is not permitted on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. Substitute with well-cooked, mashed butternut squash (monitor portion size—amber at 70g per Monash) or cauliflower rice for an SCD-legal version.

Indoor cooking

A cast iron pan works nearly as well as a grill. Heat it until almost smoking before adding the steak for good charring.

Make-ahead

Cook rice up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate. Marinate the steak overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor.

IBD Considerations

Diet Protocol Compliance

How this recipe fits common IBD dietary approaches