Carne Asada Soup

Carne asada soup is a comforting dish that warms your heart and fills your belly. Picture tender flank steak, marinated to perfection, swimming in a rich broth alongside vibrant vegetables. It’s not just a meal; it’s a moment to savor. Whether you’re cozying up with loved ones on a chilly evening or hosting a casual gathering with friends, this soup brings people together. The combination of flavors, textures, and fresh toppings makes every bowl delightful. Let’s walk through how to create this delicious carne asada soup, ensuring every bite is packed with warmth and flavor. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

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Why This Recipe Works

Carne asada soup embodies a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a standout choice for any cooking enthusiast. The marinated flank steak, combined with vibrant vegetables and a rich broth, creates a symphony of taste that is both comforting and exciting. This recipe encourages the use of quality ingredients, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor, while its simplicity makes it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Why You’ll Love This Carne Asada Soup

This carne asada soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The satisfying combination of tender beef, savory broth, and fresh toppings invites warmth and comfort to your dinner table. Perfect for cozy nights or informal gatherings with friends, this dish offers a delightful taste of culinary adventure while being easy to prepare.

Ingredients

For the carne asada:

• 1 lb flank steak
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the soup:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, deseeded and chopped (optional)
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 4 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Preparing the Carne Asada

Marinate the Steak

Start by creating a tasty marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and black pepper. Toss in the flank steak, ensuring it’s fully coated with the marinade. This step is crucial for infusing flavor. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for a minimum of 1 hour—overnight is even better for an extra flavor punch.

Cook the Steak

When you’re ready, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated steak in the pan. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare, keeping an eye on it to avoid overcooking. After cooking, remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period is essential for juicy meat. Once rested, slice it thinly against the grain to keep it tender.

Crafting the Soup

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, jalapeño (if using), and bell pepper. Sauté these colorful ingredients for about 5 minutes, or until they soften. The aroma will be irresistible, inviting everyone to the kitchen.

Combine Ingredients

Next, it’s time to bring everything together. Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, frozen corn, and beef broth. Raise the heat and bring this mixture to a boil. After it boils, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for around 20 minutes. During this time, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a harmony that makes the soup irresistible.

Add the Steak

Now, add the sliced carne asada into the simmering soup, allowing it to soak up all the deliciousness for an additional 5 minutes. As you do this, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. This little step is crucial for enhancing the overall flavor.

Serve the Soup

Finally, ladle the hearty soup into bowls. Don’t skimp on the garnishes! Top each bowl with fresh chopped cilantro and add lime wedges on the side. The lime will give it a refreshing kick, brightening every bite.

Serving Suggestions

To complement your carne asada soup, consider pairing it with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a delightful texture. Another tasty option is a refreshing avocado salad on the side. The creamy avocado balances the flavors of the soup perfectly, creating a satisfying meal.

Tips for Success

• For deeper flavor, marinate the steak overnight. The longer the steak sits in the marinade, the better it tastes.
• Adjust the spice level by either omitting or adding more jalapeño depending on your tolerance for heat.
• Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed to achieve the best flavor profile.

Variations

Feel free to customize your carne asada soup according to your preferences! Here are some fun ideas:
– Substitute flank steak with grilled chicken for a lighter meal option while still maintaining delicious flavor.
– Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian take, incorporating various beans to add protein.
– To enhance nutrition and flavor further, add additional vegetables like zucchini or carrots.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! The soup can easily be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving to enjoy.

2. What can I use instead of flank steak?
Both skirt steak and sirloin are excellent substitutes for this recipe, providing a similar flavor and texture.

3. Is this soup spicy?
The level of spice depends on your use of jalapeño. If you prefer a milder version, feel free to omit it altogether.

4. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.

5. What can I serve with carne asada soup?
Tortillas, nachos, or a fresh salad are great accompaniments to this hearty soup.

Crafting this carne asada soup is not only a feast for your palate; it also brings warmth and comfort to the table. With rich flavors and satisfying warmth, this dish invites everyone to savor each delightful spoonful. Plus, the joy it brings in preparing and sharing a warm bowl of goodness is truly rewarding. Enjoy the experience of making and sharing this delicious recipe in your kitchen!

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