RestaurantsRincon ArgentinoCarne Picante Recipe

Carne Picante Recipe

Inspired by Rincon Argentino
Time1h 15m
Serves4

Spicy Steak

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Ingredients

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Steak and Marinade

Method

Steak and Marinade

1

Prepare steak

Trim any large pockets of fat from the steak and pat dry with paper towels. If the steak is uneven in thickness, pound gently to an even 1/2-inch thickness for even cooking.

2

Make marinade

In a medium bowl whisk together olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, minced chipotle in adobo, chili flakes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, minced garlic, black pepper, and kosher salt until combined.

3

Marinate

Place the steak into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Massage the marinade into the meat, press out excess air from the bag, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. Do not marinate longer than 6 hours because the acid will start to change the texture too much.

Cook & Finish

4

Bring to room temperature

Remove steak from fridge 20–30 minutes before cooking to come closer to room temperature for more even cooking.

5

Preheat pan or grill

If using a cast-iron skillet, place it over high heat until smoking hot (about 5–7 minutes). If using a grill, preheat to high (450–500°F / 230–260°C).

6

Sear steak

Lightly oil the steak or brush a small amount of olive oil on the hot grill/pan. Place steak on the hot surface and sear without moving: 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temp 125–130°F / 52–54°C). For medium, cook 4–5 minutes per side (135°F / 57°C). Adjust time depending on thickness. If the steak is thicker than 3/4 inch, sear both sides then lower heat and finish in a 400°F (200°C) oven a few minutes until desired doneness.

7

Butter and rest

When the steak reaches desired temp, transfer to a cutting board and add the tablespoon of butter on top to melt. Tent loosely with foil and rest 8–10 minutes so juices redistribute.

8

Slice

Slice the steak thinly across the grain into 1/4-inch slices. Cutting against the grain ensures tenderness.

9

Garnish

Sprinkle chopped cilantro and sliced scallions over the sliced steak. Serve with lime wedges to squeeze over just before eating.

To Serve (optional)

10

Warm tortillas: Wrap tortillas in foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or warm individually on a dry skillet for 20–30 seconds per side.

11

Assemble: Place several slices of carne picante in a warm tortilla, top with pickled red onions and sliced avocado or guacamole, squeeze lime, and enjoy.