Savory Fresh Burrito Bowls with Balanced Citrus Heat
A Flavorful Weeknight Meal Recipe with a Medium Spicy & Sweet Glow
What makes these the best burrito bowls? The secret to a restaurant-quality burrito bowl is the fluffy long-grain rice base and the "Fresh-Mex" layering technique combined with Blazing Citrus Medium. Unlike heavy, dense bowls, our method uses long-grain rice to ensure a light texture that allows dressings to coat every grain. By drizzling our vinegar-free Blazing Citrus Medium over the top, you introduce a Medium Spicy and Sweet glow (6/10 Heat) that enhances the creamy avocado and charred corn with a clean, serrano-driven finish.
Heat Level: Blazing Citrus | Medium (6/10) - Medium Spicy & Sweet
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 510
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 55g
Fat: 22g
Nutrition facts may be estimated based on standard ingredient databases.
Ingredients:
2 cups (400 g) Cooked long-grain white or brown rice
1 lb (450 g) Lean ground beef or chicken breast strips
1 can (425 g) Black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup (160 g) Frozen or fresh corn kernels
1 large (150 g) Avocado, sliced
1 cup (240 ml) Fresh salsa or pico de gallo
2 tbsp (30 ml) Neutral cooking oil
1 tsp (5 g) Ground cumin
1 tsp (5 g) Garlic powder
1/2 tsp (3 g) Sea salt
1/4 cup (10 g) Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
2 tbsp (30 ml) Blazing Citrus Medium Hot Sauce
Ingredient Spotlight: Long-Grain Rice vs. Short-Grain
Using long-grain rice is vital for this recipe because the grains remain separate and fluffy after cooking, providing the perfect light texture for a bowl base. Short-grain or glutinous rice tends to stick together, which can make the bowl feel dense and heavy; long-grain varieties like Basmati or Jasmine ensure that the dressing and juices from the toppings can coat every individual grain.
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce: For a perfect kick, drizzle the Blazing Citrus Medium Hot Sauce over the top of your assembled bowl. This eprovides a balanced level of heat that enhances the creaminess of the avocado and the earthiness of the black beans. It is a fantastic all natural fruit-based hot sauce that adds professional-grade flavor to your home-cooked weeknight meals.
Heat Level: 5.5 out of 10 🔥
Blazing Citrus “Medium” Hot Sauce brings bright sweet heat to any dish. Made with grapefruit juice instead of vinegar, it delivers a clean citrus finish with a smooth serrano kick at a comfortable medium heat. Spoon it over tacos, grilled chicken, shrimp, crispy potatoes, eggs, or grain bowls, or whisk it into mayo or yogurt for an instant dip or dressing. Crowd friendly and full of flavor, it lifts rich foods and makes everyday meals pop.
Directions
1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub them with the olive oil and taco/fajita seasoning.
2. Cook the chicken: Grill the chicken breasts over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74∘C). Alternatively, cook in a black cast iron skillet. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before dicing or slicing into strips.
3. Prepare the base: In a large bowl or individual serving bowls, divide the cooked cilantro-lime rice evenly as the base.
4. Assemble the bowls: Arrange the black beans, corn, and diced or sliced chicken attractively over the rice. Add a spoonful of salsa and a sprinkle of shredded cheese to each bowl.
5. Finish and serve: Top the bowls with optional additions like sour cream and avocado. For the Spicy variation, drizzle a teaspoon or more of Blazing Citrus Medium directly over the chicken and toppings before serving with a lime wedge.
Tips & Variations:
Make it Low Carb: You can easily swap the rice for cauliflower rice or a bed of shredded Romaine lettuce to create a lighter, grain-free version of this dish. When using cauliflower rice, sauté it briefly with lime and cilantro to ensure it mimics the flavor profile of the original base. This variation is excellent for those looking for a high-protein, veggie-forward meal.
Regional Swap (Mediterranean-Style): Transform the bowl by swapping the black beans for chickpeas and the salsa for a cucumber-tomato salad with feta cheese. Replace the cumin with dried oregano and use a lemon-tahini dressing instead of lime. This demonstrates the versatility of the "bowl" concept across different global culinary traditions.
Perfect Sautéed Corn: For the best flavor, don't just warm the corn; let it sit in the hot pan undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop "leopard spots" or char. This adds a smoky, toasted element to the bowl that balances the bright acidity of the lime and salsa. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in the final taste profile.
Protein Prep: If you are using chicken breast, cut it into very small, uniform bite-sized pieces before cooking. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly without drying out and makes the bowl much easier to eat with a spoon or fork compared to large chunks.
Creamy Element: If you don't have ripe avocado, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream mixed with a little lime juice makes an excellent substitute. It provides the necessary fat and creaminess to balance the spices and heat of the hot sauce.
Other Users Suggest:
Replacing: Canned black beans.
New Measurement: Seasoned pinto beans mashed slightly with a fork.
Why: It creates a creamier texture that binds the rice and protein together more effectively than whole beans.
Replacing: White rice.
New Measurement: Quinoa cooked in vegetable broth.
Why: Adds a nutty flavor and significantly increases the fiber and protein content of the meal.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze:
Storage: Store the warm components (rice, beans, meat) together and the cold components (avocado, salsa) separately in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Microwave the warm components for 1.5–2 minutes, then add the fresh toppings afterward to maintain texture.
Freeze: The seasoned meat and rice can be frozen in individual portions for up to 2 months; simply thaw and add fresh toppings when ready to eat.
People Also Ask
How do I prevent my burrito bowl from feeling heavy and dense? The most important factor is using long-grain rice (like Basmati or Jasmine) for your base. Long-grain varieties remain separate and fluffy after cooking, whereas short-grain rice sticks together and creates a heavy mouthfeel. This light base allows the acidity from the lime and the juices from the salsa to penetrate the bowl, keeping the palate refreshed.
What is the best way to cook corn for a burrito bowl? For the best flavor, don't just warm the corn. Let it sit in a hot, dry cast iron skillet undisturbed for about 2 minutes to develop "leopard spots" or a slight char. This adds a smoky, toasted element that contrasts beautifully with the cold toppings like avocado and fresh pico de gallo.
Why use a vinegar-free medium sauce for grain bowls? Grain bowls rely on a delicate balance of fresh vegetables and fats like avocado. Standard vinegar-heavy sauces can overpower these subtle flavors with a sharp, chemical sting. Blazing Citrus Medium is 100% vinegar-free, using grapefruit juice for a "Medium Spicy & Sweet" profile. This adds a vibrant, fruit-forward heat that lifts the rich elements without masking the natural sweetness of the roasted corn.
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