How to Make Carne Asada Burritos

Burritos and carne asada are two iconic elements of Mexican cuisine that have become staples in many parts of the world, particularly in the United States. Here’s a detailed look at their origins, variations, and a recipe to combine them into a delicious carne asada burrito.

Origins and History

Burritos: The burrito, which means “little donkey” in Spanish, is believed to have originated in northern Mexico. The exact origin is unclear, but one popular story attributes its creation to a man named Juan Méndez from Ciudad Juárez in the early 20th century. He allegedly used large flour tortillas to wrap food for easy transport, reminiscent of the packs carried by donkeys, hence the name. Traditional Mexican burritos are typically smaller than their American counterparts and are often filled with just a few simple ingredients, such as beans, meat, and cheese.

Carne Asada: Carne asada translates to “grilled meat” and refers to a specific method of preparing beef, typically flank or skirt steak. This dish is rooted in the ranching culture of northern Mexico, where grilling meat over an open flame is a common practice. The meat is marinated in a mixture of citrus juice, garlic, cilantro, and spices, then grilled to impart a smoky flavor.

Variations

• Burritos:
  • Mission Style: Originating from San Francisco, these burritos are large and packed with a variety of ingredients, including rice, beans, meat, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
  • California Burrito: A variation popular in San Diego, it includes carne asada, French fries, cheese, and sour cream.
  • Breakfast Burrito: Typically filled with scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheese, and a choice of breakfast meats like bacon or sausage.
• Carne Asada:
  • Tacos: Carne asada is often served in tacos with simple toppings like onions, cilantro, and salsa.
  • Plates: Served with sides like rice, beans, guacamole, and tortillas.
  • Nachos: Carne asada can be a topping for nachos, along with cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream.

Recipe: Carne Asada Burrito

Ingredients

• For the Carne Asada:
  • 2 lbs flank or skirt steak
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Burritos:
  • Large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 2 cups cooked black or pinto beans
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup guacamole
  • Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the Carne Asada:
   • In a large bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Add the steak to the marinade, ensuring it’s well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
2. Grill the Carne Asada:
   • Preheat a grill to high heat.
   • Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry.
   • Grill the steak for about 3-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
   • Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
3. Assemble the Burritos:
   • Warm the flour tortillas on the grill or in a skillet until pliable.
   • In the center of each tortilla, layer a portion of rice, beans, sliced carne asada, shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
   • Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly from the bottom.
4. Serve:
   • Slice the burritos in half if desired, and garnish with chopped cilantro.
   • Serve with additional salsa and guacamole on the side.

Culinary Tips

• Marinating Time: The longer the steak marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Overnight marinating is ideal.
• Grill Marks: For perfect grill marks, resist the urge to move the steak around too much while it’s on the grill.
• Tortilla Warming: Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and easier to roll without cracking.

Combining the rich, smoky flavors of carne asada with the hearty, versatile burrito creates a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty breakfast, carne asada burritos are sure to delight.