Cantina Cuisine: Is It The Ultimate Comfort Food?

If you’re a fan of bold and flavorful Mexican food, then you’ll love the world of Cantina Cuisine. This vibrant and dynamic style of cooking features a wide range of dishes, from street tacos and carne asada fries to wet burritos and homemade tortilla chips.

Street tacos are a staple of Cantina Cuisine, and for good reason. These delicious little tacos are made with small corn tortillas and filled with a variety of meats and toppings, such as grilled steak, shredded chicken, or seasoned pork. Toppings can include onions, cilantro, avocado, and salsa, depending on your personal preference. The best part about street tacos is that they are quick, easy, and delicious – perfect for a quick lunch or a snack on the go.

Carne asada fries are a must try item of Cantina Cuisine. These loaded fries are topped with tender strips of grilled carne asada (marinated steak), melted cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo. This dish originated in San Diego, California, and has since become a popular item on Cantina menus throughout the country. It’s a hearty and filling dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends.

The wet burritos is a popular dish in Cantina Cuisine that takes the classic burrito to the next level. These burritos are filled with meat, beans, cheese, and rice, then smothered in enchilada sauce, salsa verde or both. They’re then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling. Wet burritos are a filling and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cold winter night or anytime you want a hearty meal.

Now, no Cantina Cuisine experience is complete without the freshly made tortilla chips. These delightfully crispy chips are made by cutting fresh corn tortillas into triangles, then deep frying them until they are golden brown. They can be enjoyed plain, with a sprinkle of salt, or seasoned with chili powder, lime, and other spices.

So, whether you’re a fan of street tacos, carne asada fries, wet burritos, or freshly made tortilla chips, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Cantina.

Recipe 1: Street Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) beef (such as skirt steak or flank steak), thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Corn tortillas
• Sliced onions and fresh cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
2. Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
3. Heat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated beef slices for a few minutes on each side until they are browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
4. Remove the beef from the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Then, slice it into smaller pieces.
5. Warm the corn tortillas on a separate skillet or directly over a flame until they are soft and pliable.
6. Assemble the street tacos by placing some sliced beef onto each tortilla. Top with sliced onions and fresh cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over the filling.
7. Serve the street tacos hot and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors!

Recipe 2: Carne Asada Fries

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) beef (such as skirt steak or flank steak)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• French fries (cooked according to package instructions)
• Shredded cheese (such as Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
• Guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for topping
• Sliced green onions and chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Follow the same marinating process as in the Street Tacos recipe for the beef.
2. Grill or cook the marinated beef slices until they are browned and cooked to your liking. Allow the beef to rest for a few minutes, then slice it into smaller pieces.
3. Prepare the French fries according to the package instructions. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Preheat the oven to broil. Spread the cooked French fries on a baking sheet and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
5. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and layer the carne asada slices over the cheesy fries.
7. Top with dollops of guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. Sprinkle sliced green onions and chopped cilantro on top.
8. Serve the Carne Asada Fries immediately, while they’re still hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!

Recipe 3: Wet Burrito with Enchilada Sauce and Salsa Verde

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Flour tortillas
• Cooked rice
• Refried beans
• Shredded cheese (such as Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
• Enchilada sauce
• Salsa verde
• Chopped lettuce and diced tomatoes for topping
• Sour cream and sliced jalapeños for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add diced onions and minced garlic, and cook until the onions are softened.
2. Season the beef mixture with chili powder, cumin powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to incorporate the spices. Remove from heat.
3. Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they are pliable.
4. Assemble the wet burrito by placing a tortilla on a flat surface. Spread a layer of refried beans down the center, followed by a scoop of cooked rice.
5. Add a portion of the seasoned ground beef mixture on top of the rice and beans. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the filling.
6. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides to create a secure burrito.
7. Place the burrito in a baking dish and pour enchilada sauce over the top, making sure to cover the entire burrito.
8. Bake the burrito in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
9. Remove the burrito from the oven and drizzle salsa verde over the top.
10. Garnish with chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños.
11. Serve the Wet Burrito hot and enjoy the combination of flavors from the enchilada sauce and salsa verde!

These recipes for Street Tacos, Carne Asada Fries, and Wet Burrito offer a delicious journey through Mexican cuisine, allowing you to savor the vibrant flavors and textures of these iconic dishes. Enjoy them in the comfort of your home and indulge in the mouthwatering delights they bring to your table!