Steak picado is a savory highlight of traditional Mexican cuisine that has found a place in my kitchen repertoire. This dish embodies the heart and soul of authentic Mexican flavors.
Each bite of steak picado offers a taste adventure with tender pieces of meat that have absorbed the aromatic goodness of onions, tomatoes, and a select choice of peppers, all simmering in their own juices.
Cooking steak picado feels like an act of love, as it is both a simple meal to prepare and a comforting dish to share. It’s versatile, allowing for various spices and ingredients to fit your personal taste or what’s readily available in your pantry.
As a welcoming and warm dish, it perfectly captures the essence of a home-cooked meal that draws friends and family to the table with its enticing aroma.
Key Takeaways
- Steak picado offers an authentic taste of Mexican culinary tradition.
- The dish features a harmonious blend of beef and vegetables enhanced by spices.
- Its preparation is straightforward, making it a beloved comfort food.
Essential Ingredients
When I make Steak Picado, I start with a list of must-have ingredients that bring this flavorful dish to life. Here’s what I make sure to have on my countertop before firing up the stove:
- Beef: A tender cut like sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into bite-sized pieces. This is the star of the dish, so I choose quality meat.
- Oil: A good splash of olive oil for searing the beef to create a wonderfully crisp exterior.
- Garlic: Minced or finely chopped, because garlic adds a punch of flavor that’s key to the base of this dish.
- Onion: I prefer a red onion for its sweetness once cooked, but white or yellow works fine too, diced into small pieces.
- Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes, chopped, infuse the dish with a bright, acidic touch. If fresh ones aren’t handy, I use diced tomatoes from a can.
For the veggies, I ensure I have both green bell pepper and jalapeño to add a nice contrast with sweetness and heat. They should be sliced or diced smaller to blend well with the beef.
The seasoning blend is simple but non-negotiable:
- Salt & Pepper: The basics to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Garlic Powder: For an extra hit of garlic, without the sharpness of fresh garlic.
- Cumin: Earthy and slightly smoky, lending depth to the dish.
- Oregano: I love the subtle hint of earthiness it contributes.
- Chili Powder: Just a touch for a gentle kick that doesn’t overshadow the other spices.
Accurate measurements and the right ingredients are keys to a perfect Steak Picado. Each element plays a role in creating the rich and savory profile typical of this beloved dish. Make sure all your ingredients are fresh and ready to transform into a meal that’ll warm the heart and soothe the soul!
Preparation and Cooking Instructions
I know you’re eager to dive right into cooking up a hearty and delicious Steak Picado, so let’s focus on getting our prep time and cook time sorted out, mastering the step-by-step process, and learning the best cooking techniques to ensure every bite is juicy and tender. I’ll also share some top tips for seasoning your dish to perfection and adding the final garnishing touches that will make your meal pop with flavors.
Prep Time and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
To start, ensure you have all the ingredients ready. This will cut down on your overall prep time and help the cooking process go smoothly. Expect to spend about 15 minutes on prep and 30 minutes cooking to get that perfect tender and browned Steak Picado.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Cut the Vegetables: Begin with chopping onions, tomatoes, and jalapenos into small pieces.
- Slice the Steak: Slice the sirloin or flank steak into bite-sized pieces for a tender texture.
- Brown the Steak: Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and brown the steak pieces until they’re well-seared on all sides.
- Season the Meat: Sprinkle the meat with a mix of cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and salt for those delicious, spicy flavors.
- Cook the Vegetables: Lower the heat to medium and add in the onions, garlic, and jalapenos, cooking until they’re soft.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the steak to the pan along with the tomatoes and any other vegetables, letting it braise and absorb all the seasonings.
Cooking Techniques and Tips
- Heat Management: Start with high heat for browning the meat and then reduce to medium to avoid burning the spices.
- Spice it Right: Don’t be shy with the seasonings; a good spice blend is what gives Steak Picado its signature kick.
- Braising is Key: Allow the meat to simmer with the vegetables to create a sauce that’s rich in flavor and perfect for a juicy bite.
Garnishing Tips
- Add Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top adds a vibrant touch to your Steak Picado.
- Extra Heat: For those who love it hot, a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate the spiciness.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve your Steak Picado with a side of warm tortillas or rice to soak up the flavorsome juices.
Steak Picado Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes20
minutesWith its tender beef, aromatic spices, and vibrant veggies, it’s a feast you’ll want to dig into time and time again!
Ingredients
1 lb Beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced into bite-sized pieces
2-3 tbsp Olive Oil
4 cloves Garlic, minced or finely chopped
1 medium Onion, diced small
2 medium Tomatoes, chopped or 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
Salt & Pepper to taste
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Cumin
1/2 tsp Oregano
1/2 tsp Chili Powder
Directions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the thinly sliced beef to the skillet and sear until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil if needed, then add the garlic and onion. Sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the seared beef back to the skillet.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and chili powder.
- Stir well to combine and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Notes
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here I’ll answer some common questions about steak picado to help you prepare this delightful dish with confidence.
What are the traditional ingredients for steak picado?
Traditional steak picado includes strips of steak, usually sirloin or ribeye, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a rich sauce made with tomatoes and various spices like cumin and oregano. Some recipes also incorporate chili peppers to add a little heat.
How can I adapt a steak picado recipe for the oven?
To prepare steak picado in the oven, brown the steak strips first on the stovetop. Then, combine the peppers, onions, and sauce with the steak in an oven-safe dish. Cover and bake at 350°F until the meat is tender and the flavors meld, typically about an hour.
Could you suggest an easy method for preparing steak picado?
An easy method involves cooking your browned steak strips with diced onions, peppers, and spices in a single skillet. Add tomato sauce and broth, then simmer until the steak is cooked through and tender. Carne Diem provides a straightforward approach with this skillet method.
What are the secrets to making the best steak picado?
The secrets to exceptional steak picado include using high-quality, well-marbled steak, browning the meat properly to lock in flavor, and balancing the spices so that no single flavor overpowers the others. Also, allow time for the steak to simmer in the sauce to become tender.
How does steak picado differ from steak fajitas?
Steak picado is a saucy dish with tender strips of beef and vegetables cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. In contrast, steak fajitas consist of marinated grilled steak and sautéed peppers and onions, typically served dry with tortillas on the side.
Can steak picado be used as a filling for tacos?
Yes, steak picado makes an excellent taco filling. The savory strips of beef and vegetables, along with the rich sauce, lend themselves perfectly to be scooped into warm tortillas.