Homemade Chipotle-Style Beef

Indulge in the delectable taste of Homemade Chipotle-Style Beef, inspired by the renowned steak recipe from Chipotle restaurant, all prepared in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re crafting burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, or fajitas, this tender and flavorful steak is the perfect choice, adding a burst of flavor to any dish, even salads!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Steak: Opt for flank steak, skirt steak, or top-round steak for this recipe. Flank steak, derived from the abdominal muscle of the cow, is known for its robust flavor. Alternatively, top-round steak, sometimes referred to as flank steak, also works well. These tougher cuts of meat readily absorb the marinade, resulting in tender, flavorful beef. If preferred, sirloin steak can be used as a substitute.

Chipotles In Adobo Sauce: Infuse your marinade with a smoky and mildly spicy flavor by incorporating chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These peppers are readily available in the Latin foods section of most grocery stores and are blended with water, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.

How To Cut Flank Steak

After marinating and cooking the steak, follow these steps to ensure tender slices:

1. Allow the cooked steak to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to redistribute the juices.
2. Identify the direction of the muscle fibers, visible on the meat’s surface, which run in one direction.
3. Slice the meat across the grain, perpendicular to the muscle fibers, to break them up and tenderize the meat.
4. Cut the meat into thin slices, approximately 0.6 centimeters (1/4 inch) thick.
5. Finally, dice the slices into bite-sized cubes or pieces.

Note that the grain direction may vary in different sections of the steak, requiring adjustments to your slicing direction. If unsure, gently pull the meat apart with your fingers to determine the grain’s direction.

Can I Make The Chipotle Steak Spicier?

Absolutely! While the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce provide a mild kick, you can increase the spice level by adding additional peppers. Start with one or two extra tablespoons for a spicier marinade.

How To Store Chipotle Steak

Store the Chipotle-style steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for 2-3 days.

Ingredients

• 454 g (1 pound) flank steak
• 3 tablespoons chipotles in adobo, approximately 1-2 peppers with sauce
• 3 tablespoons water
• 15 ml (1 tablespoon) freshly squeezed lime juice
• 5 g (1 teaspoon) kosher salt
• 1.25 ml (1/4 teaspoon) black pepper
• 15 ml (1 tablespoon) vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Place the flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag.
2. In a blender, combine chipotles in adobo, water, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour the chipotle mixture over the steak in the bag and seal it.
4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes, or until seared. Flip and repeat on the other side until the steak reaches your desired doneness.
6. Allow the steak to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing it against the grain into thin slices. Then, dice the slices into bite-sized cubes.
7. Serve with tortillas, rice, fresh pico de gallo, sour cream, cheese, and your favorite fixings. Enjoy!

Notes

*When Is Steak Done?

The desired level of doneness for steak is subjective and varies depending on personal preference. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for accuracy:

1. 52°C (125°F) = Rare
2. 54-57°C (130-135°F) = Medium Rare
3. 60°C (140°F) = Medium
4. 63°C (145°F) = Medium-well

Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the skillet. Allow it to rest before slicing for optimal results.