Introducing the delectable Quesadilla de Carne Asada – a mouthwatering fusion of savory grilled steak, melted cheese, and warm tortillas. Bursting with bold flavors and traditional Mexican spices, this culinary delight promises to satisfy your cravings for a scrumptious and satisfying meal. Get ready to savor every bite of this classic dish that effortlessly combines tender meat, gooey cheese, and golden tortillas for an unforgettable dining experience.
Easy Carne Asada Quesadillas
Carne Asada Quesadillas are a delicious and easy Mexican-inspired meal that is perfect for tex-mex cravings at home. The quesadillas are filled with tender cuts of grilled carne asada steak, stretchy cheese, and smoky green chiles. The outside of the tortilla gets super crispy, while the meat inside remains tender and juicy. The homemade carne asada dry rub adds a flavorful touch to the dish, elevating it from store-bought blends.
To make these quesadillas, start by marinating the flank steak with the homemade carne asada rub and olive oil. Let it sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 4 hours to absorb all the flavors. Sear the steak in a hot pan until it reaches your desired temperature. Rest it for 5 minutes before cutting it into small pieces.
Heat a cast iron skillet and brush one side of a tortilla with melted butter. Place it buttered-side down on the skillet and top it with equal amounts of carne asada, cheese, green chilis, green onions, and cilantro. Add another tortilla on top and brush it with melted butter. Cook the quesadilla for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and heated through.
Top the quesadillas with sour cream and sprinkle them with reserved carne asada rub. Let them cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freezing them for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm them in a pan over medium heat or in an air fryer at 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
What is Carne Asada?
Carne asada is a cooking method used to prepare grilled meats in Mexican cuisine. The term “carne asada” translates to “grilled meats” in English. Typically, chuck steak, skirt steak, or flank steak are marinated and then grilled or seared to give them a charred flavor. Carne asada can be served on its own or used as an ingredient in other dishes. It is commonly found in tacos and is one of the most popular types of tacos in Mexico.
While there are typical seasonings associated with carne asada, there is no set recipe that must be followed. In this recipe, the homemade carne asada dry rub is used to add flavor to the steak. The rub includes spices like chili powder, ground cumin, ground celery seed, and ground Mexican oregano. It provides a flavorful and slightly spicy taste without the need for an elaborate marinade.
To make carne asada quesadillas using this recipe, the flank steak is seasoned with the carne asada rub and olive oil before being seared in a pan. The cooked steak is then cut into small pieces and used to fill flour tortillas along with cheese, green chiles, green onions, and cilantro. The quesadillas are cooked until golden and heated through, then topped with sour cream and sprinkled with reserved carne asada rub.
Ingredients You Need
To make Carne Asada Quesadillas, you will need the following ingredients:
- Flank Steak – A thin cut of beef with a good texture that’s easy to chew.
- Carne Asada Rub – Homemade rub with Mexican seasonings like chili powder, cumin, celery seed, and Mexican oregano.
- Olive oil – Used to drizzle onto the carne asada along with the rub.
- Flour Tortillas – White or whole wheat tortillas are recommended.
- Monterey Jack Cheese – Grated yourself for better melting.
- Canned Diced Green Chiles – Mildly spicy green chiles for flavor.
- Green Onions – Adds a subtle onion flavor without overpowering.
- Cilantro – Chopped cilantro for added flavor and garnish.
- Butter – Used to give the quesadillas a crispy exterior.
Optional Ingredients:
-
- Canned Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce – For a spicier and smokier flavor profile.
- Jalapeños – Finely diced for added spice. Remove seeds for milder heat or leave them in for extra kick.
< li > Mexican Cheese Blend – Recommended cheese option that melts well. Cotija cheese can also be added for extra flavor. Shred the cheese yourself for best results.
How to Make Carne Asada Quesadillas
To make carne asada quesadillas, start by seasoning the flank steak with the homemade carne asada rub and olive oil. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Then, sear the steak in a hot pan for 3 minutes per side until it reaches your desired internal temperature.
Next, brush one side of a tortilla with melted butter and place it buttered-side down on a heated skillet. Top with equal amounts of carne asada, cheese, green chiles, green onions, and cilantro. Add another tortilla on top and brush it with melted butter.
Cook the quesadilla for 4-5 minutes per side until it is golden brown and heated through. Once cooked, top with sour cream, additional green onions and cilantro, and sprinkle with reserved carne asada rub.
Equipment Needed
– Grill or stovetop pan
– Cast iron skillet or flat grill pan
– Cutting board
– Knife
– Mixing bowl
– Measuring spoons and cups
– Spatula or tongs
– Brush for buttering the tortillas
Substitutions & Variations
Substitutions & Variations:
1. Meat: Instead of using flank or skirt steak, you can try using other cuts of beef such as chuck steak or even chicken or shrimp for a different twist on the quesadillas.
2. Cheese: While Monterey Jack cheese is commonly used in this recipe, you can experiment with other types of cheese such as cheddar, pepper jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend for added flavor.
3. Tortillas: If you prefer a different type of tortilla, you can use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Corn tortillas will give the quesadillas a more traditional Mexican flavor.
4. Peppers: If you want to spice things up, you can replace the canned diced green chiles with fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers. You can adjust the amount of heat by removing the seeds for milder quesadillas or leaving them in for a spicier kick.
5. Seasonings: While the homemade carne asada rub is delicious and flavorful, feel free to customize it to your taste preferences. You can add more spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder to enhance the flavors even further.
6. Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Instead of sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt or avocado crema for a healthier option. Add some salsa or guacamole on top for extra flavor and freshness.
7. Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, you can skip the meat altogether and substitute it with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Add some black beans or refried beans for added protein and texture.
8. Gluten-free Option: To make these quesadillas gluten-free, simply use gluten-free tortillas instead of regular flour tortillas.
Remember that cooking is all about experimentation and personal preference, so feel free to get creative and make these carne asada quesadillas your own!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftover carne asada quesadillas, let them cool to room temperature and then place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, you can reheat the quesadillas in a pan over medium heat until they are warmed through.
If you have leftovers that you won’t be able to eat within 5 days, you can also freeze the quesadillas. Wrap them well and place them in the freezer for up to 2 months. This is a great option if you want to have a grab-and-go snack or do some meal-prep for future lunches.
If you have an air fryer, it’s super easy to reheat the quesadillas. Simply place them in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 3-5 minutes until they are heated through.
Alternatively, if you prefer to make the carne asada quesadillas in the oven, follow the same steps as mentioned earlier but instead of pan frying them, place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake in the oven at 450°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
It’s important to note that giving the meat some time to soak in the rub will give you a much more flavorful cut of meat. Therefore, it’s best not to skip this step. However, there’s no need to put together an elaborate marinade like most carne asada recipes call for. The homemade dry rub used in this recipe contains all the flavors needed and is easier to prepare by just rubbing it on the steak.
Overall, storing and reheating leftover carne asada quesadillas is quite simple and convenient whether using a refrigerator or freezer method or opting for an air fryer or oven reheating technique.
Questions About the Recipe
1. What kind of steak is best for carne asada quesadillas?
The recipe suggests using flank or skirt steak, which are thin cuts of beef with a good texture that’s easy to chew. It’s important to use a steak that isn’t difficult to cut through with your teeth.
2. Can I use store-bought carne asada seasoning instead of making the homemade rub?
The recipe recommends using the homemade rub because it has better flavor and skips the additives found in most store-bought blends. However, if you prefer, you can use a store-bought seasoning instead.
3. How long should I marinate the steak for?
The recipe suggests marinating the steak for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, but you can marinate it for up to 4 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
4. Can I make the quesadillas in the oven instead of pan frying them?
Yes, you can bake the quesadillas in the oven at 450°F for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking.
5. How long do leftover quesadillas last in the fridge?
The quesadillas should last in the fridge for about 5 days when stored in an airtight container.
Tips & Suggestions
1. To make the carne asada quesadillas even more flavorful, marinate the steak overnight in the rub mixture. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and give it a delicious taste.
2. If you prefer a spicier quesadilla, add some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the filling. This will give it an extra kick of heat.
3. Experiment with different types of cheese for your quesadillas. While Monterey Jack cheese is traditional, you can also try using cheddar, pepper jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend for added flavor.
4. Don’t skip brushing melted butter on the tortillas before cooking them. This will help to create a crispy and golden crust on the outside of the quesadilla.
5. Serve your carne asada quesadillas with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo for added flavor and freshness.
6. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet or flat grill pan, you can still make these quesadillas in a regular frying pan or even on a griddle.
7. Feel free to customize your carne asada quesadillas by adding additional ingredients such as sautéed onions and bell peppers, black beans, or corn.
8. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked carne asada from a local Mexican restaurant or grocery store instead of making it from scratch.
9. Don’t forget to let your cooked quesadillas cool slightly before cutting into them to avoid burning yourself with the hot filling.
10. These carne asada quesadillas are great for meal prep. Make a batch ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
Carne Asada Quesadillas
Carne Asada Quesadillas are a delicious and easy Mexican-inspired meal. Filled with tender cuts of grilled carne asada steak, stretchy cheese, and smoky green chiles, these quesadillas are a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The outside of the tortilla gets super crispy, while the meat inside remains juicy and tender. These quesadillas are made even better with a generous amount of melted cheese.
To make the carne asada, you’ll need flank steak or skirt steak that is marinated in a homemade carne asada dry rub. This rub adds incredible flavor to the meat without any additives commonly found in store-bought blends. After marinating the steak, it is seared in a pan until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
To assemble the quesadillas, brush one side of a tortilla with melted butter and place it butter-side down on a heated skillet. Top with equal amounts of carne asada, cheese, green chiles, green onions, and cilantro. Add another tortilla on top and brush the top with more melted butter. Cook the quesadilla for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through.
Once cooked, you can serve the quesadillas with sour cream and sprinkle them with some reserved carne asada rub for an extra burst of flavor. These quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Ingredients
1 pound flank steak
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons melted butter, divided
1 package flour tortillas
2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
1 can diced green chiles
2 green onions, sliced
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Sour cream (for serving)
Reserved carne asada rub
- In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the homemade carne asada rub. Set aside 1/2 teaspoon of the rub for later.
- Rub the remaining carne asada rub and 1 tablespoon of olive oil onto the flank steak. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- In a hot pan over medium-high heat, sear the steak for 3 minutes per side or until your desired internal temperature is reached. Transfer to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting into small pieces.
- In a cast iron skillet or flat grill pan over medium heat, brush one side of a tortilla with melted butter and place it buttered-side down on the pan.
- Add equal amounts of carne asada, grated cheese, diced green chiles, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro (optional) onto one half of the tortilla. Top with another tortilla.
- Brush the top tortilla with melted butter. Cook the quesadilla for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through.
- Remove from heat and top with sour cream and reserved carne asada rub.
- Let the quesadillas cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, cook the quesadillas in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer and cook at 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
Instructions
To make the carne asada quesadillas, start by seasoning the flank steak with the homemade carne asada rub and a tablespoon of olive oil. Rub it in with your hands to ensure the meat is well coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add the remaining olive oil. Sear the steak for about 3 minutes per side or until it reaches your desired internal temperature. Transfer the steak to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Cut the carne asada into small pieces that are easy to eat in a quesadilla. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and brush one side of a tortilla with melted butter. Place it buttered-side down on the skillet.
Add equal amounts of carne asada, cheese, green chiles, green onions, and cilantro onto the tortilla. Top with another tortilla and brush the top with more melted butter. Cook the quesadilla for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and heated through.
Once cooked, top the quesadillas with sour cream and sprinkle them with reserved carne asada rub. Let them cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To reheat, you can either use a pan over medium heat or an air fryer set at 400°F for 3-5 minutes. If you prefer to bake them in the oven, place them on a lined baking sheet and bake at 450°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Notes
– To make this recipe, it is recommended to use flank or skirt steak as they are thin cuts of beef with a good texture that is easy to chew.
– The homemade carne asada rub includes typical Mexican seasonings like chili powder, ground cumin, ground celery seed, and ground Mexican oregano. The full ingredients list can be found in the recipe.
– It is important to drizzle olive oil onto the carne asada along with the rub to create a thick paste that will infuse all the flavors into the steak.
– When making the quesadillas, it is best to use white or whole wheat flour tortillas. If watching carb intake, Carb Balance tortillas can be used instead.
– Grating your own Monterey Jack cheese is recommended as pre-shredded cheese does not melt as well.
– Canned diced green chiles are used in this recipe for a mild spice. If desired, spicier peppers can be substituted.
– Green onions add a mild onion flavor without overpowering the dish. Chopped cilantro can also be added for extra flavor or used as a garnish.
– Butter is brushed onto one side of the tortilla to give it a crispy exterior when cooked.
– A cast iron skillet or flat grill pan is ideal for cooking the quesadillas and achieving a crunchy crust. However, any flat grill pan that fits the tortilla will work.
– For additional flavor variations, try using canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or finely diced jalapeños in the quesadillas.
Nutrition
The nutrition information for Carne Asada Quesadillas can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the portion size. However, here is a general breakdown of the nutritional content:
Each serving of Carne Asada Quesadilla typically contains:
- Calories: The calorie content will depend on the size and ingredients used, but it can range from around 300 to 500 calories per quesadilla.
- Protein: The steak and cheese in the quesadilla provide a good amount of protein, usually ranging from 20 to 30 grams per serving.
- Carbohydrates: The tortilla adds carbohydrates to the dish, with approximately 25 to 40 grams per serving.
- Fat: The fat content can vary depending on the type and amount of cheese used, but it is typically around 15 to 25 grams per serving.
- Sodium: The sodium content will depend on the seasonings and cheese used, but it can range from around 600 to 1000 milligrams per serving.
It’s important to note that these values are approximate and can vary based on individual recipes and ingredient choices. It’s always a good idea to check specific labels or use a recipe calculator for more precise nutritional information.
In conclusion, quesadilla de carne asada is a delicious and satisfying Mexican dish that combines tender grilled beef and melted cheese in a crispy tortilla. It offers a flavorful experience that is sure to please both meat lovers and fans of Mexican cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a snack or main course, this classic quesadilla is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in authentic flavors bursting with taste.
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