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Bistec a la mexicana
Beef in tomato and chile
Bistec a la mexicana: thin beef strips stewed in tomato, onion and serrano, a fonda favourite
Red tomato, white onion and green chile give this dish the colours of the Mexican flag, which is why anything 'a la mexicana' is so loved. Fondas across the country make it every day from thin-cut beef, browned hard and then stewed until tender in a quick, juicy sauce. Serve it with arroz rojo, refried beans and a stack of hot tortillas. Chef's tip: ask the butcher for 'bistec' cut thin from top round, or freeze a piece for 30 minutes so you can slice it thinly yourself.
- Total time
- 45 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
For the beef
- 1 ⅓ lb thin beef steak (top round or sirloin)cut into strips
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp sunflower oil
- 1 white onionsliced
- 2 cloves garlicchopped
- 2 serrano chileschopped
- 1 ⅛ lb ripe tomatoeschopped
- ½ cup water
To serve
- 1 handful fresh coriander (optional)chopped
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Season the 1 ⅓ lb thin beef steak (top round or sirloin) with the 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper.
2 minStep 2: Heat the 2 tbsp sunflower oil in a large frying pan over a high heat. Brown the beef in two batches for 2–3 minutes each until well coloured. Crowding the pan is the usual mistake: the meat steams and turns grey instead of browning.
6 minStep 3: Lower the heat to medium, add the 1 white onion and cook for 4 minutes until soft. Add the 2 cloves garlic and 2 serrano chiles for 1 minute.
5 minStep 4: Add the 1 ⅛ lb ripe tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until they collapse into a sauce.
5 minStep 5: Return the beef with the ½ cup water, cover and simmer on a low heat for 15 minutes until tender. Scatter with 1 handful fresh coriander and serve.
15 min
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 310 kcal
- Protein
- 36 g
- Carbs
- 8 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fibre
- 2 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does bistec a la mexicana take?
- About 45 minutes in total: 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of white onion?
- 2 shallots per onion.
- What can I use instead of garlic?
- ½ tsp garlic paste or ⅛ tsp garlic powder per clove.
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