Carne Asada Pizza Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that can be enjoyed on your porch, then the carne asada pizza is perfect for you. This recipe is simple, delicious, and ideal for those times when you want a tasty meal without much fuss. Commonly found in barbecue restaurants or steakhouses, this Mexican-inspired dish is also great for a quick and satisfying homemade meal.
Carne asada pizza features shredded beef or grilled chicken topped with toasted white onion and jalapeño peppers. Popular in the Mexican American community and beyond, this dish has been a cultural symbol since the 1940s, blending Mexican and American culinary traditions.
The History of Carne Asada Pizza
Carne asada, which translates to “grilled meat,” is a staple in Mexican cuisine. Traditionally, it involves marinating beef in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and other spices before grilling it to perfection. The concept of carne asada pizza likely emerged as a fusion of Mexican and American culinary practices, particularly in regions with significant Mexican American populations.
The 1940s saw a rise in the popularity of Mexican cuisine in the United States, particularly in California and Texas. This period marked the beginning of many Mexican dishes being adapted to suit American tastes, leading to the creation of unique fusion dishes like carne asada pizza. Over the decades, this dish has become a beloved part of both Mexican and American food culture, celebrated for its bold flavors and versatility.
Understanding the Basics of Pizza Making
Before you start making pizza, it’s essential to understand the basics. To make the best pizza, you only need three key ingredients: dough, sauce, and toppings. However, the quality of these ingredients and the techniques used can significantly impact the final product.
Pizza Dough
The foundation of any great pizza is the dough. Here are some tips for making perfect pizza dough:
- Use High-Quality Flour: Opt for bread flour or Italian “00” flour for a chewy and crispy crust.
- Proper Hydration: The dough should have the right amount of water to ensure it’s not too dry or too sticky.
- Kneading: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten, giving the dough its structure.
- Fermentation: Allow the dough to rise slowly in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This enhances the flavor and texture.
Pizza Sauce
While traditional pizza sauce is made from tomatoes, carne asada pizza can benefit from a variety of sauces, such as cilantro pesto or salsa. The key is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to balance the flavors.
Toppings
The toppings are where you can get creative. For carne asada pizza, the main toppings include grilled beef, onions, jalapeños, and cheese. However, you can customize your pizza with additional toppings like bell peppers, avocado, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.
How To Make Carne Asada Pizza
This Carne Asada pizza recipe is a twist on the classic Mexican dish. It’s made with grilled skirt steak, fresh tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños for a spicy kick. The crust is topped with cheese and dolloped with sour cream, making it easy to eat without utensils. You don’t have to be in Mexico to enjoy this delicious meal—just a little prep work, and you can whip up this tasty treat at home any night of the week!
Ingredients
For The Cilantro Pesto:
- 1/2 cup firmly packed cilantro leaves
- 1/2 tsp Serrano peppers
- 1 1/2 tablespoons pine nuts
- 1 tsp minced raw garlic
- 1/2 tsp lime juice
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup olive oil
For The Carne Asada Marinade:
- 1/4 oz chopped cilantro
- 3 oz lime juice
- 1 oz olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp red chile flakes
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp granulated garlic
For The Salsa:
- 2 to 3 firm red ripe Roma tomatoes
- 2 tsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp finely minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp minced Serrano peppers
- 1 tsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
For The Carne Asada Beef:
- 1 pound raw beef (skirt steak)
- Carne asada marinade
For the Pizza:
- 12 oz fresh pizza dough
- Flour for handling
- 1 tablespoon cilantro pesto
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- 20 to 25 half rings of sweet white onion
- Sliced Carne Asada Beef
- 1/2 cup canned Ortega brand chiles (cut into strips)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions for the Carne Asada Pizza
- Prepare the Carne Asada Marinade: Mix all marinade ingredients and refrigerate.
- Make the Salsa: Dice the tomatoes into half-cubes. Stir together all salsa ingredients and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Strain excess liquid and refrigerate until needed.
- Prepare the Pesto: Combine all pesto ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Refrigerate until needed.
- Cook the Carne Asada: Preheat a grill. Combine the raw beef with the marinade and refrigerate for one hour. Grill the beef for four minutes on each side. Chill completely, then slice into 1/4 inch thick strips. Store in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Pizza: Preheat the oven to 500°F for one hour, placing a pizza stone in the center. Spread 1 tablespoon of cilantro pesto within the rim of the prepared dough.
- Assemble the Pizza: Top the dough with half of the Jack cheese, onions, Carne Asada beef slices, and chiles.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 9 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crispy and golden. Carefully remove from the oven.
- Finish and Serve: Add 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro to the hot, cheesy surface. Cut into slices and serve.
Tips for Making the Perfect Carne Asada Pizza
- Use a Pizza Stone: A pizza stone helps achieve a crispy crust by evenly distributing heat.
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 500°F before baking the pizza.
- Don’t Overload with Toppings: Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy. Keep it balanced.
- Let the Dough Rest: Allow the dough to come to room temperature before stretching it out. This makes it easier to handle.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to add your own twist to the recipe. Try different cheeses, add some avocado slices, or drizzle with hot sauce for extra flavor.
Variations of Carne Asada Pizza
- Chicken Carne Asada Pizza: Substitute the beef with grilled chicken for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian Carne Asada Pizza: Use grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms instead of meat.
- Spicy Carne Asada Pizza: Add extra jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Cheesy Carne Asada Pizza: Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack for a richer flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Carne asada pizza pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages. Here are some ideas:
- Sides:
- Mexican Street Corn
- Guacamole and Chips
- Black Bean Salad
- Beverages:
- Margaritas
- Mexican Beer
- Agua Fresca
In short…
Carne asada pizza is a delightful fusion of Mexican and American cuisines, offering a unique and flavorful dining experience. Whether you’re enjoying it on your porch or serving it at a gathering, this pizza is sure to impress. With its rich history, versatile ingredients, and delicious taste, carne asada pizza is a dish that you’ll want to make again and again.
Also Try: Polenta Pizza
Or Try: Veggie Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
Carne Asada Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
For The Cilantro Pesto:
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves firmly packed
- 1/2 tsp Serrano peppers
- 1 1/2 tbsp Pine nuts
- 1 tsp Raw garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp Lime juice
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup Olive oil
For The Carne Asada Marinade:
- 1/4 oz Cilantro chopped
- 3 oz Lime juice
- 1 oz Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp Red chile flakes
- 1/4 tsp Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Cumin
- 1/4 tsp Granulated garlic
For The Salsa:
- 2 -3 Red ripe Roma tomatoes 2 to 3 firm
- 2 tsp Fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp Garlic finely minced
- 1/2 tsp Serrano peppers minced
- 1 tsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
For The Carne Asada Beef:
- 1 lb Raw beef skirt steak
- Carne asada marinade
For the pizza
- 12 oz Fresh Pizza Dough 12 oz
- Flour for handling
- 1 tbsp Cilantro pesto 1 tablespoon
- 1 cup Monterey jack cheese 1 cup
- 1 Sweet white onion 20 to 25 half rings
- 1/2 cup Canned Ortega brand chiles cut into strips, 1/2 cup
- 1 tbsp Fresh cilantro chopped, 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- For the Carne Asada Marinade, mix all ingredients and place in the refrigerator.
- For the salsa, dice the tomatoes into half-cubes. Stir the salsa ingredients together and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Remove any excess liquid from the salsa by straining it. Refrigerate until needed.
- For the Pesto, combine all the ingredients in a food processor and process for about two minutes until smooth. Refrigerate until needed.
- For the Carne Asada, set up a hot grill. Combine the raw beef with the carne asada and refrigerate for one hour. Grill the beef for four minutes on each side. Remove from grill and chill completely. Slice the beef into strips 1/4 inch thick. Store in the refrigerator.
- For the Pizza, Pre-heat the oven to 500 degrees F, for one hour before cooking the pizzas, and place the pizza stone in the centre. Within the rim of the prepared dough, spread 1 tablespoon of cilantro pesto evenly with a large spoon.
- Place half of the Jack cheese on top of the sauced area. Place half of the onions on top of the cheese. Place half of the Carne Asada beef slices and half of the chillies on a plate.
- Place the pizza in the oven. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes, until the cheese in the centre, is bubbly, and the crust is crispy and golden. When the pizza is done, remove it from the oven carefully.
- Add 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro to the hot, cheesy surface. Cut into slices and serve.
