Carne Asada Torta
Juicy, marinated grilled steak piled high on a crusty bolillo roll with creamy avocado, refried beans, and all the classic fixings. This is the ultimate Mexican-American sandwich, packed with flavor and ready to satisfy serious cravings.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Steak
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, minced jalapeño, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- c.Place the flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow glass dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, turning to coat it completely.
- d.Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but no more than 8 hours for the best flavor and texture.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Toppings
- b.While the steak marinates, prepare all your torta fillings.
- c.In a small saucepan, warm the refried beans over low heat until smooth and spreadable.
- d.Slice the tomatoes and onion. Shred the lettuce.
- e.Halve the avocados, remove the pits, and either slice them or mash them in a bowl with a fork. A squeeze of lime juice can prevent browning.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Grill the Carne Asada
- b.Preheat your grill or a cast-iron skillet to high heat (around 450-500°F or 230-260°C).
- c.Remove the steak from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- d.Place the steak on the hot grill. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side for a medium-rare finish (internal temperature of 135°F / 57°C).
- e.Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for a juicy result.
- f.After resting, thinly slice the steak against the grain.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Tortas
- b.Slice the bolillo rolls in half horizontally. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the cut sides of each half.
- c.Place the rolls cut-side down on a griddle or pan over medium heat. Toast for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and slightly crisp.
- d.To build the torta, spread a generous layer of warm refried beans on the bottom half of each roll.
- e.Spread mayonnaise or crema on the top half of each roll.
- f.Layer the sliced carne asada onto the bottom bun, followed by avocado, tomato slices, onion, shredded lettuce, and pickled jalapeños.
- g.Sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese.
- h.Place the top bun on, press down gently, and serve immediately while warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most tender meat, always slice the steak against the grain. Look for the direction the muscle fibers run and cut perpendicular to them.
- 2Don't skip resting the steak after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
- 3Toasting the bolillo rolls is key. It adds flavor and creates a barrier that prevents the bread from getting soggy from the fillings.
- 4If you don't have a grill, a hot cast-iron skillet will give you an excellent sear on the steak.
- 5The quality of the bread matters. A fresh, crusty bolillo or telera roll provides the perfect texture contrast to the tender fillings.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Add one minced serrano chili to the marinade along with the jalapeño for an extra kick of heat.
Cheesy MeltCheesy Melt
Add a layer of shredded Oaxaca cheese or queso asadero on top of the steak and let it melt slightly before adding the other toppings.
Chicken Torta (Pollo Asado)Chicken Torta (Pollo Asado)
Substitute the flank steak with 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs and use the same marinade. Grill until cooked through.
Vegetarian OptionVegetarian Option
Use 4 large portobello mushroom caps instead of steak. Marinate for 30 minutes and grill for 5-7 minutes per side until tender.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The flank steak provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Avocado is packed with monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Provides B Vitamins
Beef is a natural source of essential B vitamins, particularly B12 and B6, which play a crucial role in energy production and brain function.
Contains Antioxidants
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, while garlic and onions contain other powerful antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage.
Frequently asked questions
A single Carne Asada Torta can range from 850 to 1000 calories, depending on the size of the roll and the amount of cheese, avocado, and mayonnaise used.