Carne Asada Sandwiches with Chipotle Mayonnaise
Looking for a quick yet flavorful sandwich that brings the best of Mexican cuisine to your lunch table? These Carne Asada Sandwiches with Chipotle Mayonnaise offer tender, juicy beef paired with a smoky, creamy chipotle mayo, all nestled between soft focaccia bread. The addition of fresh avocado and tangy pickled red onions brings everything together for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or a savory snack. This recipe is easy to prepare, quick to cook, and packed with delicious flavors.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red onion | 1, sliced thinly |
| Red wine vinegar | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Lime juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Mayonnaise | 2 tablespoons |
| Light mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Chipotle chile in adobo | 1 whole, pureed |
| Focaccia bread | 6 slices |
| Avocados | 2, sliced |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 601.2 kcal |
| Fat content | 29.2 g |
| Saturated fat content | 5.4 g |
| Cholesterol content | 91.3 mg |
| Sodium content | 1308.8 mg |
| Carbohydrate content | 43.2 g |
| Fiber content | 6.1 g |
| Sugar content | 3.6 g |
| Protein content | 41.9 g |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Instructions
-
Pickle the Red Onions
Begin by rinsing the red onion slices under cold running water in a fine mesh strainer. This helps to reduce the sharpness of the onion. Once rinsed, pat the onions dry with a paper towel, and transfer them to a bowl. Pour in the red wine vinegar, ensuring the onions are well coated. Allow the onions to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a stronger pickled flavor. -
Prepare the Garlic Paste
While the onions are marinating, prepare the garlic paste. Using a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic cloves with the salt until a smooth paste forms. If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, a food processor will also work well. Once the garlic and salt are fully blended, add 1 tablespoon of lime juice and mix it into the paste. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, stirring constantly to incorporate the oil into the garlic mixture. This will create a flavorful garlic emulsion that will coat the steak beautifully. -
Season the Steak
Take your steak and spoon the garlic mixture over it, spreading it evenly across the surface with the back of a spoon. Season the steak generously with salt on both sides. Let the steak sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors of the garlic paste. -
Prepare the Chipotle Mayonnaise
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, light mayonnaise, pureed chipotle, and the remaining tablespoon of lime juice. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. The chipotle adds a lovely smokiness and mild heat to the mayo, complementing the rich flavors of the carne asada. -
Grill the Steak
Preheat your grill or a skillet over high heat. Once hot, place the steak on the grill and cook for about 3 minutes on the first side, allowing it to develop a good sear. Flip the steak and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the steak reaches medium-rare doneness. If you prefer your steak more well-done, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. -
Assemble the Sandwiches
While the steak is resting, prepare your focaccia bread by slicing it in half horizontally. Spread a generous tablespoon of chipotle mayonnaise on each half of the bread. For an extra touch of creaminess, you can also spread some on the inside of the bread. On the top half of the bread, arrange the avocado slices in an even layer. Top with a few rings of the pickled red onions. -
Slice and Serve
Once the steak has rested, slice it into pieces roughly the size of your focaccia bread. Arrange the sliced steak on top of the onions, and press the bottom half of the bread gently to compact everything together. Serve immediately, cutting the sandwiches into halves or quarters, depending on your preference.
Tips for Success
- Pickling Onions: If you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating step for the onions, but allowing them to pickle will add a delightful tang that enhances the overall flavor of the sandwich.
- Steak Choices: While flank steak is a popular choice for carne asada, you can also use skirt steak or even rib-eye, depending on your preference. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to your preferred level of doneness.
- Chipotle Mayonnaise: If you prefer a milder sauce, use less chipotle or opt for chipotle powder instead of the full chile. Alternatively, add more if you like a spicier sandwich.
- Customizing: Feel free to add other toppings like shredded lettuce, tomato slices, or even a sprinkle of cilantro for added freshness.
Serving Suggestions
These Carne Asada Sandwiches with Chipotle Mayonnaise pair wonderfully with a side of crispy fries, fresh coleslaw, or even a light Mexican street corn salad. For an extra kick, serve with a side of spicy salsa or jalapeño slices.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sandwich is the perfect balance of bold, smoky, and creamy flavors that come together beautifully. The carne asada is juicy and full of flavor, the chipotle mayonnaise adds a delightful smokiness, and the fresh avocado brings a creamy texture that complements the beef. Whether you’re making it for lunch, a casual dinner, or a family get-together, these sandwiches are sure to impress!
Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this Carne Asada Sandwich with Chipotle Mayonnaise recipe. It’s a quick and easy way to bring a taste of Mexico to your kitchen without spending hours in the kitchen.
