Oh my goodness, let me tell you about carne asada with avocado salsa verde! This dish is a fiesta of vibrant flavors that just makes my taste buds dance! I remember the first time I had it at a backyard barbecue with friends. The sun was setting, the grill was sizzling, and the aroma of marinated flank steak filled the air. It was pure magic! Every bite was juicy, smoky, and topped with that creamy, zesty avocado salsa verde that just takes it to another level. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it for every gathering!
What I love most about this recipe is how quick and simple it is to whip up. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can have a delicious meal on the table in about 30 minutes! Seriously, who doesn’t love a meal that comes together this fast? Plus, the combination of grilled beef and that refreshing salsa is not only satisfying but also a real crowd-pleaser. So fire up that grill and let’s dive into this mouthwatering adventure!
Ingredients for carne asada with avocado salsa verde
You’ll need some fresh and vibrant ingredients to make this dish pop! Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 2 pounds flank steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup green tomatillos, husked and chopped
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
Make sure your avocados are perfectly ripe—just the right amount of softness to give you that creamy texture in the salsa! And don’t skimp on the fresh cilantro; it really brightens everything up. You’ll be amazed at how these simple ingredients come together to create something so delicious!
How to Prepare carne asada with avocado salsa verde
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of preparing this delectable dish! I’ll walk you through each step so you can create your masterpiece with confidence. Get ready for some serious flavor magic!
Prepping the Steak
First things first, let’s give that flank steak some love! Start by patting it dry with a paper towel—this helps to get that beautiful sear on the grill. Then, drizzle the olive oil all over the steak and rub it in. This not only adds flavor but also helps the spices stick. Next, sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, and a good pinch of salt on both sides. Don’t be shy here; seasoning is key to making this dish sing! I like to let it sit for about 15 minutes to really let those flavors mingle. This little step makes a big difference!
Grilling the Steak
Once your steak is prepped and ready to go, fire up that grill to a medium-high heat, around 400°F (204°C). You want it hot enough to get those gorgeous grill marks! Place the steak on the grill and let it cook for about 6-8 minutes per side for that perfect medium-rare. I like to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—aim for around 130°F (54°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, just press the steak gently with your finger; it should feel firm but still have a bit of give. Once it’s done, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This is crucial! It allows the juices to redistribute, giving you that juicy bite we all crave.
Making the Avocado Salsa Verde
While the steak is resting, it’s time to whip up that heavenly avocado salsa verde! Grab your blender and toss in the ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, chopped tomatillos, jalapeno, and lime juice. The lime juice not only adds a zesty kick but also helps keep the avocados from browning. Blend everything until it’s nice and smooth—adjust the salt to your taste. I love a good balance of flavors, so if you want it spicier, feel free to toss in more jalapeno or even a pinch of salt. Just make sure everything is well combined for the best flavor!
Serving the Dish
Now comes the fun part—time to serve it up! Slice the rested flank steak against the grain into nice, juicy strips. This helps keep each piece tender and easy to bite into. Arrange the slices on a platter and generously spoon that vibrant avocado salsa verde on top. If you want to get fancy, you can sprinkle some extra chopped cilantro or a few lime wedges around for a pop of color. Trust me, your guests will be impressed! And don’t forget to grab a fork and dig in—you won’t be able to resist!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure you nail this carne asada with avocado salsa verde! Here are my go-to tips that’ll help you achieve the best results and leave everyone raving about your dish:
- Let the Meat Rest: Seriously, don’t skip this step! After grilling, let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This is when the juices redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Adjust the Spice Levels: The beauty of salsa verde is that you can totally customize it! If you like things spicy, feel free to add more jalapeno or even a dash of hot sauce. On the flip side, if you’re serving a crowd with varying spice preferences, you might tone it down a bit. Just taste as you go!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshness really makes a difference in this recipe. Make sure your avocados are ripe and your cilantro is vibrant. Fresh tomatillos will add a zing that canned ones just can’t match!
- Keep an Eye on the Grill: Every grill is different, so watch your steak closely. If you’re cooking on a charcoal grill, be mindful of hot spots. Rotate the steak as needed to ensure even cooking. And when in doubt, use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness!
- Slice Against the Grain: When you’re ready to slice that steak, make sure to cut against the grain. This technique helps break up the muscle fibers, resulting in more tender pieces. Your friends and family will thank you when they see how easy it is to chew!
- Make Extra Salsa: If you have leftover salsa verde (which I doubt because it’s so good!), it makes a fantastic dip for chips or a topping for tacos. Double the batch if you want to ensure you have some for later!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be set to create a carne asada that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress everyone at your table. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this carne asada with avocado salsa verde! Here’s the estimated breakdown per serving, so you can enjoy every delicious bite while keeping track of what’s going into your meal:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 35g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, knowing you’re indulging in a protein-packed meal with healthy fats from the avocados makes it all the more satisfying, right? Enjoy every flavorful bite, knowing you’re treating yourself well!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is my go-to for carne asada, there are several other cuts you can use that will still give you that delicious flavor. Skirt steak is another fantastic option; it’s even more flavorful and tender, but be sure to cook it for just about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare. You could also try sirloin steak, which is a bit leaner and should be cooked similarly. Just remember, the key is to slice against the grain to keep it tender, no matter which cut you choose!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare when I serve this!), just let the steak cool down to room temperature and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also store it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it gently on the grill or in a skillet over low heat to keep it juicy. I recommend adding a splash of water or broth while reheating to keep it moist!
What can I serve with carne asada?
The possibilities are endless! I love to pair carne asada with some warm corn tortillas for tacos, but you could also serve it alongside a refreshing Mexican street corn salad or some cilantro-lime rice. Don’t forget about the classic beans—black beans or refried beans make a great addition too! For a lighter touch, a simple garden salad with lime vinaigrette works beautifully. Whatever you decide, just make sure there’s plenty of that avocado salsa verde to drizzle on top!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip up this flavorful meal in just about 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Fresh Ingredients: Each bite bursts with vibrant flavors from fresh avocados, cilantro, and tomatillos, making it a deliciously healthy choice.
- Grilled Goodness: The smoky, charred flavor of the grilled flank steak is simply irresistible, giving you that authentic carne asada experience right in your backyard.
- Customizable: You can adjust the spiciness of the avocado salsa verde to suit your taste, making it a hit for everyone at the table.
- Protein-Packed: With 35g of protein per serving, this dish keeps you feeling full and satisfied without skimping on flavor.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe is great for gatherings—just lay out the steak and salsa, and let everyone help themselves. It’s a true crowd-pleaser!
- Versatile: Enjoy it in tacos, on a salad, or just on its own! The possibilities are endless, and it pairs beautifully with so many sides.
Carne asada with avocado salsa verde: 5 Flavorful Tips
- Całkowity Czas: 31 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A flavorful dish featuring grilled beef with a fresh avocado salsa verde.
Składniki
- 2 pounds flank steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup green tomatillos
- 1 jalapeno, seeded
- 1 lime, juiced
Instrukcje
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Rub flank steak with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
- Grill steak for 6-8 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Remove steak from grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- In a blender, combine avocados, cilantro, tomatillos, jalapeno, and lime juice.
- Blend until smooth to make salsa verde.
- Slice steak against the grain and serve with avocado salsa verde on top.
Uwagi
- Let the meat rest for better juiciness.
- Adjust spice levels in salsa to your preference.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 16 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Grilling
- Kuchnia: Mexican
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 450
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 30g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 6g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 20g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 10g
- Włókno: 5g
- Białko: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Słowa kluczowe: carne asada, avocado salsa verde, grilled beef, Mexican cuisine
