Mexican style steak: flavor and tradition

Hello friends from Paulina Cocina! If you are lovers of Mexican food, you will surely love the recipe that we bring you today: Mexican steak.

In this note, we will tell you more about this classic mexican dish, some of its history and its origins, different ways of preparing it, and its variants. As always, in the end they will find a full recipe to make this delicacy at home and enjoy with family or friends.

About the Mexican beef steak

Bistec a la mexicana is an emblematic recipe of Mexican cuisine that is made from a beef steak (veal), seasoned with a mixture of spices and cooked together with tomatoes, onion, chiles and cilantro. The result is a comforting dish, full of intense flavors and irresistible aromas.

This warm dish, ideal for cool days, combines meat with stir-fried vegetablesand resembles the bifes Creole that we usually eat in Argentina, but with the addition of typically Mexican ingredients, such as chile.

What is “steak” in Mexico

In Mexico, the term “bistec” commonly refers to a portion of beef or vealusually cut in the shape of fillet. The steak is used as a base for various culinary preparations, and one of the most popular is the Mexican steak.

The steak is a fundamental part of the Mexican gastronomy and its versatility allows it to be used in a wide variety of dishes, from tacos y quesadillas even stews and roasts. This cut is appreciated for its juiciness and intense flavor, making it a popular choice for many types of food.

Origin and history of Mexican steak

The origin of the Mexican steak dates back to the prehispanic roots of Mexican cuisine. In pre-Columbian times, indigenous peoples already consumed beef and used spices and chili peppers in their culinary preparations.

With the arrival of the Spanish, new ingredients and cooking techniques were introduced, which enriched Mexican gastronomy. Over time, the Mexican steak became popular throughout the country and became an emblematic dish of the national cuisine.

Mexican beef steak variants

The Mexican beef steak has regional variants that give it a unique touch in each place. Some of the better known variants include the ranch steak which is characterized by being more spicy, with a dressing that includes jalapeño peppers and additional spices.

Another variant is the steak with Mexican potatoes, in which potatoes (potatoes) are diced and cooked along with the other ingredients, absorbing the flavors of the salsa and resulting in a more substantial and comforting dish.

Ways of cooking Mexican beef steak

There are different ways to prepare Mexican steak, each with its own particularities.

• Stir-fry: This is the most common way to prepare Mexican steak. It is cooked in a hot pan with oil, along with tomatoes, onion, chilies and spices. Stir-frying allows the flavors to blend intensely and quickly.
• Grill: For a Mexican steak with a smoky touch and a more intense flavor, it can be cooked on the grill. This option brings out the natural flavors of the meat and gives it a juicy and tender texture.
• upholstered: For those looking for a slower, more flavorful preparation, stew is a great option. The steak is cooked together with the ingredients in a ketchup spiced, over low heat for at least an hour, allowing the meat to soak up all the flavors.

4 tips for making Mexican-style steak

1. Choose a good quality meat: Avoid having many nerve fibers or too much fat. a good meat it will make a difference in the final taste of the dish.
2. Season properly: Use a mix of spices such as cumin, oregano, chili powder, and garlicto flavor the steak.
3. Cut the ingredients into large pieces: For proper texture and presentation, cut tomatoes, onion and chilies into large pieceswho sit on the plate.
4. Do not over-cook the meat: Mexican style steak is best enjoyed when the meat is juicy and tender. Avoid overcooking.

With what we accompany the Mexican steak

Mexican style steak can be enjoyed with a variety of sides that complement each other very well and add texture and flavor to the dish.

• Red rice
• Refried beans
• Guacamole
• roasted nopales
• Green sauce
• Freshly made corn tortillas
• Fresh salad

Mexican steak recipe

Yield: 4 portions

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 beef steaks (veal)
• 1 large onion
• 2 tomatoes
• 2 serrano chiles (optional)
• ½ red bell pepper
• ½ green pepper
• 2 garlic cloves
• Vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

How to make Mexican steak step by step

1. In a large skillet, heat a little vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef steaks and cook on both sides until golden. Remove them from the pan and reserve.
2. In the same pan, add the chopped onion, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and serrano chiles (seeds can be removed to reduce heat). Sauté until the onion is translucent and the tomatoes and peppers are soft.
3. Add the minced garlic cloves and season with salt, pepper and cumin. Cook for a few more minutes for the flavors to integrate.
4. Put the beef steaks back in the pan and dip them into the sauce to soak up the flavors. Cook over medium-low heat for a few minutes until the meat is cooked.
5. Serve the Mexican steak hot, sprinkled with chopped fresh cilantro on top.