Best Cheeses To Pair With Carne Asada

When it comes to choosing the perfect cheese for your carne asada, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, let's talk about the type of cheese. Traditional Mexican cheeses such as cotija or queso fresco are excellent choices, as they crumble beautifully and lend an authentic look and taste to your dish. Cotija cheese, in particular, is described as sharp, salty, and pungent – a perfect pairing with the other flavours in carne asada. If you can't get your hands on these Mexican cheeses, don't worry! Feta or parmesan cheese can be used as substitutes, or you can simply choose your favourite cheese to add that creamy, savoury touch to your meal.

Cotija cheese

In addition to its taste and versatility, Cotija cheese also has a unique appearance that can enhance the visual appeal of carne asada tacos. Its white colour and crumbly texture make it stand out against the other ingredients, making the dish look more appetising and inviting.

Overall, Cotija cheese is an essential ingredient in carne asada tacos. It adds a distinct flavour, texture, and appearance to the dish, making it a popular choice for those seeking an authentic Mexican culinary experience.

Cheddar cheese

Carne asada is a Mexican dish that typically consists of grilled meat, such as steak, and is often served with tortillas, salsa, avocado, and cheese. While there is no single authentic carne asada recipe, the dish is usually characterised by its bold, bright, and fresh flavours.

When making carne asada quesadillas, shredded cheese that melts easily is the best option. Cheddar cheese is a perfect choice for this, as it melts smoothly and adds a creamy texture to the dish. You can also use other cheeses like Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella. To prepare the quesadillas, simply layer the ingredients on a tortilla, starting with shredded cheese, sautéed vegetables, and meat. Then, fold the tortilla in half and cook it on a skillet or in an air fryer until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.

Similarly, carne asada tacos often include shredded cheese, and cheddar cheese is an excellent option. The sharpness of cheddar pairs well with the other ingredients commonly found in carne asada tacos, such as avocado, onion, and cilantro. When assembling the tacos, spread some mashed avocado on a tortilla, add chopped carne asada, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and top with diced onion and fresh cilantro. You can also include other toppings like salsa, pico de gallo, or hot sauce to enhance the flavour.

Whether you're making quesadillas or tacos, cheddar cheese is a versatile and tasty option that complements the flavours of carne asada. Its melting properties and savoury flavour make it a popular choice for these Mexican dishes.

Feta cheese

Carne asada tacos are a delicious, Mexican-inspired dish, perfect for a party or get-together. The tacos are made with flank steak, avocado, onion, cheese, and cilantro, and are served on a tortilla. The steak is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, cilantro, citrus juice, and spices, and then grilled to perfection.

In addition to feta cheese, there are several other toppings that can be added to carne asada tacos to enhance their flavour. These include salsa, pico de gallo, guacamole, avocado slices, and fresh vegetables such as radishes, corn, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Carne asada tacos are a versatile dish that can be customised to suit individual tastes. The toppings can be adjusted, and various types of tortillas can be used, such as corn or flour. The dish can also be made year-round by grilling the steak in the summer and cooking it on a stovetop during the winter.

Avoiding soggy tortillas

Carne asada tacos are a delicious Mexican-inspired dish, perfect for parties or a good time. To avoid soggy tortillas, follow these steps and tips:

Choose the Right Tortillas

The type of tortilla you use can make a difference in how soggy it becomes. Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for carne asada tacos and are less likely to get soggy compared to flour tortillas. Look for thicker corn tortillas, as they will hold up better and be less prone to tearing.

Prepare the Tortillas Properly

Before adding any fillings, it's essential to warm and toast your tortillas. This adds a nice texture and flavour to your tacos and also helps to prevent sogginess. You can warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until lightly toasted. If you're grilling your carne asada, you can also throw the tortillas on the grill for a few seconds to warm them up.

Don't Overfill Your Tacos

Overfilling your tacos can lead to sogginess. Be mindful of the amount of filling you put in each tortilla. It's better to start with a smaller amount and add more if needed. This will help prevent the tortillas from tearing and becoming soggy.

Layer Your Fillings Strategically

The order in which you layer your fillings can also impact the sogginess of your tortillas. Start with a layer of carne asada, followed by heartier toppings like onions, radishes, or fresh veggies. Then, add your cheese, sauces, and finally, the avocado or guacamole. This will create a barrier between the juicier ingredients and the tortilla, preventing it from getting soggy too quickly.

Serve Tacos Immediately

Carne asada tacos are best served immediately after assembling. The longer the tacos sit, the more likely the tortillas are to absorb moisture from the fillings and become soggy. If you're serving a large group, consider assembling the tacos in batches so they can be enjoyed fresh.

Keep Toppings on the Side

Instead of adding all the toppings directly to the tacos, you can also keep some of them on the side. This allows your guests to customise their tacos and helps prevent the tortillas from getting soggy before everyone is ready to eat. Provide small bowls of toppings like salsa, pico de gallo, hot sauce, and lime wedges, so your guests can add them just before they're ready to enjoy their tacos.

Marinade ingredients

Carne asada is a Mexican dish featuring steak that has been marinated in a mixture of lime juice and seasonings, then grilled. The name translates to "grilled meat", and it is typically made using a thin cut of beef such as flank steak or skirt steak.

A good marinade will tenderise the meat and add flavour. Here are some ingredients you can use to make a delicious carne asada marinade:

• Olive oil
• Citrus juices (orange, lemon, lime)
• White wine vinegar
• Spices (cumin, cilantro, salt, pepper, chilli powder, brown sugar, paprika, oregano)
• Jalapeno
• Garlic
• Soy sauce

Marinade Method

To make the marinade, combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well combined. Place the steak in a baking dish and spread the marinade over both sides. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours, or up to eight hours for maximum flavour.

When you're ready to cook the steak, remove it from the marinade and pat it dry. Heat your grill to a medium-high heat and cook the steak for around 6-10 minutes on each side for a medium-rare finish.

Once the steak is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

Your carne asada is now ready to be served as a tasty steak dish, or used as a filling for tacos, burritos, salads, and more!

Frequently asked questions