Cheese And Carne Asada: The Perfect Taco Combination

There are many types of cheese that can be used in carne asada tacos, such as cotija, feta, ricotta salata, queso fresco, parmesan, and more. However, the most popular choice seems to be cotija cheese, a sharp, salty, pungent Mexican cheese that crumbles beautifully and lends an authentic look and taste to the tacos.

Cotija Cheese vs Feta

Cotija cheese and feta cheese are similar in appearance and texture, but they have distinct differences. Both are white, crumbly cheeses, but cotija is Mexican in origin and feta is Greek. Cotija is made from cow's milk, while feta is traditionally made from goat's milk, though in the US it is often made from cow's milk.

In terms of taste, cotija has a stronger flavour than feta, and is saltier and less tangy. Feta is often packaged in brine, which makes it moister and less crumbly than cotija. Cotija is also higher in protein, fats, and sodium than feta. It is also a good source of vitamins B2 and B12, and vitamin A. Feta, on the other hand, is rich in vitamins B1, B2, B5, and B6.

Both cheeses are popular toppings for tacos, with cotija being the more traditional option. However, feta can be used as a substitute for cotija, and vice versa. When substituting feta for cotija, bear in mind that feta may be saltier, so you may want to adjust your recipe accordingly.

Marinating the Steak

Carne asada is a Mexican dish featuring steak that has been marinated in a well-seasoned marinade and then grilled. The beef is then thinly sliced and served as a main course or used as an ingredient in dishes like tacos or nachos.

A good carne asada marinade combines the classic Mexican flavours of cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and is well-seasoned with chilli powder and cumin. The addition of orange juice and soy sauce tenderises the meat and adds rich flavour.

Ingredients

• Orange juice
• Lemon juice
• Lime juice
• Soy sauce
• Olive oil
• Cilantro
• Garlic
• Chilli powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Chipotle pepper
• Oregano
• Salt

Method

Firstly, combine all the ingredients for the marinade in a bowl and whisk to combine. Place the flank steak in a large ziploc bag and pour the marinade over the steak. Seal the bag and turn several times until the steak is well coated. Refrigerate the steak for a minimum of three hours or overnight.

Remove the steak from the marinade and season liberally on both sides with salt and pepper. Grill the steak over high heat for about five minutes on each side. Rest the steak, covered with foil, for at least five minutes to allow the juices to redistribute before slicing.

Grilling the Steak

Choosing the Right Steak

For carne asada tacos, flank steak and skirt steak are the most commonly used cuts of meat. They are thinner cuts that benefit from marinating and cook quickly. However, other cuts such as top sirloin can also be used.

Marinating the Steak

A good marinade is essential for adding flavour to your carne asada tacos. A typical marinade for carne asada includes olive oil, cilantro, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, jalapeno, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and a little sugar. Place the steak in a baking dish, spread the marinade over both sides, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.

When you're ready to cook, remove the steak from the marinade and allow it to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the steak for about 7-10 minutes on each side for medium-rare to medium, with an internal temperature of 135-140°F. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing it against the grain into thin pieces that will fit well in your tortillas.

Tips for Grilling

• Don't over-marinate the steak. More than 4 hours of marinating can cause the acid from the citrus juice to break down the steak too much.
• Brush off any pieces of marinade from the steak before grilling to prevent burning.
• Cook the steak to medium-rare for the most tender bites.
• Cut the steak against the grain for the most tender result.

Charred Onion Relish

Ingredients

• 2 large onions, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 cup cilantro, stems and leaves, coarsely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Brush the onion slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 3-5 minutes on each side, until slightly charred. Remove from the grill and let cool.

Place the charred onions, remaining olive oil, and the rest of the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until blended. For a more textured relish, leave some texture.

Serving Suggestions

Customising Toppings

Carne asada tacos are a versatile dish that can be customised to suit your taste. While the traditional toppings include onions, cilantro, and cotija cheese, you can also add your own twist by incorporating various other toppings. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Cheese: While cotija cheese is the classic choice, you can also use queso fresco, feta, ricotta salata, or any other Mexican blend that suits your taste.
• Salsa: Add a dollop of pico de gallo, salsa, or hot sauce to give your taco a spicy kick.
• Avocado: Avocado slices or guacamole will add a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats to your taco.
• Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice will brighten up the flavours and add a tangy twist.
• Fresh Veggies: Try adding thinly sliced radishes for an extra crunch, or grill some corn kernels for a smoky flavour.
• Meat alternatives: If you're looking for a non-beef option, consider using chicken, fish, or pork for your carne asada tacos.
• Tortillas: Experiment with different types of tortillas, such as corn or flour, and grill them to add those appealing char marks.
• Creative additions: For a tropical touch, add some diced pineapple to your taco. If you're an avocado lover, try using salsa guacamole instead of plain avocado slices.

Remember, the beauty of carne asada tacos is that you can make them your own. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and find your perfect combination!

Frequently asked questions