Easy Adobo Steak Recipe (Marinated Sirloin, Skirt & Flank)

Having spent years as an avid food enthusiast and amateur chef, I have honed my culinary skills and explored a variety of cuisines. Yet, Mexican recipes have always held a special place in my heart.

For this reason, I am thrilled to share with you my expertise in creating my all-time favorite — a mouthwatering adobo steak.

Drawing inspiration from diverse culinary traditions and incorporating my own creative twists, I will guide you through the process of preparing a truly exceptional Mexican adobo steak.

Let’s get into it.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Number of Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound skirt steak (also can use sirloin or flank steak)
• 3 tablespoons adobo sauce (from chili powder, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and herbs)
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 teaspoons adobo seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Corn tortillas
• Grilled onions
• Chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. In a shallow dish (like a baking dish), blend adobo sauce, minced chipotle peppers, olive oil, lime juice, adobo seasoning, salt, and black pepper to create the adobo marinade.
2. Add the skirt steak to the adobo marinade, ensuring you coat each piece completely.
3. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the marinade to infuse.
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. Remove the marinated steak from the fridge and bring it to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
6. Lightly oil the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
7. Cook the marinated steak strips for about 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time to your desired temperature if using a meat thermometer.
8. Remove the beef from the grill and let the grilled adobo rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
9. Heat the corn tortillas on the grill for a minute on each side until warm and pliable. You can substitute flour tortillas if you prefer.
10. Serve the sliced steak on warm tortillas like you would tacos, topped with grilled onions, juice from lime wedges, and chopped cilantro.

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• Kevin Belton Steak Etouffee Recipe
• Thin Eye of Round Steak Recipe

Recipe Notes

• Adjust the amount of adobo sauce and chipotle peppers for your preferred level of spiciness. You can also add smoked paprika, lemon juice, garlic powder (or minced garlic), oregano, cumin, chopped onion, or mushrooms to the marinade if desired.
• Longer marinating times in the refrigerator intensify the flavors, so be careful your beef does not become too hot for you.
• Slice the skirt steak against the grain with a sharp knife to ensure tenderness after you rest it.
• Leftover steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days [1]. If you plan to store the steak for longer, it will last in the freezer for 2 to 3 months with good results [2]. Reheat over medium-low heat.
• You can use flank steak, strip steak, or even sirloin instead of skirt steak if desired. You can even cook chicken or pork with this delicious sauce.
• If you don't have a grill, you can cook the steak on a hot pan over medium-high heat.
• Feel free to add other ingredients, such as refried beans, guacamole, or salsa, to your beef for added kick.
• Don't forget to season the grilled adobo with salt and pepper before grilling.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 380
• Total Carbs: 10g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Net Carbs: 9g

"Adobo steak, a timeless classic, embodies the essence of tradition and the magic of the grill, delivering an experience that ignites the senses."

- Rick Bayless, American Chef

What to Serve With Adobo Steak?

These pairings enhance the overall dining experience by providing complementary flavors, textures, and balance to the steak:

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): The creamy and slightly tangy flavor of Mexican street corn complements the bold and smoky notes of the steak, creating a harmonious balance of taste and textures.
2. Cilantro Lime Rice: The fresh and zesty flavor of cilantro and lime in the rice provides a vibrant contrast to the rich and savory adobo skirt steak, enhancing the overall taste experience.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables, with their natural sweetness and charred edges, offer a delightful contrast to the umami and spiciness of the adobo marinated skirt steak, adding depth and variety to each bite.
4. Black Beans with Mexican Spices: The earthy and mildly spiced black beans complement the robust flavor of the adobo marinated skirt steak, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal with a good balance of protein and fiber.
5. Avocado Salad: The creamy and cooling avocado salad provides a refreshing contrast to the heat of the flavored steak, offering a palate-cleansing element that keeps the overall meal light and enjoyable.
6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness and caramelization of roasted sweet potatoes complement the savoriness of the seasoned steak, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.
7. Salsa Verde: The tangy and mildly spicy punch of salsa verde adds a refreshing and zesty element to the medium-rare skirt steak, enhancing its overall taste profile and adding a burst of freshness.
8. Jicama Slaw: The crisp and slightly sweet jicama slaw provides a crunchy contrast to the tender adobo marinated steak, bringing a delightful textural element and a hint of sweetness to the dish.

FAQs

References:

1. https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-I-keep-meat-in-the-refrigerator
2. https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-freeze-beef