Mexican Cecina Asada on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Mexican Cecina Asada is a flavorful, thinly sliced, dried, and salted beef grilled to crispy perfection on the edges while remaining tender inside. Using the Arteflame grill, we achieve an incredible steakhouse-quality sear at 1,000F on the center grill grate before finishing it to the perfect doneness on the flat griddle cooktop. Pair it with grilled vegetables or warm tortillas, and you have a mouthwatering dish packed with bold flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 lb dried, salted beef (cecina)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Juice of 1 lime
• Warm corn tortillas (for serving)
• Grilled onions and peppers (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the grill and stack firewood on top.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build up.
4. Let the grill heat for 20 minutes until the center reaches 1,000F.

Step 2: Prepare the Cecina

1. In a small bowl, mix black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Rub the spice mix onto both sides of the beef.
3. Squeeze the lime juice over the beef and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Sear the Cecina

1. Place the cecina on the center grill grate for 30-45 seconds per side to achieve a perfect sear.
2. Flip once to ensure even caramelization.

Step 4: Move to the Flat Griddle Cooktop

1. Move the seared beef to the flat griddle cooktop to finish cooking.
2. Let it cook for 2-3 more minutes per side, depending on your desired doneness.
3. Remove the beef from the grill when the internal temperature is 15F below the desired final temperature.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice the beef thinly against the grain.
2. Serve with warm corn tortillas, grilled onions, and peppers.
3. Drizzle with extra lime juice for added zest.

Tips

• Use high-quality dried, salted beef to get the most authentic flavor.
• Let the beef rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
• Use butter instead of oil when grilling for a richer flavor.
• Keep tortillas warm on the outer edge of the flat cooktop while grilling the meat.

Variations

1. Chili Lime Cecina: Add extra chili powder and lime zest for a spicier, citrusy kick.
2. Garlic Herb Cecina: Rub the beef with minced garlic and fresh herbs like oregano and thyme.
3. Smoky Chipotle Cecina: Marinate the beef in adobo sauce and ground chipotle for a smoky essence.
4. Sweet and Spicy Cecina: Glaze the beef with a mix of honey and cayenne pepper.
5. Tequila-Marinated Cecina: Marinate the beef in tequila, lime juice, and cilantro for extra depth.

Conclusion

Mexican Cecina Asada is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that shines on the Arteflame grill. The high-heat sear locks in juicy tenderness, and finishing the cooking process on the flat griddle cooktop ensures perfect doneness. Serve it with your favorite grilled veggies and warm tortillas for an unforgettable meal.

Best Pairings

• Warm corn tortillas
• Grilled onions and bell peppers
• Fresh guacamole
• Mexican rice
• A refreshing Michelada or cold cerveza