California Burritos with Carne Asada

Marinade Preparation

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large glass or ceramic bowl, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, and lime juice. Add the cilantro, soy sauce, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, chipotle peppers, and oregano. Stir well to combine.
2. Add Olive Oil: Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the marinade is well combined.
3. Marinate the Meat: Remove 1 cup of the marinade and place it in a separate bowl. Add the unsliced meat to the remaining marinade, ensuring it is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight.

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the Carne Asada: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook the steak for about 5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer it more well-done.
2. Rest the Meat: Once the meat is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it against the grain to ensure tenderness.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle freshly grated orange zest over the sliced carne asada for a burst of citrus flavor.

Assembly Instructions

1. Prepare the Tortilla: After heating and browning the tortilla on a cast iron skillet, lay it on a flat surface.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Add carne asada, black beans, cheese, pico de gallo, and fries.
3. Fold the Sides: Fold the sides of the tortilla towards the center, covering the filling. The sides should slightly overlap, creating a pouch for the filling.
4. Tuck and Roll: Start from the bottom and fold it over the filling. Tuck the edge of the tortilla underneath the filling as you roll it upwards, keeping the filling tightly packed.
5. Complete the Roll: Roll the burrito all the way up, keeping the sides folded in. Create a tight, cylindrical shape without the fillings spilling out.
6. Seal: Fold the open end under or lightly toast the seam in a hot pan for a few seconds to seal it.

Pro Tips

• Marinade Options: For more intense flavor, consider adding a splash of tequila to the marinade. It complements the citrus and spices beautifully.
• Chipotle Heat: Adjust the chipotle pepper amount to your heat preference - reduce for milder flavor or increase for more heat.
• Meat Source: Flap meat from Costco is recommended for the best flavor and tenderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best cut of meat for carne asada?

Flap meat (also called sirloin tip) is ideal for carne asada as it's flavorful and tender when marinated properly. Flank steak is a good alternative. Both cuts benefit from slicing against the grain after cooking.

How long should I marinate the meat?

For best results, marinate overnight (8-24 hours). The citrus acids in the marinade help tenderize the meat while the spices penetrate deeply. Minimum marinating time should be 4 hours.

Can I make the carne asada without a grill?

Yes! You can cook the marinated meat in a cast iron skillet over high heat, or use a grill pan. The key is getting a good sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender.

What makes a burrito 'California style'?

California burritos are distinguished by the addition of french fries inside the burrito, along with carne asada, cheese, and fresh toppings. This unique combination originated in San Diego.

How do I prevent the burrito from falling apart?

Use extra-large tortillas, don't overfill, and make sure to fold the sides in tightly before rolling. Warming the tortilla makes it more pliable, and you can lightly toast the seam to help seal it.