Mexican Steak Torta Recipe

Skirt steak: Thinly sliced beef that cooks quickly and is perfect for sandwiches.

Bolillo rolls: Traditional Mexican bread rolls that are split and toasted for this recipe.

Avocado: Sliced to add a creamy texture to the torta.

Refried beans: Spread on the rolls to add a rich, savory layer.

Lettuce: Shredded to add a fresh, crisp element.

Tomato: Sliced to add juiciness and a touch of acidity.

Queso fresco: Crumbled cheese that adds a mild, tangy flavor.

Mayonnaise: Spread on the top half of the rolls for added moisture and flavor.

Butter: Softened and spread on the rolls before toasting to add a golden, crispy texture.

To achieve the perfect grill marks on your skirt steak, make sure your grill or skillet is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the meat on it. This ensures a quick sear, locking in the juices and creating a flavorful crust. Additionally, avoid moving the steak too much while cooking; let it sit undisturbed for the recommended 3-4 minutes per side to develop those beautiful grill marks.

• thinly sliced skirt steak - Substitute with thinly sliced flank steak: Flank steak has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a great alternative for skirt steak.

• split bolillo rolls - Substitute with French baguette: A French baguette has a similar crusty exterior and soft interior, making it a suitable replacement for bolillo rolls.

• sliced avocado - Substitute with guacamole: Guacamole provides a similar creamy texture and rich flavor, making it a good alternative for sliced avocado.

• refried beans - Substitute with black bean spread: A black bean spread offers a similar consistency and flavor, making it a suitable substitute for refried beans.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with shredded cabbage: Shredded cabbage provides a similar crunch and can hold up better to the other ingredients, making it a good alternative for shredded lettuce.

• sliced tomato - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers offer a sweet and smoky flavor, providing a different but complementary taste to the torta.

• crumbled queso fresco - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese has a similar crumbly texture and tangy flavor, making it a good substitute for queso fresco.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor, making it a healthier alternative to mayonnaise.

• softened butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil offers a similar richness and can be easily spread, making it a suitable replacement for softened butter.

• Allow the skirt steak to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation, which can make the meat soggy.
• Wrap the sliced steak tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container. This will keep the meat fresh and prevent it from drying out.
• Store the refried beans in a separate airtight container. This will help maintain their texture and flavor.
• Place the sliced avocado in an airtight container with a squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice to prevent browning.
• Keep the shredded lettuce and sliced tomato in separate containers lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture and keep them crisp.
• Store the crumbled queso fresco in a small airtight container to maintain its freshness.
• For the bolillo rolls, wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in a resealable plastic bag to keep them from drying out.
• To freeze, assemble the steak and refried beans on the bottom half of the bolillo rolls, then wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and place in a resealable freezer bag. This will prevent freezer burn and maintain the sandwich's integrity.
• When ready to eat, thaw the sandwiches in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the steak and refried beans in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
• Toast the bolillo rolls in a skillet or oven to restore their crispness.
• Add the avocado, lettuce, tomato, and queso fresco just before serving to ensure the freshest taste and texture.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the torta in aluminum foil to retain moisture and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the torta on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even heating.
• If you prefer a crispy exterior, use a skillet. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and place the torta in the pan. Cover with a lid and heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is crispy and the steak is warmed through.
• For an air fryer, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the torta in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
• To reheat just the steak, place slices in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth or water. Cover and heat for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Then assemble the torta with fresh avocado, lettuce, and tomato.

• Grill: Used to cook the skirt steak to achieve a smoky, charred flavor.
• Skillet: An alternative to the grill for cooking the skirt steak indoors.
• Tongs: Essential for flipping the steak on the grill or skillet.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the steak and other ingredients.
• Knife: Necessary for slicing the steak, avocado, and tomato.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading butter and refried beans on the bolillo rolls.
• Bowl: Holds the refried beans for easy spreading.
• Spoon: Helps in spreading the refried beans evenly on the rolls.
• Plate: Used to assemble the tortas and serve them.
• Measuring cup: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like refried beans and queso fresco.
• Butter knife: Ideal for spreading mayonnaise on the top half of the rolls.

Pre-marinate the steak: Season the skirt steak ahead of time and let it marinate in the fridge. This enhances flavor and saves time during cooking.

Use pre-sliced vegetables: Buy pre-sliced avocado, lettuce, and tomato to cut down on prep time.

Pre-toast the rolls: Toast the bolillo rolls in advance and keep them warm in the oven.

Microwave the beans: Heat the refried beans in the microwave to save time over stovetop heating.

Assemble in stages: Lay out all ingredients and assemble the torta in an assembly line fashion for efficiency.