Carne Asada con Chismol (Honduran Grilled Steak with Fresh Tomato Salsa)
Local name: Carne asada con chismol
In short: Thin steaks marinated in lime, orange and garlic, grilled hot and fast, then topped with chismol, a fresh tomato, onion and sweet pepper salsa. It takes about 30 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 30 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 540 kcal
On weekends in Honduras, the grill comes out and the smell of garlic and charring beef drifts down the street. Carne asada is usually thin steak, marinated for an hour in lime, orange and garlic and cooked fast over high heat. It is served with chismol, a chopped tomato salad, plus warm tortillas, refried beans and fried plantains. The salsa is cool and sharp, and it balances the smoky, rich meat.
Instructions
- Whisk the lime juice, orange juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper and oil in a shallow dish. Add the steaks and turn to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 1 to 4 hours.
- Stir together the tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, cilantro, mint, lime juice and salt. Leave at room temperature for 20 minutes so the flavors blend, then drain off any extra liquid.
- Take the steaks out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking. Heat a grill or heavy cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot, about 230°C (450°F).
- Lift the steaks from the marinade and pat them lightly dry. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until well browned and 63°C (145°F) in the center for medium. Thicker steaks need a few more minutes.
- Rest the steaks on a board for 5 minutes, then slice them across the grain.
- Serve the meat with the chismol spooned over, warm tortillas, and beans and plantains on the side.
Tips
- Cook the steaks over very high heat for a short time. A slow, cool grill dries out thin cuts and never builds a browned crust.
- Chismol turns watery if it sits, so mix it up to 2 hours ahead and drain it just before serving.
Questions and answers
What is chismol?
A fresh chopped salsa of tomato, onion and sweet pepper with lime juice and herbs. It is close to pico de gallo and is eaten as a salsa, a topping and a side salad.
Which cut of beef works best?
Skirt, flank and sirloin cook quickly and stay tender when sliced across the grain. Tougher cuts need thinner slicing and a longer marinade.
Can I cook carne asada indoors?
Yes. Use a heavy cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat and cook in batches so the pan stays hot. Open a window or turn on the fan, because it will smoke.
How long does it take to make Carne Asada con Chismol (Honduran Grilled Steak with Fresh Tomato Salsa)?
About 30 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Carne Asada con Chismol (Honduran Grilled Steak with Fresh Tomato Salsa)?
About 540 kcal per serving, with 42 g of protein, 30 g of carbohydrates and 26 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 540 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 42 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
