Here’s a recipe for Homemade Carne Asada Tortas, a delicious Mexican sandwich filled with marinated grilled beef, creamy avocado, fresh veggies, and your favorite condiments, all packed into a soft, toasted bolillo (Mexican sandwich roll). It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion!
Ingredients:
For the Carne Asada:
- 1.5 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice (or substitute with a bit of pineapple juice)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Tortas:
- 4 bolillos (Mexican sandwich rolls) or telera rolls
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Mexican crema (or sour cream)
- Pickled jalapeños (optional, for some heat)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Carne Asada:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, cumin, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
- Marinate the Beef: Place the flank or skirt steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it’s well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Grill the Carne Asada:
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Cook the Meat: Remove the steak from the marinade and grill it for about 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness and your desired level of doneness (flank or skirt steak is best cooked to medium-rare to medium).
- Rest the Meat: After grilling, let the steak rest for about 5 minutes to retain its juices. Then, slice the meat thinly against the grain.
3. Toast the Bolillos:
- Toast the Rolls: Slice the bolillos (or telera rolls) in half lengthwise. Toast the cut sides on the grill or in a skillet until golden and crispy. If you like, you can spread a little butter on the rolls before toasting for extra flavor.
4. Assemble the Carne Asada Tortas:
- Prepare the Spread: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise (if using) on the bottom half of each roll. You can also spread some Mexican crema (or sour cream) on the other half of the roll.
- Add the Carne Asada: Layer the sliced carne asada on the bottom half of each toasted bolillo.
- Top with Fresh Ingredients: Add a few slices of avocado, tomato, and onion on top of the meat.
- Garnish: Optionally, add pickled jalapeños for some extra heat and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
- Close the Sandwich: Place the top half of the roll on top to complete the torta.
5. Serve:
- Serve your homemade carne asada tortas with a side of chips, salsa, or your favorite Mexican side dishes!
These Carne Asada Tortas are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy!