A carne asada burrito is an iconic dish that has become a symbol of Mexican and Mexican-American cuisine. Combining grilled, marinated steak with fresh ingredients wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, it’s a favorite in regions like California, Arizona, and Texas. But its appeal has grown far beyond the American Southwest, and it is now a cherished food item across the globe.
This article will cover everything you need to know about the carne asada burrito: its key ingredients, popular variations, how to make one at home, and much more. Whether you’re new to the world of burritos or a seasoned expert, this in-depth exploration will help you appreciate what goes into making the perfect carne asada burrito.
The History of the Carne Asada Burrito
To understand what makes a carne asada burrito so special, it’s important to first appreciate the history behind both carne asada and burritos. Both have deep roots in Mexican culture but have evolved as they made their way into Mexican-American cuisine.
The Origins of Carne Asada
Carne asada, which literally means “grilled meat” in Spanish, has its origins in the ranchos of northern Mexico, where cattle were abundant. Traditional carne asada involves marinating cuts of beef—most commonly skirt steak or flank steak—in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and various spices. The meat is then grilled over an open flame, giving it a smoky, slightly charred flavor.
Historically, carne asada was a special occasion dish, served at gatherings, celebrations, and festivals. Today, it’s a staple at barbecues, family dinners, and street food stalls throughout Mexico and the southwestern United States. Its rich, savory flavor and tender texture make it the ideal protein for tacos, burritos, and more.
The Evolution of the Burrito
The burrito itself has more obscure origins, though it’s believed to have first appeared in northern Mexico. The word “burrito” translates to “little donkey,” possibly referring to the way the tortilla “packs” ingredients like a donkey would carry a load. The original burritos were likely much simpler than what we enjoy today, often consisting of just meat and beans wrapped in a tortilla.
However, once the burrito made its way into the United States, particularly in California, it underwent significant transformation. In places like San Francisco’s Mission District, the Mission-style burrito was born—a larger, more filling version stuffed with rice, beans, cheese, and sometimes sour cream or guacamole. It’s from this tradition that the carne asada burrito emerged as one of the most popular and beloved varieties.
For a deeper dive into the cultural history of carne asada, you can explore The History of Carne Asada.
What is Carne Asada?
At the heart of every carne asada burrito is carne asada, the star of the show. This grilled, marinated meat is what sets the dish apart from other burrito varieties. But what exactly is carne asada, and how is it made?
Key Ingredients for Carne Asada
Traditional carne asada is typically made from cuts of beef that are flavorful and tender enough to stand up to grilling. The most common cuts are:
- Skirt Steak: Known for its intense beefy flavor, skirt steak is a popular choice for carne asada. It has a slightly coarse texture, but when marinated and grilled correctly, it becomes incredibly tender.
- Flank Steak: Another great option, flank steak is leaner than skirt steak but equally flavorful. It’s also more widely available, making it a common choice for home cooks.
The secret to a perfect carne asada lies in the marinade. A good carne asada marinade typically includes:
- Lime Juice: Adds acidity, which helps tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor.
- Garlic: Provides a savory, aromatic flavor.
- Cilantro: Adds freshness and a hint of citrus.
- Spices: Common spices include cumin, chili powder, and oregano, which give the meat a smoky, earthy flavor.
Once the steak has marinated for several hours (or ideally overnight), it is grilled over high heat. The goal is to get a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
For more details on how to prepare the perfect carne asada, refer to this steak burrito recipe to get additional tips.
Cooking Methods for Carne Asada
Grilling is the most traditional way to prepare carne asada. The high heat of the grill helps to caramelize the exterior of the meat, creating a crispy, flavorful crust while keeping the interior juicy and tender. However, if you don’t have access to a grill, you can also cook carne asada in a cast-iron skillet or under a broiler.
Regardless of your cooking method, it’s crucial to let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that every bite is flavorful and moist.
Slicing and Serving Carne Asada
Once the steak has rested, it’s time to slice it. Always slice against the grain, meaning perpendicular to the muscle fibers. This helps break down the tougher fibers in the meat, making each bite more tender. Carne asada is typically sliced into thin strips or small pieces, making it easier to layer inside a burrito or taco.
Essential Ingredients of a Carne Asada Burrito
While the carne asada is the highlight, a true carne asada burrito involves several other key ingredients that come together to create a balanced, flavorful meal. Here’s what you’ll typically find inside:
1. Flour Tortilla
A large, soft flour tortilla is essential for wrapping up all the burrito’s ingredients. The tortilla should be flexible enough to fold without breaking but sturdy enough to hold everything together without becoming soggy.
Many traditional Mexican dishes use corn tortillas, but for burritos, flour tortillas are preferred because of their size and pliability.
2. Refried Beans
Refried beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and they serve as a creamy, flavorful base in a carne asada burrito. Typically made from pinto beans, refried beans are cooked with lard (or oil for a vegetarian option) and mashed to create a smooth consistency. They add richness to the burrito while balancing the texture of the grilled meat.
3. Rice
Many carne asada burritos also include Mexican rice or Spanish rice. This adds bulk to the burrito, making it more filling, and complements the flavors of the carne asada and beans. The rice is usually seasoned with tomato, garlic, onion, and spices like cumin, giving it a savory, slightly tangy flavor.
4. Cheese
No burrito is complete without cheese. In a carne asada burrito, the most common choices are:
- Monterey Jack: A mild, creamy cheese that melts well.
- Cheddar: Adds a sharper flavor and melts nicely.
- Mexican Cheese Blend: A combination of cheeses that melts smoothly and adds rich flavor.
The cheese is usually added to the burrito while it’s being assembled, allowing it to melt from the heat of the freshly cooked carne asada and beans.
5. Salsa
A fresh salsa adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the meat, beans, and cheese. The most popular salsa options include:
- Pico de Gallo: A chunky salsa made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Salsa Verde: A tangy green salsa made from tomatillos, garlic, and green chiles.
- Spicy Salsa Roja: A fiery red salsa made with roasted tomatoes, chilies, and spices.
The salsa can be added directly to the burrito or served on the side for dipping.
6. Guacamole
Guacamole is made from fresh avocados, lime juice, and salt. It adds a creamy, rich element to the burrito while also contributing a fresh, slightly tangy flavor. Guacamole pairs especially well with carne asada because it balances the smoky, charred flavor of the meat.
7. Sour Cream (Optional)
Some people like to add sour cream for extra creaminess and a slight tang. This is especially common in Mission-style burritos, where a variety of fillings are packed into a large, steamed tortilla.
8. Extras
Depending on where you get your burrito, you may also find additional ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, or even French fries (in the case of California burritos). Each of these ingredients adds its own texture and flavor, making for a more complex and satisfying meal.
For more inspiration on ingredients, check out authentic Mexican burrito ingredients to discover new ways to enhance your carne asada burrito.
Variations of the Carne Asada Burrito
While the traditional carne asada burrito is delicious on its own, there are many regional variations to explore, each offering its own twist on the classic recipe.
1. San Diego Style Burrito
In San Diego, the carne asada burrito is an institution. These burritos are known for being large and simple, often containing nothing more than carne asada, guacamole, cheese, and salsa. The focus is on the quality of the ingredients, particularly the carne asada.
2. Mission-Style Burrito
Originating in San Francisco’s Mission District, this style of burrito is much larger and more filling than the San Diego version. A Mission-style burrito typically includes carne asada, rice, beans, salsa, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream, all wrapped in a steamed flour tortilla. The burrito is often served with a side of tortilla chips and salsa.
3. California Burrito
The California burrito is a unique twist that includes French fries inside the burrito, along with carne asada, guacamole, and cheese. This variation originated in Southern California, where it quickly became a favorite for its heartiness and the way the crispy fries complement the tender carne asada.
4. Breakfast Carne Asada Burrito
In addition to being a popular lunch and dinner option, carne asada is also a favorite breakfast burrito filling. A breakfast carne asada burrito typically includes carne asada, scrambled eggs, potatoes, and cheese. Some versions also include salsa or guacamole for added flavor.
5. Vegetarian Carne Asada Burrito
For those who prefer a plant-based option, a vegetarian carne asada burrito can be made with meat substitutes like grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based carne asada alternatives. The rest of the burrito remains the same, with beans, rice, cheese, salsa, and guacamole rounding out the meal.
Nutritional Overview of a Carne Asada Burrito
While carne asada burritos are undeniably delicious, they can also be quite calorie-dense due to the combination of steak, cheese, guacamole, beans, and rice. A typical carne asada burrito can contain anywhere from 700 to 1,000 calories, depending on the size and the specific ingredients used.
Here’s a basic nutritional breakdown:
- Calories: 700–1,000
- Protein: 40–50 grams (from the carne asada, beans, and cheese)
- Fats: 30–40 grams (due to the steak, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream)
- Carbohydrates: 70–100 grams (primarily from the tortilla, rice, and beans)
For those looking to make a healthier version of a carne asada burrito, consider the following tips:
- Use leaner cuts of meat: Opt for a leaner cut of steak like sirloin instead of skirt or flank steak.
- Limit the cheese and sour cream: Reduce the amount of cheese and skip the sour cream to cut down on fat and calories.
- Control portion sizes: Make a smaller burrito by using fewer fillings or opting for a smaller tortilla.
- Use healthier alternatives: Try swapping out regular rice for cauliflower rice or using low-fat cheese.
For more information on the nutritional value of different Mexican foods, check out this guide.
How to Make a Carne Asada Burrito at Home
If you’re ready to try your hand at making a carne asada burrito at home, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Ingredients
To make a delicious carne asada burrito at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of skirt steak or flank steak
- Juice of 2 limes
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup of refried beans
- 1 cup of Mexican rice or Spanish rice
- 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of fresh pico de gallo salsa
- 1/2 cup of guacamole
Instructions
- Marinate the Carne Asada: In a large bowl, combine the lime juice, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the steak to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
- Grill the Carne Asada: Preheat your grill or a cast-iron skillet to high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for 3–5 minutes per side, until the meat is charred on the outside but still juicy inside. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
- Warm the Tortillas: While the steak is resting, warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or in the microwave. This makes them more pliable and easier to wrap.
- Assemble the Burritos: Spread a layer of refried beans onto each tortilla, followed by a scoop of rice. Add a generous portion of sliced carne asada, then sprinkle with cheese. Top with pico de gallo and guacamole.
- Wrap the Burritos: Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then roll from the bottom up, tucking in the filling as you go. Ensure the burrito is tightly wrapped to prevent any ingredients from spilling out.
- Serve: Serve your carne asada burrito with extra salsa, guacamole, or sour cream on the side.
For more tips on crafting the perfect burrito, check out this perfect steak burrito recipe.
FAQs About Carne Asada Burritos
What cut of meat is used for carne asada?
Typically, skirt steak or flank steak is used for carne asada because of their rich flavor and tenderness when grilled.
What is the difference between a carne asada taco and a burrito?
The main difference lies in size and fillings. Tacos are smaller, usually containing just meat and salsa, while burritos are larger and filled with a variety of ingredients like rice, beans, and cheese.
What type of cheese is best for a carne asada burrito?
Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend are common choices for their meltability and creamy texture.
Are carne asada burritos healthy?
While delicious, they are typically high in calories. You can make a healthier version by opting for leaner meats, low-fat cheese, and controlling portion sizes.
Conclusion: The Appeal of the Carne Asada Burrito
The carne asada burrito is an enduring favorite for its rich, smoky flavors, satisfying textures, and its ability to adapt to different tastes and preferences. Whether you enjoy it in the form of a San Diego-style burrito, a loaded California burrito, or even a breakfast carne asada burrito, the combination of grilled steak, fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, and melted cheese is truly unbeatable.
Now that you know what goes into making the perfect carne asada burrito, why not try making one at home? With the right ingredients and a few simple techniques, you’ll be able to recreate this classic dish anytime you crave it. And if you’re looking for more burrito inspiration, be sure to explore additional recipes, like authentic Mexican burrito ingredients or this perfect steak burrito recipe.
So grab your grill, your tortillas, and get ready to enjoy one of the most beloved dishes in Mexican-American cuisine: the carne asada burrito!