I have to tell you, when summer rolls around, I find every excuse to fire up the grill. And what could be better than serving up a plate of sizzling Alambres? It pairs so well with grilled corn on the cob or a fresh garden salad. Trust me—this dish is just the ticket for your next cookout or family gathering!
Alambres is a delightful Mexican dish that brings together marinated steak, crispy bacon, vibrant bell peppers, and oozy cheese. It’s a dish that has roots in Mexican street food and is often served in restaurants, celebrated for its rich flavors and hearty aspects.
If you love a good mix of grilled meat and vegetables, then Alambres is going to be your go-to recipe for easy summer meals.
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I have carefully selected ingredients for this Alambres recipe to ensure that each bite is packed with flavor and texture. By combining the smokiness of liquid smoke and the savory depth of Worcestershire sauce with the fresh crunch of bell peppers and the creaminess of Oaxaca cheese, you create a balance that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, the addition of diced tomatoes adds a juicy freshness that rounds out the dish beautifully.
Here’s everything you’ll need to gather for this mouthwatering Alambres recipe:
- 2 1/2 Lb lean steak, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 1/2 Tbsp New Mexico chili powder
- 2 Tsp kosher salt, adjust to your taste
- 2 Tsp garlic powder
- 1 Tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tsp onion powder
- 1 Tsp tomato bouillon
- 1/2 Tsp hot chile powder, optional for those who like a kick
- 1/2 Tsp liquid smoke
- 1 Lb bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1 large white onion, chopped
- 2 large green bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup fresh diced tomatoes
- 3 C Oaxaca cheese, shredded
- Tortillas, for serving
Ingredients From : deepfriedhoney.com
Now that we’ve rounded up our ingredients, let’s dive into the simple steps that transform these ingredients into a flavor bomb!
In a large mixing bowl or Ziploc bag, combine the diced steak with the New Mexico chili powder, kosher salt, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, tomato bouillon, and liquid smoke. If you're feeling adventurous, sprinkle in the optional hot chile powder for added heat. Mix everything thoroughly—each piece of steak should be well-coated in that spice goodness. Cover the bowl or seal the bag, then pop it in the fridge. If you have time, let it marinate for at least an hour; overnight is even better if you're planning ahead!
Grab a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced bacon, arranging it evenly across the skillet. Let it cook for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns a deep, crispy brown. Once done, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease. This will leave you with delicious bacon bits and a skillet that's perfect for the next step.
With the bacon grease still in the pan, add your diced onion and green bell peppers. Stir them around for about 2-3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and start to soften. Once they're slightly cooked, remove them from the pan and let the excess oil drip off.
Now it’s time to crank up the heat! Pour the marinated steak into the hot skillet, spreading it out evenly. Let it sear without stirring for about 3 minutes. This will lock in those flavors and give your steak a beautiful crust. Once you’ve got some good color, flip the pieces over and reduce the heat to medium-high. Continue cooking and stirring until there’s no pink left in the meat. It should smell heavenly!
Lower the heat to medium-low and fold the crispy bacon bits, sautéed onions, and bell peppers back into the skillet with the steak. Gently stir to incorporate everything, making sure it's mixed well.
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Oaxaca cheese over the top of your delicious mixture. I mean, who doesn’t love gooey cheese, right? Cover the pan with a lid and let it sit for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and thoroughly delightful.
Serve your Alambres right away with warm tortillas and perhaps a zesty salsa, pico de gallo, or guacamole on the side. It’s a great dish for sharing and is sure to be a hit!
- Marinating Time: If you can, marinate the steak overnight for the best flavor to develop.
- Cheese: Feel free to substitute Oaxaca cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella if needed.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot chile powder to your liking, or leave it out if you prefer milder flavors.
- Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas work equally well; go with whatever you prefer!
- Add-ons: Consider adding other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for variation.
If you have leftovers (which, let's face it, is rare but can happen), let the Alambres cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- Tacos: Build your own taco bar with Alambres, toppings, and your favorites like salsa and guacamole.
- Nachos: Layer some tortilla chips with Alambres, cheese, and quick toppings for a fun nacho platter.
- Burrito Bowls: Create a delicious burrito bowl with rice, beans, and the Alambres mixture topped with cheese.
- Stuffed Peppers: Use the Alambres mixture to fill bell peppers and bake them for a tasty twist.
- Sides: Serve with grilled corn on the cob or a refreshing cucumber salad for a balanced meal.
- Chicken or Pork: Swap out the steak for diced chicken breast or pork tenderloin for a different protein.
- Vegetarian Option: Use grilled vegetables and plant-based sausage for a vegetarian take.
- Tortilla Chips: Instead of tortillas, serve the hot Alambres with tortilla chips for a fun sharing platter.
- Cheese Variety: Replace the Oaxaca cheese with cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Seasoning Mixes: If you don’t have New Mexico chili powder, regular chili powder or taco seasoning can work in a pinch.
Alambres is one of those dishes that truly embodies comfort food while being suitable for any occasion. It wraps up the best parts of grilling and the joy of simplicity into a single glorious dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe will not disappoint. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a tasty version of this Mexican classic! Happy cooking!
Alambres is a delightful Mexican dish that brings together marinated steak, crispy bacon, vibrant bell peppers, and oozy cheese. It’s a dish that has roots in Mexican street food and is often served in restaurants, celebrated for its rich flavors and hearty aspects.
Servings 6
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Marinating Time: If you can, marinate the steak overnight for the best flavor to develop.
- Cheese: Feel free to substitute Oaxaca cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella if needed.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot chile powder to your liking, or leave it out if you prefer milder flavors.
- Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas work equally well; go with whatever you prefer!
- Add-ons: Consider adding other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for variation.
Iris Miller is a registered dietitian and the creator of Friendsgiving Food Ideas, a blog dedicated to festive, accessible recipes that bring people together. Based in Colorado, Iris combines her passion for nutrition and love of celebrations to create crowd-pleasing dishes for holidays and special occasions. Her goal is to make hosting easy, fun, and inclusive for all dietary needs.