Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. cecina (thinly sliced beef)
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8-10 corn tortillas
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Special equipment needed:
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the cecina slices.
4. Grill the cecina for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through.
5. Remove cecina from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine diced avocado, red onion, jalapeno, lime juice, and cilantro to make the avocado salsa.
7. Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side.
8. Assemble the tacos by placing a few slices of cecina on each tortilla and topping with avocado salsa.
9. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill or grill pan at medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4-5 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken or pork can be substituted for the cecina.
- Red bell pepper can be substituted for the jalapeno.
Variations:
- Add shredded cheese or sour cream to the tacos.
- Use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas.
- Add black beans or corn to the avocado salsa.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to let the cecina rest before slicing to ensure it stays juicy.
- Double up on the tortillas to prevent them from breaking when assembling the tacos.
- Use a grill pan if a grill is not available.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover cecina and avocado salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat cecina in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- Avocado salsa should not be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve tacos on a platter with lime wedges and extra cilantro for garnish.
Garnishes:
- Lime wedges
- Chopped cilantro
Pairings:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Margaritas
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Cucumber salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the tortillas are breaking, double them up or warm them longer on the grill.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the cecina to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Cecina is a traditional Mexican dish made from thinly sliced, salted, and dried beef.
Flavor profiles:
- Smoky, spicy, and fresh
Serving suggestions:
- Serve tacos family-style on a platter for a casual dinner party.
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Region: Mexican