Authentic Mexican Tortas Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb of thinly sliced beef steak
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 cup of olive oil
  • 4 bolillo rolls or other soft sandwich bread
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup of refried beans
  • 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
  • 1 cup of queso fresco, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup of pickled jalapeño slices
  • 1 cup of shredded lettuce

Steps and instructions

  1. Season the beef steak with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the steak to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until the steak is browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Slice the bolillo rolls in half lengthwise, and spread a layer of refried beans on the bottom half of each roll.
  5. Spread a layer of mayonnaise on the top half of each roll.
  6. Arrange the cooked steak, avocado slices, tomato slices, onion slices, queso fresco, and jalapeño slices on the bottom half of each roll.
  7. Top with a handful of shredded lettuce.
  8. Cover with the top half of the roll.
  9. Repeat the process for the remaining rolls to make four tortas total.
  10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet for cooking the beef steak.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the avocado, tomato, and onion.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board to safely chop and prepare the ingredients.
  • Grill or stovetop - A grill or stovetop to cook the steak.
  • Spatula - A spatula to flip the steak while cooking.
  • Bowl - A bowl to serve and mix the ingredients if needed.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons to accurately measure the salt, pepper, and other ingredients.
  • Tongs - Tongs to handle the steak while cooking.
  • Bread knife - A bread knife to slice the bolillo rolls.

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken or pork instead of beef steak
  • Substitute bolillo rolls with ciabatta or French bread
  • Try different types of cheese such as cheddar or Monterey Jack
  • Add sliced bell peppers or grilled onions for extra flavor
  • Include a spicy chipotle mayo or salsa for a kick
  • Make a vegetarian version by using grilled vegetables or meat substitutes
  • Experiment with different spreads like guacamole or mustard
  • Add bacon or ham for a heartier option
  • Try different types of bread such as whole wheat or sourdough
  • Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for added freshness

Recipe overview

This recipe will guide you through making mouth-watering Tortas, a type of Mexican sandwich that's as versatile as it is delicious. Tortas are a classic lunchtime meal in Mexico, typically filled with a variety of hearty ingredients. Our version features thinly sliced beef steak, ripe avocado, fresh tomato, and pickled jalapeños, among other flavorful components. Expect a culinary adventure filled with contrasting textures and tastes, from the creaminess of refried beans and avocado to the tanginess of pickled jalapeños all tucked into a soft bolillo roll. This is a sandwich you won't soon forget!

Common questions

  1. How do I cook the beef steak for this recipe? - Season the beef steak with salt and pepper, then cook it in a skillet with hot olive oil for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
  2. What type of bread should I use for the tortas? - You can use bolillo rolls or any other soft sandwich bread for the tortas.
  3. Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe? - Yes, feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences. You can add or remove any fillings or toppings according to your taste.
  4. Are there any additional toppings I can add to the tortas? - Absolutely! You can add additional toppings such as sliced pickles, cilantro, or hot sauce to enhance the flavor.
  5. Can I make the tortas ahead of time? - It's best to assemble and serve the tortas immediately to maintain the freshness and texture of the ingredients. However, you can prepare the individual components ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
  6. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? - Yes, you can omit the beef steak and substitute it with grilled vegetables, tofu, or plant-based protein alternatives to make it a vegetarian torta.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface for slicing and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's knife - A sharp knife for slicing the steak, tomatoes, onions, and avocado.
  • Skillet - A large pan for cooking the steak.
  • Spatula - A utensil for flipping and transferring the steak.
  • Bread knife - A serrated knife for slicing the bolillo rolls.
  • Butter knife - A small knife for spreading the mayo and beans on the rolls.
  • Tongs - Useful for handling and arranging ingredients.
  • Grater - For crumbling the queso fresco.
  • Measuring spoons - For accurately measuring the salt and black pepper.

Origin stories

Tortas, the hearty Mexican sandwiches, have their roots deeply embedded in the bustling city life of Mexico. The inception of this culinary delight is traced back to the mid-19th century, during the French intervention in Mexico. The French troops, missing their crusty baguettes, improvised with the indigenous ingredients, giving birth to Mexican bolillo. As time passed, the bolillo found its place in the Mexican cuisine, emerging as the staple bread for Tortas. The fillings evolved with the local palate, incorporating robust Mexican flavors like refried beans, avocado, and jalapenos. This resulted in a sandwich that was uniquely Mexican, a fusion of French and Mexican flavors, testifying to a chapter of Mexico's multifaceted history and endearing itself to the heart of every street food lover.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.