I always think of taco nights as the best time spent with family and friends. When it comes to crafting the perfect taco, there’s one dish that never lets me down: Alambre. Loaded with tender chunks of steak, crispy bacon, vibrant peppers, and gooey cheese, it’s the kind of comfort food that practically makes you feel like you’re having a fiesta. Paired with fresh salsas, this recipe works wonders for any gathering, especially when you’re firing up the grill outside.
Alambre is a classic Mexican dish that originates from the streets of Mexico City. Traditionally, it’s made from marinated meat skewered and grilled, but the skillet version I’m sharing today makes it incredibly easy to prepare at home. With layers of flavor from the smoky bacon and savory vegetables, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Alambre is versatile enough for a quick weeknight meal, yet satisfying enough to serve at special occasions.
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How I Have Used the Ingredients in This Recipe
In this Alambre recipe, I’ve combined a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. The star of the show is the top sirloin beef, known for its tenderness and rich flavor. The addition of bacon adds a delightful crunch and enhances the overall savoriness. Onions and colorful bell peppers not only brighten the dish but also contribute a sweet contrast to the meat. And let’s not forget about cheese; using Oaxaca or Muenster brings a creamy note that melts beautifully.
The Ingredients
Here’s what you need to whip up your own delightful Alambre dish:
– 1 pound Top Sirloin steak, cut into ½ inch cubes
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Juice of ½ Lime
– 6 oz. of bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces (6 slices)
– 1 medium white onion, chopped (about 1-¼ cup)
– 1 cup each of red and green bell peppers, chopped (about 1-¼ cup total)
– 6 oz. Oaxaca or Muenster cheese, shredded
– 12 corn tortillas (or 8 medium flour tortillas) for serving
– 1 medium jalapeño, diced (for a spicy kick)
– Spicy salsa, like green avocado tomatillo salsa or red taqueria salsa, for serving
With these fresh and hearty ingredients, you’re all set for flavor-packed tacos that will leave everyone wanting more!
Ingredients From : mexicoinmykitchen.com
How to Make Alambre Mexican Food Recipe
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious Alambre. It’s quite straightforward and perfect for those who enjoy cooking but want to keep things simple and fun.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Meat
Start by placing the diced top sirloin pieces in a mixing bowl. Squeeze that half lime over the meat and sprinkle it generously with salt and pepper. Lime juice not only enhances the flavor but also helps tenderize the steak. Set this bowl aside for about 10 minutes. This wait is worth every second because it allows those flavors to soak in.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Grab a skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot—like, sizzle-level hot—add the bacon pieces. Cook the bacon for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want it to turn a light brown and start rendering some fat. Keep an eye on it; crispy, browned bacon is what you’re aiming for. At this point, if your skillet is swimming in grease, feel free to drain some of the fat.
Step 3: Add the Steak
Now it’s time to add your marinated steak to the skillet with the bacon. Cook everything together for about 6 minutes, stirring often. You want the steak to be cooked through but still juicy. This combination of flavors is going to start creating an irresistible aroma that’ll make anyone hungry!
Step 4: Toss in the Vegetables
Once the steak is seared well, stir in the chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook this mixture for another 3-4 minutes. You can adjust the cooking time depending on how soft you like your veggies. If you’re like me and enjoy a little crunch, aim for just tender, not mushy.
Step 5: Cheese, Please!
Here comes the magic moment! Sprinkle the shredded Oaxaca or Muenster cheese all over the cooked mixture. Lower the heat and cover the skillet. Let the cheese melt beautifully; this should take about 2-3 minutes. Once it’s gooey and wonderful, remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 6: Warm the Tortillas
While your cheese is melting, it’s a good idea to warm up the corn or flour tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side or wrap them in aluminum foil and heat them in the oven.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Now it’s showtime! Serve the savory alambre mixture in warm tortillas and top them off with your choice of spicy salsa. Each bite is a balance of flavors—the savory meat, the crispy bacon, and a kick of spice from the salsa.
Recipe Notes
– Cooking Time: Adjust depending on your beef’s thickness; thinner cubes will cook faster.
– Cheese Variants: Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for additional flavor.
– Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeño or serrano peppers while cooking for extra heat.
– Quick Cooking Tip: Prepare all ingredients ahead of time to save time during cooking.
– Serving Size: Adjust ingredients according to the number of servings you need.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which I highly doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last for about 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat. You can also microwave them, but the skillet method helps to retain that crispy goodness.
Nutrition Information
Alambre provides a hearty balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential vegetables. Each serving delivers calories primarily from lean beef and healthy fats from bacon and cheese, with a good amount of vitamins and minerals from the veggies.
Serving Suggestions
– Top with Fresh Cilantro: Add freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
– Pair with Pico de Gallo: This classic Mexican fresh salsa brings a refreshing element.
– Squeeze More Lime: Give it an extra citrus kick with more lime juice on top.
– Serve with Avocado: Creamy avocado slices take the dish to another level.
– Offer Hot Sauce: For fans of heat, provide a few varieties of hot sauce for drizzling!
What Other Substitute Can I Use in Alambre Mexican Food Recipe?
– Steak Alternatives: Chicken breast or pork loin can work wonderfully if you prefer.
– Bacon Alternative: Use turkey bacon for a lower-fat option.
– Cheese Substitute: Cheddar cheese can replace Oaxaca if not available.
– Veggie Options: Incorporate zucchini or mushrooms if you’d like to increase vegetable variety.
– Tortilla Options: If gluten-free, go for corn tortillas or gluten-free tortilla alternatives.
Conclusion
Making Alambre at home is not just about creating a meal; it’s about sharing joy and delicious food with loved ones. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a Sunday gathering with friends, this dish is a sure-fire way to make everyone smile. Easy to customize, quick to cook, and packed with flavor—what’s not to love? Try this recipe, and I’m sure it’ll take center stage at your next get-together! Happy cooking!
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Description
Alambre is a classic Mexican dish that originates from the streets of Mexico City. Traditionally, it's made from marinated meat skewered and grilled, but the skillet version I’m sharing today makes it incredibly easy to prepare at home. With layers of flavor from the smoky bacon and savory vegetables, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Alambre is versatile enough for a quick weeknight meal, yet satisfying enough to serve at special occasions.
Ingredient
Instructions
-
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let's dive into the steps to create this delicious Alambre. It's quite straightforward and perfect for those who enjoy cooking but want to keep things simple and fun.
-
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Meat
-
Start by placing the diced top sirloin pieces in a mixing bowl. Squeeze that half lime over the meat and sprinkle it generously with salt and pepper. Lime juice not only enhances the flavor but also helps tenderize the steak. Set this bowl aside for about 10 minutes. This wait is worth every second because it allows those flavors to soak in.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
-
Grab a skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot—like, sizzle-level hot—add the bacon pieces. Cook the bacon for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want it to turn a light brown and start rendering some fat. Keep an eye on it; crispy, browned bacon is what you’re aiming for. At this point, if your skillet is swimming in grease, feel free to drain some of the fat.
Step 3: Add the Steak
-
Now it's time to add your marinated steak to the skillet with the bacon. Cook everything together for about 6 minutes, stirring often. You want the steak to be cooked through but still juicy. This combination of flavors is going to start creating an irresistible aroma that’ll make anyone hungry!
Step 4: Toss in the Vegetables
-
Once the steak is seared well, stir in the chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook this mixture for another 3-4 minutes. You can adjust the cooking time depending on how soft you like your veggies. If you’re like me and enjoy a little crunch, aim for just tender, not mushy.
Step 5: Cheese, Please!
-
Here comes the magic moment! Sprinkle the shredded Oaxaca or Muenster cheese all over the cooked mixture. Lower the heat and cover the skillet. Let the cheese melt beautifully; this should take about 2-3 minutes. Once it's gooey and wonderful, remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 6: Warm the Tortillas
-
While your cheese is melting, it’s a good idea to warm up the corn or flour tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side or wrap them in aluminum foil and heat them in the oven.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
-
Now it’s showtime! Serve the savory alambre mixture in warm tortillas and top them off with your choice of spicy salsa. Each bite is a balance of flavors—the savory meat, the crispy bacon, and a kick of spice from the salsa.
Note
- Cooking Time: Adjust depending on your beef's thickness; thinner cubes will cook faster.
- Cheese Variants: Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for additional flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeño or serrano peppers while cooking for extra heat.
- Quick Cooking Tip: Prepare all ingredients ahead of time to save time during cooking.
- Serving Size: Adjust ingredients according to the number of servings you need.
