How to Make the Best Nicaraguan Carne Asada Fritanga

beef flank steak

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Chicken reduces fat while pork is often less expensive.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Lemon juice offers similar acidity, while vinegar is more affordable.

salsa

🥗Healthier: fresh pico de gallo

💰Cheaper: canned salsa

Pico de gallo is fresher, while canned options save time.

corn tortillas

🥗Healthier: whole wheat tortillas

💰Cheaper: flour tortillas

Whole wheat adds fiber, while flour is often less costly.

Slice off excess fat from the round roast beef.

Slice the beef longways.

Marinate the beef with juice from 1 whole lime, 3 minced garlic cloves, black pepper (about 0.5 teaspoon), and salt for 30-45 minutes.

Heat a pan for about 3 minutes and add 1 cup of rice, stirring for about 4 minutes until golden.

Add 2 cups of water and 1.5 tablespoons of salt to the rice, cover, and cook on low for 15-20 minutes.

Slice cabbage thinly and mix with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, juice from half a lime, and salt.

Refry black beans with 1 clove of garlic until most of the water is dry, then mix with rice.

Grill the marinated beef, checking every 5 minutes.

Slice ripe plantain and fry in olive oil until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Fry cotija cheese in olive oil until golden, about 3 minutes.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: