Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsProof On MainA5 Wagyu Carne Asada Recipe

A5 Wagyu Carne Asada Recipe

Inspired by Proof On Main
Time1h 30m
Serves2

Seared A5 wagyu from Japan, rested in recado negro with cactus salad and chapulines.

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Ingredients

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Wagyu Steak

Recado Negro Marinade

Cactus Salad

Chapulines (Toasted Grasshoppers)

Method

Preparing the Recado Negro Marinade

  1. 1

    Soak the Chiles

    Remove the stems and seeds from the guajillo and pasilla chiles. Soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened.

  2. 2

    Blend the Marinade

    In a blender, combine the softened chiles, garlic cloves, cumin seeds, oregano, vinegar, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding a little water if necessary to achieve a pourable consistency.

Preparing the A5 Wagyu

  1. 3

    Season the Steak

    Pat the A5 Wagyu steaks dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

  2. 4

    Marinate the Steak

    Place the steaks in a shallow dish and pour the recado negro marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for better flavor.

  3. 5

    Sear the Steak

    Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking. Add a little oil if necessary. Sear the steaks for 2-3 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature (130°F).

  4. 6

    Rest the Steak

    Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Preparing the Cactus Salad

  1. 7

    Cook the Nopales

    In a pot of boiling water, cook the nopales for about 10 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water.

  2. 8

    Combine Salad Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine the cooked nopales, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle with salt. Toss gently to combine.

Preparing the Chapulines

  1. 9

    Toast the Chapulines

    In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chapulines for about 2-3 minutes until crispy. Stir frequently to avoid burning.

  2. 10

    Season the Chapulines

    Remove from heat and sprinkle with garlic powder and lime zest. Toss well to evenly coat.

Plating

  1. 11

    Serve the Dish

    Slice the rested A5 Wagyu steaks against the grain. Plate the slices alongside the cactus salad, and top with toasted chapulines. Serve immediately.

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