Rick Bayless is chef of Frontera Grill and Topolobampo in Chicago, creator of Frontera gourmet foods, cookbook author and host of Mexico - One Plate at a Time.

test

RICKMAIL - sign up for our email list From the Kitchen of Chef Rick Bayless

Recipes from Chef Rick Bayless

Grilled Skirt Steak or Zucchini Tortas

Torta de Arrachera (o Calabacitas)

Two 24-inch tortas, serving 8

Recipe from Season 7 of Mexico - One Plate at a Time

 

Ingredients

1 medium red onion, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
A little vegetable oil
1 pound skirt steak
    OR 1 pound (2 to 3) zucchinis, sliced lengthwise a little less than 1/2-inch thick
2  24-inch baguettes
Simple Mashed Black Beans
Chipotle Steak Sauce
Avocado-Cilantro Mayonnaise
8 ounces (about 2 cups) shredded Mexican Chihuahua cheese or other melting cheese like Monterey Jack or mild cheddar

Directions

1.  Grill the onions.  Light a charcoal fire and let the coals burn until they are covered with grey ash and medium-hot; set the grill grate in place.  Or heat a gas grill to medium.  Brush both sides of the onion slices with a little oil, sprinkle with salt, then lay in a single layer on the grill (this is easiest to manage on a perforated grill pan). Grill, turning at least once, until richly browned and soft, about 10 minutes. Scoop onto a cutting board. 

2.  Grill the steak or zucchini.  Brush both sides of the steak or zucchini slices with a little oil, sprinkle with salt and lay on the grill.  Grill, turning at least once, until the steak is medium (or more well done if you like) or the zucchini tender, about 7 minutes.  Transfer to the cutting board.  Chop the onion and steak (or zucchini) into small pieces (about 1/2-inch is my preference).  Scoop into a skillet and keep warm on the grill.

3.  Assemble the tortas.  Cut the baguette in half, then split each half lengthwise.  Scratch out most of the soft bread from the top and bottom.  Smear the bottom pieces with beans and lay face-down on the grill to warm for a minute.  Flip them over and spoon a portion of the filling into each piece.  Splash about 1/4 of the chipotle sauce over the meat on each piece.  Smear each top baguette piece with avocado mayo, then press in a portion of the cheese. Set each top piece over a bottom.  Turn the tortas over the fire until the cheese is melted and the bread is crisp, usually about 8 minutes.  Cut each half in half and serve to your lucky guests.

Recipes