Bistec Ranchero: Flavors of Mexico in every bite

steak

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: pork loin

Chicken breast is leaner while pork loin is often less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil has a high smoke point and is healthier, while vegetable oil is more budget-friendly.

jalapeño

🥗Healthier: serrano pepper

💰Cheaper: bell pepper

Serrano is spicier, while bell pepper is milder and more affordable.

avocado

🥗Healthier: guacamole

💰Cheaper: mashed peas

Guacamole is a healthier option, while mashed peas are a cost-effective substitute.

Roughly dice 1/4 of a white onion.

Remove the core from 1 pound of ripe tomatoes and roughly dice them.

Smash and peel 2 large garlic cloves.

Remove the stems from 2 jalapeños and wipe them clean with a damp paper towel.

Heat a medium pan over medium heat and drizzle in 2 tablespoons of avocado oil.

Toast the jalapeños in the pan until fragrant, about a few seconds, then remove them.

Add the diced onion and garlic to the pan and stir until softened.

Add 1/2 teaspoon of Mexican dry oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of whole cumin, cooking for about a minute.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for another minute.

Add the diced tomatoes and cook until soft, allowing juices to release.

Add the toasted jalapeños and 2 cups of low sodium beef stock, cover, and let simmer.

Small dice 10 oz of potatoes, keeping the skin on.

In a separate pan, heat oil over medium heat and add the diced potatoes, seasoning with salt and black pepper.

Cook the potatoes until golden brown all around.

Thinly slice the remaining half of a white onion and a large tomato (about 6 oz).

Mince 4 garlic cloves and thinly slice the jalapeños.

Pour the sauce into a blender and blend until smooth.

Pat dry 1 1/2 lbs of flank steak and cut it in half lengthwise, then thinly slice against the grain.

Season the steak with salt and black pepper, massaging it in.

Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and drizzle in about 3 tablespoons of oil.

Add the steak to the pan and allow it to brown, stirring occasionally to evaporate juices.

Add the sliced onions and jalapeños, cooking until softened.

Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute.

Add the sliced tomatoes and cooked potatoes, allowing everything to simmer together.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: