Delicious and Authentic Empalme Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 large oranges
  • 4 limes
  • 1 cup of soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup of olive oil
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 2 pounds of flank steak
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup of refried beans
  • 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup of diced white onion
  • 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup of salsa of your choice

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by making the marinade. In a bowl, squeeze out the juice of 2 oranges and 4 limes. Then add 1 cup of soy sauce, 1/2 cup of olive oil, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin and dried oregano. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  2. Place the flank steak in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure all the meat is coated in the marinade. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  3. After the steak has been marinated, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Season it with salt and pepper on both sides.
  4. Preheat your grill or pan over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it's cooked to your desired level of doneness.
  5. While the steak is cooking, warm up the corn tortillas on a skillet. Then, spread a layer of refried beans on each tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, some diced white onion, and chopped fresh cilantro.
  6. Once the steak is done, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips. Place the steak strips on top of the tortillas.
  7. Serve the empalmes with a spoonful of your favorite salsa on top. Enjoy!

Tools for making

  • Grill or Pan - A grill or pan to cook the flank steak.
  • Shallow Dish - A dish to marinate the steak in.
  • Skillet - A skillet to warm up the corn tortillas.
  • Knife - A knife to slice the steak into thin strips.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board to slice the steak and prepare other ingredients.
  • Bowl - A bowl to mix the marinade ingredients.
  • Spoon - A spoon to stir the marinade.
  • Cover or Plastic Wrap - A cover or plastic wrap to cover the marinating steak in the dish.

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken instead of flank steak for a chicken empalme.
  • Replace the flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
  • Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the marinade for extra flavor and texture.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese, such as queso fresco or cheddar, for a unique twist.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu.
  • Add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder to the marinade for a spicy kick.
  • Instead of grilling, cook the steak in a cast-iron skillet or bake it in the oven.
  • Include sliced avocado or guacamole as a topping for a creamy element.
  • Try using different salsas or sauces, such as salsa verde or chipotle mayo, for added variety.
  • Marinate the meat overnight for even more intense flavors.

Recipe overview

Empalmes is a popular Mexican dish that is bursting with flavor and texture. This recipe uses tender, marinated flank steak cooked to perfection and served on a warm corn tortilla layered with refried beans, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and topped with diced onions, fresh cilantro, and your choice of salsa. The process includes a few hours of marinating time for the steak to soak up the flavors of citrus, soy sauce, and spices, followed by grilling the steak and assembling the tortillas. This Empalme recipe is a unique and delicious way to enjoy Mexican cuisine, and it's sure to be a hit at your next meal or gathering. Enjoy the process and the wonderful flavors of this dish!

Common questions

  1. How long should I marinate the steak? - It is recommended to marinate the steak for at least 2 hours, but for best results, marinate it overnight.
  2. Can I use a different cut of meat instead of flank steak? - Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like skirt steak or sirloin steak if you prefer.
  3. Can I use bottled orange and lime juice instead of fresh? - Freshly squeezed orange and lime juice will provide the best flavor, but if you don't have fresh citrus on hand, you can use bottled juice as a substitute.
  4. Can I cook the steak in the oven instead of on the grill? - Yes, you can broil the steak in the oven instead of grilling it. Preheat the broiler and cook the steak for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
  5. What other toppings can I add to the empalmes? - You can customize your empalmes with additional toppings like guacamole, sour cream, sliced avocado, or pickled jalapenos.
  6. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas? - Traditionally, empalmes are made with corn tortillas, but you can use flour tortillas if you prefer.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Empalme, a delicious layered taco, hails from the Northern region of Mexico, particularly the state of Sonora. True to the culinary practices of Sonora, this dish combines simple yet flavorful ingredients to create a hearty meal. The Empalme is a testament to the region's ranching culture, with beef often serving as the main protein. Interestingly, the term 'Empalme' translates to 'splice' or 'join' in Spanish, indicative of the dish's signature layering technique. What sets Empalme apart is its double-tortilla base, typically smeared with beans, cheese, and a topping of juicy marinated beef, making it a beloved cousin of the traditional taco.

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.