Cheese And Carne Asada: The Perfect Melty Match

When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your carne asada, there are a few options to consider. Cotija cheese is often cited as the perfect pairing for carne asada tacos, with its salty flavour and crumbly texture. Feta cheese can also be used as a substitute for Cotija, as it has a similar taste and texture. For those who prefer their tacos with a more traditional cheese, shredded Monterey Jack or crumbled Queso Fresco are also popular choices.

Cotija cheese vs feta cheese

Cotija cheese is a Mexican cheese made from cow's milk. It is white, salty, and crumbly, with a strong flavour. It is often used as a topping for Mexican dishes such as tacos, salads, and enchiladas. Cotija is higher in calories, fats, and sodium than feta, but it is also richer in proteins, zinc, phosphorus, copper, and vitamin B12.

Feta cheese, on the other hand, is originally from Greece and is typically made with sheep or goat's milk, although feta cheese sold in the United States is often made with cow's milk. It has a creamier texture and a milder flavour than cotija. Feta is also moister than cotija due to being stored in brine, which prevents it from drying out.

Both cheeses can be used as toppings or crumbled over various dishes. Cotija is commonly used in Mexican cuisine, while feta is more often used in Greek and Mediterranean dishes. In terms of nutritional content, cotija is higher in calories, fats, and sodium, while feta is richer in certain vitamins.

When it comes to using these cheeses in carne asada tacos, either can be a delicious choice. Cotija is often considered the more traditional option, as it is a Mexican cheese that pairs well with the other flavours in the dish. However, feta can also work well as a substitute for cotija, adding a salty flavour that complements the steak, guacamole, and other toppings. Ultimately, the choice between cotija and feta cheese depends on personal preference and availability.

Monterey Jack cheese

Carne asada is often served in the form of tacos or quesadillas, and Monterey Jack cheese is a popular choice for both. The cheese melts beautifully, adding a creamy texture to the dish, and its mild flavour means it won't overpower the other ingredients. In tacos, it can be combined with carne asada, avocado, onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. In quesadillas, it can be combined with carne asada, caramelised onions, and fresh cilantro, and served with avocado, salsa, sour cream, and hot sauce on the side.

For those looking to add a little more spice to their dish, a combination of Monterey Jack and queso fresco is a great option. This blend of cheeses adds a little more tanginess to the dish, while still allowing the other ingredients to shine through.

Monterey Jack is also a popular choice for those who want to add some extra protein to their meal. It is a good source of protein, as well as calcium and vitamin A.

Cheese tortillas

Tortillas are a staple food in many cultures and can be made with a variety of ingredients, including cheese. Here is a recipe for delicious cheese tortillas that you can make at home and fill with your favourite ingredients. In this case, we will be using carne asada as the filling, but you can experiment with different fillings to find your favourite combination.

Ingredients

• 3 cups of shredded Monterey jack cheese, or crumbled queso fresco
• 1 cup of store-bought red salsa or hot sauce
• 12-16 corn or flour tortillas
• Butter, tequila, thyme, serrano chile, garlic, and cilantro (for the marinade)
• Carne asada steak
• Guacamole
• White onion
• Crumbled cotija or feta cheese
• Lime wedges

Method

Start by preparing the marinade for the carne asada by combining butter, tequila, thyme, serrano chile, garlic, and cilantro in a glass baking dish. Mix well, and then transfer the steak to the marinade, sprinkling with salt and pepper to taste. Leave to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.

Next, heat a large griddle or skillet over medium-high heat and brush with olive oil. Cook the steak for 6-8 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Allow the steak to rest for 10 minutes on a plate covered with aluminium foil. Then, cut the meat against the grain into thin strips.

Now it's time to start preparing the tortillas. Place 3 mounds of cheese, each about 1/4 cup, onto the griddle or skillet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Let the cheese cook for about 3 minutes—it will spread out flat like a tortilla. Be careful not to let the cheese mounds stick together. Once the cheese is browned on the bottom (it will still be white on top), add 1/4 cup of sliced meat to one half of the cheese and fold the other half over, forming a half-moon-shaped quesadilla. Transfer to a baking sheet and cover with aluminium foil to keep warm. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients.

Finally, it's time to assemble the tortillas. Spread a generous amount of guacamole onto each tortilla, then add the carne asada, onion, cilantro, and cheese. Finish off with a squeeze of lime, and enjoy!

Cheese and avocado

Avocado is a staple in Mexican cuisine, and it's no surprise that it pairs well with carne asada. The creamy texture and mild flavour of avocado complement the juicy steak perfectly. When adding avocado to your carne asada tacos, you can simply slice or mash it and spread it onto your tortilla. You could also use guacamole, which is made from avocados and provides a similar taste and texture.

As for cheese, there are several options that go well with carne asada and avocado. Here are some popular choices:

Cotija Cheese

Cotija cheese is a Mexican cheese that is commonly used in tacos and other Mexican dishes. It has a salty flavour and a crumbly texture, similar to feta cheese. Cotija cheese adds a nice salty contrast to the creamy avocado and the juicy steak. It is a popular choice for carne asada tacos and can be easily found in most supermarkets.

Feta Cheese

If you can't get your hands on cotija cheese, feta cheese makes an excellent substitute. It has a similar salty flavour and crumbly texture, so it will provide a comparable taste experience in your carne asada tacos.

Monterey Jack Cheese

Shredded Monterey Jack cheese is another option for your carne asada and avocado tacos. This cheese has a mild flavour and melts easily, adding a creamy texture to your tacos.

Queso Fresco

Queso fresco is a Mexican cheese that is commonly used in tacos. It has a mild, fresh flavour and a crumbly texture. It won't overpower the other ingredients in your taco and will provide a nice contrast to the avocado.

When assembling your carne asada tacos with avocado and cheese, simply add your desired amount of avocado and cheese to the tortilla, along with the steak and any other toppings you prefer. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations of cheese and avocado to find your perfect carne asada taco!

Cheese and salsa

When it comes to cheese and salsa, there are several options to choose from when preparing carne asada.

For the cheese, you can opt for crumbled Cotija cheese, which is a Mexican cheese similar to feta or parmesan. It has a salty flavour that pairs well with the steak. If you can't find Cotija cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese, as suggested by some sources, or use any other cheese of your choice.

As for salsa, you can go with a simple option like pico de gallo, or get creative with Salsa Roja, Salsa Verde, or even fruity salsas like pineapple jalapeno salsa. You can also add other types of sauces like lime crema or spicy chipotle sauce.

When preparing your carne asada, remember that marinating the steak is key for the best results. This can be done using a variety of ingredients such as soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, jalapeno, and spices. The steak should then be grilled to your desired doneness, and finally, you can assemble your tacos with the cheese, salsa, and any other toppings you prefer.

Frequently asked questions