Grilled Steak Con Cerveza
By Liliana Moyano for Shine Latina
I always thought the best way to make carne asada (or grilled steak) was my dad's way: simple, flavorful
and tender. He used to grill every Sunday and on special family gatherings. My uncles always wondered what secret ingredients he used on the meat that made it so delicious. He always insisted that sea salt was the only item he needed to make his churrasco taste good. Besides purchasing good quality meat, he grilled only on wood or real charcoal without using any lighter fluid to start the fire. He also insisted on waiting until the flames touched the metal grid before placing the steaks on the grill, and then he'd turn each piece only once.
Delight your guests with my shrimp ceviche on avocado before enjoying this great carne asada.
About a month ago, I traveled with my best friend to Los Angeles, and her family received us with a grill-full of Mexican-style carne asada. I wanted to help out in the kitchen, so I asked my friend's dad if I could give him a hand with the steaks. He poured me a margarita, and invited me to the kitchen to watch him prepare the marinade for the meat we were about to grill. I watched him carefully as he mixed mustard, garlic, onions, all-purpose seasoning and a shot of Mexican Modelo Especial beer. He then bathed the steaks in that incredible marinade. After a few margaritas, we walked over to the grill and made the most amazing carne asada I'd ever had. From now on, no more just salt on the steak for me! (Sorry, Papi!)
So, a la cocina, y orale!
Ingredients
(4 servings)
2 pounds steak (skirt steak)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon mustard
½ tablespoon garlic salt
¼ teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
3 oz. Modelo Especial beer
1 medium onion, finely sliced
Directions
In a bowl, mix the garlic, mustard, garlic salt, all purpose seasoning, beer and onion. With a fork blend well until the mix becomes a thick sauce. Dip your steaks in the sauce, and let them marinade for 30 minutes. Lay the steaks on the grill at medium fire, and cook each side for 4 1/2minutes for medium-well steaks.
Notes
Skirt steak is a great option for this type of dish. However, sirloin steak can be a good substitute, and it's usually a less expensive cut.
