Carne Adobada: Grilled Adobo-Marinated Skirt Steak

Ingredients for Carne Adobada: Grilled Adobo-Marinated Skirt Steak

• 60g pasilla chillies (6), wiped clean, stemmed, slit open, seeded, and deveined

• 60g guajillo chillies (8), wiped clean, stemmed, slit open, seeded, and deveined

• 60ml distilled white vinegar

• 60ml light Mexican beer

• 80g chopped white onion

• 4 garlic cloves, peeled

• 1 teaspoon fine salt, or 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, preferably Mexican

• 1/4 teaspoons cumin seeds

• 5 whole cloves

• 900g skirt steak, cut into four 8- to 9-inch pieces

• 1 teaspoon fine salt, or 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 120ml pasilla-guajillo adobo (above)

• About 1 tablespoon mild olive oil or vegetable oil

How to make Carne Adobada: Grilled Adobo-Marinated Skirt Steak

Heat a comal, griddle, or heavy skillet over medium-low heat, and toast the chillies 2 or 3 at a time, turning them over and pressing down on them with tongs frequently, until the chillies are fragrant, about 1 minute per batch. Soak the chillies in enough cold water to cover until they're soft, about 30 minutes. Drain and discard the soaking water.

Put the vinegar and beer in the blender jar with the chillies and the remaining adobo ingredients. Blend until smooth, at least 3 minutes, adding a little water if necessary to puree. If you like a silky, smooth texture, strain the adobo through a medium-mesh sieve. Set aside 120ml the adobo to marinate the steak, and keep the rest in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or in the freezer for up to one month.

Pat the steaks dry, season them with the salt, then coat them generously with adobo. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill or grill pan and cook the steaks, 3 to 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, depending on their thickness. Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing for tacos or serving as whole steaks.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.