Craving a delicious and satisfying meal that’s both quick and easy to make? Look no further! This Carne Asada Sandwich recipe is your answer. Forget takeout – this homemade version is bursting with fresh flavors and customizable to your liking. It’s the perfect quick dinner idea, a fantastic addition to your healthy meals repertoire, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Get ready to experience the best of homemade cooking!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes enough for two hearty sandwiches.
For the Carne Asada:
- 1 lb flank steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 4 small flour tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or your favorite Mexican cheese)
- Your favorite hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
Marinate the Steak:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Add the flank steak and olive oil to the bowl. Massage the spice mixture into the steak, ensuring it's evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably up to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender carne asada.
Cook the Steak:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. For best results, let the grill get nice and hot.
- Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your preferred internal temperature. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the heat.
- Once cooked, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. This is crucial for tenderness!
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Warm the tortillas briefly on the grill or in a dry skillet. This adds a delightful texture.
- Spread a layer of sliced avocado on each tortilla.
- Top with the thinly sliced carne asada, red onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese.
- Add your favorite hot sauce, if desired.
- Fold the tortillas in half and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- For a juicier steak: Marinate the steak for longer! Overnight marinades are fantastic.
- Spice it up: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chipotle powder to the marinade for extra heat.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Add some crunch: Include some shredded lettuce or pickled jalapeños for added texture and flavor.
- Different cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even queso fresco.
Nutritional Information (per sandwich, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
Enjoy your incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make Carne Asada Sandwiches! This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. Let us know in the comments how you enjoyed your delicious creation!