Arrachera is the traditional Mexican term for skirt steak. Sometimes, people use the term for flank steak, though skirt steak is the traditional choice. This long, flavorful cut comes from the cow’s plate primal and is known for its strong, beefy flavor.
What is Arrachera Steak Good For?
The best way to enjoy arrachera steak is to marinate it well and cook it to a perfect medium rare. Let the steak soak in a mix of citrus, garlic, and your favorite spices for a few hours to make it more tender and flavorful. Then preheat your grill or pan over high heat and aim for a medium-rare finish. This way, you will get a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Be careful – overcooking or undercooking the arrachera steak will make the meat rubbery and chewy. After cooking, slice it against the grain to keep every bite as tender as possible. This method ensures every bite is tender and delicious, making the arrachera steak the star of any meal (tacos, fajitas, burritos, and much more).
Arrachera steak isn’t just for tacos or fajitas in Mexican cuisine. It has a wide range of uses. Here are some popular ways to enjoy it:
- Salads: Add thin slices of arrachera to your salad for extra flavor and protein.
- Tacos or fajitas: Fresh ingredients and bold flavors make these a perfect match for arrachera.
- Burritos: Wrap it up in a tortilla with your favorite extras for a tasty meal.
- Quesadilla: A little arrachera adds a delicious twist to your classic quesadilla.
- Nachos: Top your nachos with grilled slices of arrachera to take them to the next level.
- Soup: Add thin slices of arrachera to your beef soup to boost its flavor.
- Steak with Sauce: Enjoy it simply grilled or pan-seared, paired with a tasty sauce like chimichurri.
What’s the Difference Between Arrachera and Carne Asada?
Arrachera and carne asada are two popular terms in Mexican cuisine. Arrachera refers to the skirt steak. Carne asada means “grilled meat” in Spanish and typically describes beef that has been marinated and grilled. Put them together, and you get carne asada arrachera – a delicious, marinated skirt steak grilled to perfection.