Asado Argentino
The quintessential Argentine barbecue ritual, where various cuts of beef are slow-grilled over a wood fire for hours. More than just a meal, it's a cherished national tradition and a social gathering.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 kg Short ribs (asado de tira)(Look for cuts with good marbling and a decent layer of fat.)
- 1 kg Flank steak (vacio)(A flavorful cut that benefits from slow cooking.)
- 500 g Sweetbreads (mollejas)(Optional, but traditional. Cleaned and trimmed.)
- 4 Blood sausage (morcilla)(Pre-cooked, ready for grilling.)
- 4 Chorizo criollo(Fresh, uncooked Argentine-style chorizo.)
- generous Coarse salt (sal parrillera)(Essential for seasoning. Apply liberally just before grilling.)
- for serving Chimichurri sauce(Homemade or store-bought. A vibrant herb sauce.)
- sufficient Wood(Hardwood like quebracho, oak, or mesquite is ideal for a long-lasting, consistent fire. Avoid softwoods.)
- optional Water(For managing flare-ups.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the fire: Build a substantial fire using your chosen hardwood. Allow it to burn for at least 1 to 1.5 hours until you have a bed of glowing red embers (brasas) with minimal active flames. The goal is consistent, moderate heat, not intense flames.
⏱️ 1 - 1.5 hours - 2
Season the meat: While the fire is burning down, generously season all the beef cuts (short ribs, flank steak) with coarse salt. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the salt to penetrate slightly.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 3
Grill the 'achuras' (offal and sausages): Once the embers are ready, place the chorizo and sweetbreads on the grill. Chorizo will take about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. Sweetbreads will take longer, around 25-35 minutes, developing a crisp exterior and tender interior. Morcilla (blood sausage) only needs about 10-15 minutes total, just to heat through and slightly crisp the casing. These are typically served first as appetizers.
⏱️ 30 - 45 minutes - 4
Begin grilling the main cuts: Place the short ribs on the grill, ideally bone-side down first, over moderate heat. The flank steak can be placed alongside. The cooking time will vary significantly based on the thickness of the cuts and the heat of the embers. Aim for a gentle sizzle, not aggressive spitting.
⏱️ 3 - 4 hours - 5
Manage the heat and turn the meat: Maintain the embers by adding small pieces of wood as needed to keep a consistent heat. Turn the larger cuts (short ribs, flank steak) every 30-45 minutes. For short ribs, you can flip them to the meat side after the initial bone-side cooking. Avoid piercing the meat with forks; use tongs to handle it.
⏱️ Ongoing during grilling - 6
Check for doneness: The meat is ready when it's tender and cooked to your desired level. Short ribs should be fall-off-the-bone tender, and flank steak should be tender with a beautiful crust. Internal temperatures can range from 60°C (140°F) for medium-rare to 75°C (167°F) for very tender, well-done.
⏱️ N/A - 7
Rest and carve: Once cooked, remove the meat from the grill and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes, loosely tented with foil. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist result.
⏱️ 15 - 20 minutes - 8
Serve: Carve the meat into serving portions. Traditionally, asado is served in stages, starting with the 'achuras' and then moving to the beef. Serve hot with plenty of chimichurri sauce, crusty bread, and perhaps a simple salad.
⏱️ N/A
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The quality of wood is crucial for authentic flavor. Hardwoods provide a longer, more consistent burn.
- ✓Resist the urge to constantly turn or move the meat. Let it develop a good crust.
- ✓Never pierce the meat with a fork while grilling, as this releases precious juices. Use tongs.
- ✓Low and slow cooking over embers is key to tender, flavorful results. Patience is rewarded.
- ✓Keep a spray bottle of water handy to douse any sudden flare-ups that could char the meat too quickly.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Include other traditional 'achuras' like kidneys (riñones) or gizzards (pancitas).
- Marinate flank steak briefly in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs if desired, though traditional asado is usually unmarinated.
- In Patagonia, lamb (cordero) is often grilled whole or in large pieces over an open fire.