Steak Picado is a flavorful and hearty Mexican dish that combines tender strips of beef with a medley of vegetables and a rich, savory sauce. This dish is a staple in many Mexican households and is often served with rice, beans, or warm tortillas. The key to a great Steak Picado lies in the quality of the ingredients and the careful balance of flavors.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of making authentic Steak Picado. We will cover the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for achieving the perfect flavor and texture. By the end of this article, you will have all the knowledge you need to create this delicious dish in your own kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Steak Picado
Steak
The foundation of any good Steak Picado is, of course, the steak. Choose a cut that is suitable for quick cooking and has a good balance of fat and lean meat.
Skirt Steak or Flank Steak: 1 pound (cut into thin strips)
Vegetables
A variety of vegetables add depth and texture to the dish. Common choices include:
Bell Peppers: 2 (1 red and 1 green, sliced into strips)
Onion: 1 large (sliced)
Tomatoes: 2 medium (diced)
Garlic: 3 cloves (minced)
Jalapeños: 1-2 (sliced, optional for heat)
Sauce
The sauce is what brings the dish together, providing a rich and savory flavor.
Tomato Sauce: 1 cup
Beef Broth: 1 cup
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons
Cumin: 1 teaspoon
Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper: To taste
Cooking Oil
A neutral cooking oil is used for sautéing the steak and vegetables.
Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons
Optional Add-Ins
While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, you can customize your Steak Picado with additional ingredients such as:
Corn: 1 cup (fresh or frozen)
Black Beans: 1 cup (canned, drained and rinsed)
Cilantro: 1/4 cup (chopped, for garnish)
Avocado: 1 (sliced, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Steak Picado
Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
Steak: Cut 1 pound of skirt steak or flank steak into thin strips.
Vegetables: Slice 2 bell peppers (1 red and 1 green), 1 large onion, and 1-2 jalapeños (if using). Dice 2 medium tomatoes and mince 3 cloves of garlic.
Sauce: Measure out 1 cup of tomato sauce, 1 cup of beef broth, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Have your cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper ready.
Cooking Oil: Have 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil ready.
Optional Add-Ins: If using, prepare any additional ingredients such as corn, black beans, cilantro, or avocado.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Searing the steak is a crucial step that adds depth of flavor to the dish.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Sear the Steak: Add the steak strips to the hot oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Sautéing the vegetables helps to build a flavorful base for the dish.
Add the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Bell Peppers and Jalapeños: Add the sliced bell peppers and jalapeños (if using) to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
Add the Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to break down, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
With the vegetables sautéed, it’s time to prepare the sauce that will bring the dish together.
Add the Tomato Sauce and Beef Broth: Pour 1 cup of tomato sauce and 1 cup of beef broth into the skillet. Stir to combine with the vegetables.
Add the Soy Sauce and Lime Juice: Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of lime juice to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Add the Spices: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano over the mixture. Stir to evenly distribute the spices.
Season with Salt and Pepper: Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
With the steak, vegetables, and sauce combined, it’s time to let the dish simmer to perfection.
Return the Steak to the Skillet: Add the seared steak strips back to the skillet. Stir to combine with the vegetables and sauce.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Step 6: Add Optional Add-Ins
If you’re adding any optional ingredients, now is the time to incorporate them.
Corn: If using, add 1 cup of corn kernels to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Black Beans: If using, add 1 cup of black beans to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Once the Steak Picado is cooked, it’s important to adjust the seasoning and serve it hot.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
Serve Warm: Transfer the Steak Picado to a serving dish and serve it warm.
Garnish: If desired, garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced avocado for added freshness and presentation.
Tips for Perfect Steak Picado
Choose the Right Cut of Steak
The cut of steak you use will significantly impact the flavor and texture of the dish. Skirt steak and flank steak are ideal because they are flavorful and cook quickly.
Don’t Overcook the Steak
Searing the steak quickly over high heat helps to lock in the juices and keep it tender. Be careful not to overcook the steak, as it can become tough.
Use Fresh Vegetables
Fresh vegetables will provide the best flavor and texture. Be sure to slice them evenly to ensure even cooking.
Adjust the Heat
If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add additional jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Conversely, if you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of jalapeños or omit them altogether.
Customize to Your Taste
Feel free to customize your Steak Picado with additional ingredients such as corn, black beans, cilantro, or avocado. These add-ins can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
Conclusion
Making Steak Picado at home is a rewarding and delicious endeavor. By following the step-by-step instructions and tips outlined in this guide, you can create a flavorful and hearty dish that embodies the essence of Mexican cuisine.
Whether you’re serving it with rice, beans, or warm tortillas, Steak Picado is sure to be a hit. With its tender strips of beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich, savory sauce, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds.
So the next time you’re in the mood for a comforting and satisfying meal, take the time to make your own Steak Picado from scratch. With a little practice and attention to detail, you’ll be able to achieve authentic, restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own kitchen.
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