Grilled Beef Torta with Fresh Toppings
This Grilled Beef Torta is a delightful twist on the classic carne asada burrito, inspired by my experiences in a vibrant taco shop. The tender and flavorful round steak is perfectly seasoned and grilled to juicy perfection, then nestled inside a soft bolillo roll. Enhanced with a creamy mayo spread and topped with fresh ingredients like lettuce, guacamole, and pico de gallo, each bite delivers an explosion of Mexican flavors. It’s the perfect dish for a casual lunch or a festive gathering, showcasing the authentic taste of Mexican street food.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Round steaks
2 lbs (Cut into small bite-sized pieces)
Garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Black pepper
To taste (Freshly cracked)
Oil
1 tablespoon (For frying)
Parsley
1 pinch (Finely chopped)
Bolillo rolls
4 (Split open)
Mayonnaise
1 teaspoon (For spreading)
Water
1 tablespoon (For steaming the meat)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the round steak into small, bite-sized pieces, ensuring even cooking.
2
In a bowl, season the meat with garlic salt, black pepper, and a pinch of parsley, mixing well to coat all pieces evenly.
3
Preheat a frying pan over high heat until it's hot enough that water sizzles upon contact.
4
Add a tablespoon of oil to the pan and allow it to heat for a few seconds before adding the seasoned meat in a single layer in the center of the pan.
5
Once the meat is placed, avoid moving it for a couple of minutes to allow it to brown properly. Then, flip the pieces to ensure even cooking.
6
Once browned, quickly pour a tablespoon of water into the pan to steam and deglaze, scraping the bottom to flavor the meat. Allow the water to evaporate.
7
Remove the cooked meat from the pan and set it aside.
8
With the pan still hot, spread mayonnaise on the cut sides of the bolillo rolls. Place them mayonnaise-side down in the pan until they're golden and crispy.
9
Assemble the tortas by placing a generous portion of carne asada on the toasted roll, then adding refried beans, shredded lettuce, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
10
Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious Mexican delicacy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Grilled Beef Torta with Fresh Toppings?
It is a traditional Mexican sandwich made with seasoned round steak, fresh toppings like guacamole and pico de gallo, and served on a toasted bolillo roll.
What type of beef is best for this torta recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 lbs of round steak, cut into small, bite-sized pieces.
How should the round steak be prepared?
The steak should be cut into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even and quick cooking.
What seasonings are used for the meat?
The beef is seasoned with garlic salt, black pepper, and a pinch of finely chopped parsley.
How do I ensure the meat browns properly?
Place the meat in a single layer in a very hot pan and avoid moving it for a couple of minutes to allow a crust to form.
What is the purpose of adding water to the pan while cooking the beef?
A tablespoon of water is used to steam the meat and deglaze the pan, which helps to flavor the beef with the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
What kind of rolls should I use for a torta?
Bolillo rolls are the traditional choice for Mexican tortas because they are soft on the inside and can be toasted to a crispy finish.
How do I toast the bolillo rolls?
Spread a small amount of mayonnaise on the cut sides of the rolls and place them face-down in a hot pan until they are golden and crispy.
Why is mayonnaise used on the rolls before toasting?
The mayonnaise helps the bread achieve a perfectly golden, crispy texture and adds a subtle richness to the sandwich.
What fresh toppings are included in this torta?
The recipe suggests using shredded lettuce, guacamole, and pico de gallo as fresh toppings.
Does this torta contain beans?
Yes, refried beans are spread onto the toasted roll during the assembly process.
How hot should the frying pan be?
The pan should be preheated over high heat until it is hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately upon contact.
How much oil is needed for frying the meat?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of oil to be heated in the pan before adding the meat.
Is this recipe considered authentic Mexican food?
Yes, it is described as an authentic taste of Mexican street food, inspired by traditional taco shops.
Can I use this recipe for a party?
Absolutely, it is noted as being a perfect dish for both casual lunches and festive gatherings.
What is the flavor profile of the Grilled Beef Torta?
It offers an explosion of Mexican flavors, combining savory grilled beef with creamy spreads and fresh, zesty vegetable toppings.
How many bolillo rolls are needed for this recipe?
This specific recipe is designed for 4 bolillo rolls.
Should the meat be cooked in batches?
The instructions suggest adding the meat in a single layer in the center; if your pan is small, cooking in batches may help maintain the high heat needed for browning.
Is there a specific way to flip the meat?
Once the first side has browned for a couple of minutes, flip the pieces to ensure even cooking on all sides.
What is the preparation time like for the ingredients?
Preparation involves cutting the steak, chopping parsley, and splitting the rolls, making it a relatively quick process.
Can I make this torta spicy?
While the base recipe is mild, you can easily add heat by incorporating spicy salsa or sliced jalapeños into the toppings.
How much garlic salt is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of garlic salt, or more to taste.
What is the texture of the finished torta?
It features a contrast between the crispy, toasted roll and the tender, juicy meat and creamy guacamole.
Do I need an outdoor grill for this recipe?
No, despite the name 'Grilled', the instructions specify using a frying pan over high heat on a stovetop.
Can I use pre-cracked black pepper?
The recipe suggests freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor, but pre-cracked pepper can be used if necessary.
How do I serve the torta for the best experience?
It should be served immediately after assembly while the meat is hot and the roll is still crispy.
Is parsley a common ingredient in Mexican tortas?
While cilantro is more common, this recipe uses a pinch of parsley to add a subtle herbal note to the beef.
What if I can't find bolillo rolls?
You can substitute with French rolls or a sturdy baguette, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly from the traditional bolillo.
Is round steak a lean cut?
Yes, round steak is generally a lean cut, which is why cutting it into small pieces and cooking it quickly at high heat is important to keep it tender.
Can the beef be seasoned in advance?
Yes, you can season the meat with garlic salt, pepper, and parsley ahead of time to let the flavors penetrate the beef before cooking.