Carne Asada Tacos

Spicy & Savory Fiesta: Avocado Jalapeño Dip and Carne Asada

Hey there, food lovers!

Are you ready to take your taste buds on an adventure? Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a casual family dinner, or just craving something packed with flavor. Get ready to dive into my irresistible Avocado Jalapeño Dip paired with a mouth-watering Carne Asada. Let’s get cooking!

Avocado Jalapeño Dip

First up, let's talk about this creamy, spicy, and utterly delicious Avocado Jalapeño Dip. It’s the perfect companion for your chips, veggies, or even as a topping for tacos. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados

• 1 garlic clove

• Handful of fresh cilantro

• Juice of 1/2 lime

• 1/4 cup sliced pickled jalapeños and 1/4 cup of its juice (or just use regular jalapenos)

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• Salt to taste

• Pinch of ground cumin

• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Mash It Up: In a bowl, mash the avocados until smooth. Feel free to leave a few chunks if you like a bit of texture.

2. Add Some Zing: Mince the garlic and chop the cilantro, then add them to the mashed avocados.

3. Get Juicy: Squeeze in the juice of half a lime. This not only adds flavor but also keeps the avocados from browning.

4. Spice It Up: Add the sliced pickled jalapeños along with 1/4 cup of the pickling juice. This is where the magic happens! Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

5. Creamy Goodness: Stir in the sour cream for that perfect creamy texture.

6. Season: Add salt and a pinch of ground cumin to taste.

7. Thin It Out: Gradually mix in milk or water until you reach your desired dip consistency.

And there you have it! A dip that’s creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy. Now, let’s move on to the star of the show...

Carne Asada

This Carne Asada is a flavor bomb that’s sure to impress. With the perfect blend of spices and a hint of citrus, it’s versatile enough to be the main dish or a stellar taco filling.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs flank steak or your choice of steak, finely chopped (I ended up using ribeye)

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tbsp lemon pepper

• 2 tsp onion powder

• 2 tsp garlic powder

• 2 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp oregano

• 1 tsp chipotle powder

• 1 tbsp salt (or to taste)

• Juice of 1 orange

• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions:

1. Prep the Steak: Finely chop your steak and place it in a large bowl.

2. Spice Mix: In a separate bowl, mix together the chili powder, lemon pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, oregano, chipotle powder, and salt.

3. Season the Meat: Sprinkle the spice mix over the chopped steak, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

4. Citrus Kick: Squeeze the juice of one orange and one lime over the seasoned steak. The citrus juices will tenderize the meat and add a burst of fresh flavor.

5. Marinate: Cover the bowl and let the steak marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For best results, let it marinate for a few hours or even overnight.

6. Cook It Up: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak until it’s nicely browned and cooked to your liking.

And there you have it, folks! A savory and spicy Carne Asada that pairs perfectly with our zesty Avocado Jalapeño Dip. Serve it up with warm low carb tortillas, fresh salsa, and your favorite toppings for a meal that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Final Touches

Remember, the key to great cooking is not just following a recipe, but making it your own. Feel free to adjust the spice levels, add your favorite herbs, or experiment with different cuts of meat. Enjoy your culinary adventure and don’t forget to share your creations with me on Instagram @KevTheDietitian!

Happy cooking! -Kev The Dietitian