chipotle restaurant steak recipe

Chipotle Restaurant Steak Recipe: Make It at Home

Bykernelrecipes.com
Spread the love

I love Mexican food and the bold flavors of Chipotle’s steak. The tender beef and special toppings are a favorite of mine. Now, you can make this dish at home too.

Today, I’m excited to share a recipe to make Chipotle’s steak at home. It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients. You’ll love the Mexican flavors and save money too.

Understanding Chipotle’s Signature Steak

Chipotle’s carne asada, or grilled steak, is famous for its juicy texture and bold flavors. The secret is in the choice and preparation of the cuts. Plus, the flavorful marinade adds a delightful mix of spices and citrus to each bite.

What Makes Chipotle Steak Special

Chipotle’s steak is special because it’s cooked to a perfect medium-rare. This makes the meat tender and lets its natural flavors come through. The chefs grill the steak over high heat, creating a tasty char on the outside and a juicy inside.

Types of Cuts Used at Chipotle

  • Top Sirloin: A lean and flavorful cut that holds up well to the grill’s high heat.
  • Flank Steak: A versatile and affordable option that lends itself beautifully to the Tex-Mex marinade.
  • Skirt Steak: A thin, fibrous cut that absorbs the marinade’s bold flavors and becomes incredibly tender when cooked properly.

Chipotle uses a mix of these cuts to ensure their steak is always tender and tasty. This satisfies fans of carne asada and tex-mex steak.

Steak CutTendernessFlavorGrilling Suitability
Top SirloinMediumRich, BeefyExcellent
Flank SteakMedium-TenderBold, IntenseVery Good
Skirt SteakTenderRobust, BeefyGood

“Chipotle’s grilled steak marinade is the key to their mouthwatering carne asada that keeps customers coming back for more.”

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Chipotle Steak

Making a delicious Chipotle-style steak at home needs the right ingredients. The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add a smoky, spicy flavor to the marinade. Alongside, fajita seasoning, garlic, and fresh cilantro blend together for a rich taste.

The marinade also includes:

  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Honey
  • Lime juice
  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Oregano
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt and pepper

This mix of flavors makes Chipotle’s steak special. It offers a perfect mix of heat, sweetness, and savory notes. By using these ingredients, you can make the signature Chipotle steak at home.

“The key to replicating Chipotle’s steak lies in the marinade. It’s all about finding the right balance of spices, herbs, and acidic elements to truly capture that authentic flavor.”

The Perfect Marinade Components

Making the perfect marinade is crucial for a Chipotle steak flavor at home. Knowing the key ingredients helps you get the bold, smoky, and tangy taste. This taste has made Chipotle’s grilled steak a favorite in mexican cuisine.

Chipotle Peppers and Adobo Sauce

The marinade’s heart is the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These smoked jalapeños give a deep, complex heat. The adobo sauce, made from tomatoes, vinegar, and spices, adds smoky, tangy, and sweet notes.

Fresh Herbs and Spices

Fresh cilantro, garlic, cumin, oregano, and chili powder add vibrant, earthy flavors. These herbs and spices mix well with the chipotle peppers, making the marinade rich and flavorful.

Citrus and Oil Base

Fresh lime juice and olive oil balance the marinade’s heat and acidity. The citrus brightens the flavor and tenderizes the meat. Red wine vinegar and honey add to the marinade’s complexity, making it perfectly balanced.

“The marinade was so flavorful and made the steak incredibly tender. I’ll never make grilled steak any other way!”

– Tammy Philips

With these key components, you can make a grilled steak marinade like Chipotle’s. It will elevate your mexican cuisine cooking at home.

Chipotle Restaurant Steak Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Want to make Chipotle’s famous steak at home? Follow this easy guide to make a delicious copycat recipe. It’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Prepare the Marinade

Begin by mixing all the marinade ingredients until smooth. The marinade includes:

  • 1 lb flank or skirt steak
  • 2-3 tablespoons of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 2-3 minced garlic cloves
  • 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons of lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro

Marinate the Steak

Put the steak in a bag or dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure it’s fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours for tougher cuts. Thinner cuts like skirt steak need only 2-4 hours.

Cook the Steak

Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak when the oil is hot. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, 6-7 minutes for medium, or 8-9 minutes for medium-well. The internal temperature should be 130-135°F for medium-rare, 135-145°F for medium, or 145-155°F for medium-well.

Rest and Serve

Let the steak rest for 10 minutes after cooking. Slice it against the grain. For extra flavor, sauté the steak with the marinade for 20-30 seconds before serving.

Enjoy your homemade chipotle restaurant-style steak. It’s perfect for recreating your favorite Chipotle dish or as a standalone meal. Bon appetit!

chipotle restaurant steak recipe

Preparing Your Steak for Marination

To get that delicious Chipotle flavor, start with the right beef and prep techniques. Choose a cut that’s both flavorful and tender. This ensures it will soak up the bold seasonings well.

Proper Meat Selection

Go for top sirloin, flank steak, or skirt steak for the best taste. These cuts are lean and tender, perfect for Chipotle’s marinade. Stay away from tougher cuts that don’t tenderize as well.

Trimming and Preparation Techniques

Trim off any extra fat from the steak, but keep a thin layer. This helps keep the meat moist and full of flavor. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to help the marinade soak in evenly.

Bring the steak to room temperature before cooking. This ensures it cooks evenly, making your carne asada or tex-mex steak perfect.

Preparation StepTime
Prep Time10 minutes
Marinating Time2 hours
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time2 hours 25 minutes

By following these steps, you’ll make a delicious carne asada or tex-mex steak. It will taste just as good as Chipotle’s.

Mastering the Marinade Process

Making the perfect grilled steak marinade is key to making Chipotle steak at home. It’s important to marinate the meat for the right time. This lets the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and other flavors soak into the steak.

Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes but no more than 12 hours. Longer than that, and the steak might get too soft. Use a bag or container to coat the steak evenly with the marinade.

Save some marinade for basting during cooking or adding to the dish later. This adds extra flavor. Flip the steak a few times while it marinates to spread the flavors.

Marinade IngredientAmount
New York Strip Steak2 lbs (907 g)
Olive Oil2 tbsp (30 ml)
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce2-3 tbsp (30-45 ml)
Garlic, minced3 cloves
Lime Juice2 tbsp (30 ml)
Oregano1 tsp (5 ml)
Cumin1 tsp (5 ml)
Salt1 tsp (5 ml)

By marinating the steak for the right time, you’ll get the smoky-sweet flavors of Chipotle’s steak. You’ll impress your guests with a grilled steak marinade that tastes like Chipotle’s.

grilled steak marinade

Cooking Techniques for Restaurant-Quality Results

To make a tex-mex steak or carne asada like a pro at home, focus on cooking techniques. You need to control the temperature and timing well. This ensures a perfect sear and a juicy, tender steak.

Temperature Control

Cooking your steak over high heat is key. It creates that tasty caramelized crust found in top-notch tex-mex steak and carne asada. Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F for a medium-rare finish.

Timing and Doneness

Cooking time varies based on steak thickness. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This ensures it’s cooked just right.

Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to spread evenly. For extra flavor, sauté the steak with the marinade just before serving. It adds that authentic tex-mex or carne asada taste.

“The key to restaurant-quality tex-mex steak or carne asada is all in the cooking technique. High heat, perfect timing, and that final touch of the marinade will take your homemade version to the next level.”

Slicing and Serving Your Chipotle-Style Steak

After your steak has rested, it’s time to slice and serve. Slice the steak thinly against the grain. Then, cube it for the authentic Chipotle look. This recipe is great for many dishes, like steak bowls, tacos, salads, and burritos.

To enjoy the Chipotle experience at home, add classic sides. Start with cilantro lime rice and black beans. Top with your steak, corn salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. This way, you can pick your favorite mexican cuisine flavors for a delicious copycat recipes meal.

This Chipotle steak recipe is very versatile. Make a big batch on the weekend. Use it in salads for lunch or tacos for dinner. It’s perfect for making your favorite Chipotle dishes at home.

FAQ

What makes Chipotle’s steak so special?

Chipotle’s steak is juicy and full of flavor. They use different cuts of beef to handle the grill’s heat. This makes the steak taste deliciously charred.

What are the key ingredients in Chipotle-style steak?

The steak includes chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and extra virgin olive oil. It also has red wine vinegar, honey, and garlic. Cilantro, lime juice, and spices like chipotle powder are added too.

Why is the marinade crucial for achieving authentic Chipotle flavor?

The marinade is key for Chipotle’s taste. Chipotle peppers add smoky heat. Fresh cilantro, garlic, and spices like cumin and oregano boost the flavor. Lime juice adds brightness, and olive oil tenderizes the meat.

What type of beef cuts work best for Chipotle-style steak?

Choose top sirloin, flank steak, or skirt steak for the best results. These cuts are perfect for Chipotle’s cooking method.

How long should I marinate the steak?

Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes. But don’t marinate for more than 12 hours to avoid mushy meat.

What’s the best way to cook Chipotle-style steak?

Cook the steak on high heat for a nice char. Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F for medium-rare. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

How should I slice and serve the Chipotle-style steak?

Slice the steak thinly against the grain after resting. Then, cube it for a true Chipotle-style look. Serve in bowls, tacos, salads, or burritos. Pair it with cilantro lime rice, black beans, corn salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.