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    Home > Blog > Burgers & Sandwiches > Carne Asada Torta

    Carne Asada Torta

    by Jenny Park · Published: Aug 20, 2021

    Jump to Recipe
    The only Carne Asada Torta recipe you'll ever need! Savory and juicy carne asada is loaded onto a soft roll and piled high with all the classic Mexican flavors and toppings!
    Carne Asada Torta recipe
    Carne Asada Torta on a cutting board with a beer in the background.
    Carne Asada sandwich on a board with a beer in the background.

    I really love a good sandwich and this recipe for Carne Asada Torta is at the top of my list! It’s so delicious and has everything I love, from the soft telera roll, the flavor packed and juicy carne asada, to all the fresh toppings. I think I could probably eat this once a week, it’s so good!

    What is a Mexican Torta?

    It’s a large Mexican sandwich that’s filled with a variety of meats including but not limited to, shredded carnitas, beef barbarcoa, pollo asada, chorizo, and carne asada.

    Our version today is one of my favorites, which is the carne asada torta. It can be loaded with as little or as many ingredients such as refried beans, shredded lettuce, cheese, chile peppers, tomatoes, sliced onions.

    Carne Asada recipe on a cutting board with ingredients on the side.
    The Best Carne Asada Recipe!

    Our yummy Carne Asada recipe is packed with flavor and incredibly delicious.

    Pro Tip: Marinating the skirt steak for the full 12 hours will get the most flavorful meat!

    How to Make the Perfect Carne Asada Torta

    This is a really simple carne asada torta recipe, that is super quick to make once you have your meat marinated and cooked!

    Jump to Recipe

    Process

    Carne Asada

    Get our recipe for the Best Carne Asada here!

    Freshly grilled carne asada in a glass dish.

    Assembly

    An image showing all the sandwich toppings for a carne asada torta.
    1. Start with a nice smear of spreads (mayo, mashed avocado, refried beans if using) on both the top and bottom halves of the roll. Not only will this keep the sandwich moist, but it’ll help to keep the ingredients in the torta intact.
    Smashed avocado overhead on a roll preparing a carne asada sandwich
    refried beans on a roll for carne asada sandwhich
    1. Next, pile the bottom half of the roll with the sliced carne asada. Add the remaining toppings onto the carne. Then gently but firmly press the top half of the roll over the ingredients to hold the torta together. Simple and delicious!
    carne asada on top of a roll for a carne asada sandwich.
    The making of a carne asada sandwich over head with shredded lettuce
    Adding tomatoes to a open faced carne asada sandwich in the making
    red onion added to a carne asada sandwich
    pickled jalapeno on a carne asada sandwich being made
    cotija cheese for a carne asada sandwich

    Tools You Will Need

    • cutting board
    • knife
    • butter knife or condiment spreader

    Best Rolls to Use for Our Carne Asada Torta

    Tortas are generally made using two types of bread rolls. The one we’re using today is a telera roll, which is a soft, round but flat bread roll that is sectioned into three pieces. The roll is very soft both on the inside and outside, but is sturdy enough to hold the many ingredients associated with a torta.

    A bolillo is another popular bread option in Mexico. It’s an oblong shaped roll with the ends pinched together to resemble a football. The outside is hard and crusty and the inside is soft and chewy. The texture also makes this bread good for things like bread pudding and general ‘dunking’ purposes. Both types of breads are commonly used to make tortas.

    Telera roll on a cutting board for a Carne Asada Torta
    Jump to Recipe

    Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions

    Make Ahead

    The carne asada can be marinated up to 2 days ahead of time. Any longer and the steak fibers will start to break down, making the carne tough.

    Freezing

    To freeze, marinate the steak for up to 24 hours. Then Transfer the steak along with any marinade into a resealable bag. Remove as much air from the bag, seal and freeze for up to 1 month.

    When ready to use, place the frozen bag of carne asada onto a plate and thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Gently pat meat dry and grill.

    Tips and Tricks for Carne Asada Torta Success

    • It’s important that the carne asada has marinated for several hours, although overnight is best, to help tenderize the meat and to maximize flavor.
    • The grill, skillet or grill pan being use should be hot before adding the carne to get a nice sear. The carne asada should only be cooked on both sides for a few minutes to avoid overcooking, which will result in a tough texture.
    • To help hold the sandwich ingredients intact, you can gently push in the inside of the top half of the roll with your fingers to create a small divot in the roll. It’s is especially helpful if you’re piling your torta high with different ingredients.

    I love making a double batch of carne asada so I can add it to other recipes like some of our favorites below!

    Carne asada nachos with servings on small plates.
    Sheet Pan Nachos
    Carne asada fries with small portion served on surrounding plate.
    Carne Asada Fries
    Carne asada burrito bowls with forks.
    Carne Asada Burrito Bowl

    More Delicious Mexican Recipes You Will Love

    • Easy Carnitas
    • Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
    • Shrimp Taquitos
    • Easy Chilaquiles
    • Pozole Verde de Pollo
    Carne Asada Torta recipe loaded with toppings on a cutting board ready to be served.

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    Carne Asada Torta on a wood cutting board with a beer in the background.

    Carne Asada Torta

    5 from 30 votes
    PRINT RECIPE Pin Recipe
    The only Carne Asada Torta recipe you'll ever need! Savory and juicy carne asada is loaded onto a soft roll and piled high with all the classic Mexican flavors and toppings!
    RECIPE BY Teri & Jenny
    Prep Time: 10 mins
    Cook Time: 8 mins
    resting time: 3 hrs
    Total Time: 3 hrs 18 mins
    Servings: 2 sandwiches

      INGREDIENTS  

    • 1 recipe carne asada

    sandwich assembly

    • 2 telera rolls
    • 1 cup shredded iceberg
    • 1 small avocado, mashed
    • 1 vine-riped tomato, thinly sliced
    • 1/8 small red onion, thinly sliced
    • 1/4 cup crumbled cotija
    • 12 slices pickled jalapenos
    • 1/4 cup refried beans optional
    • 4 dashes hot sauce optional

      INSTRUCTIONS  

    • Make 1 recipe for carne asada and cut grilled meat into sandwich sized portions.
      Freshly made and grilled carne asada in a dish.
    • To assemble: Schmear avocado across the tops and bottoms of the telera rolls. Top bottom buns with meat followed by tomatoes, red onions, iceberg, cotija, pickled jalapenos, and hot sauce. Gently press the top buns over the sandwich. Serve.
      Building a torta on a cutting board.

      NOTES  

    Tips:
    • It’s important that the carne asada has marinated for several hours, although overnight is best, to help tenderize the meat and for maximum flavor.
    • The grill, skillet or grill pan being use should be hot before adding the carne. The carne asada should only be cooked on both sides for a few minutes to avoid overcooking, resulting in a tough texture. 
    • The carne asada can be marinated up to 2 days ahead of time. 
    • To Freeze:  Place the marinated steak into a resealable bag, removing as much excess air before sealing, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, place the frozen bag of carne asada onto a plate and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
    Calories: 1280kcal Carbohydrates: 85g Protein: 69g Fat: 80g Saturated Fat: 17g Cholesterol: 160mg Sodium: 12469mg Potassium: 2700mg Fiber: 28g Sugar: 19g Vitamin A: 11916IU Vitamin C: 91mg Calcium: 376mg Iron: 21mg
    CUISINE: baja, Mexican
    KEYWORD: mexican sandwich, Mexican torta, torta recipe
    COURSE: dinner, lunch

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    August 20, 2021 / 26 Comments

    About Jenny Park

    Jenny Park is half of Spoon Fork Bacon. She is also a food stylist and recipe developer. One of her favorite foods is donuts. #sfbJENNY

    Previous Post: < Previous Post Classic Banana Pudding Recipe
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    Reader Interactions

    August 20, 2021 / 26 Comments

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      Recipe Rating




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    1. Patrick

      March 27, 2021 at 12:44 am

      A thin slice of ham makes a grand addition to the torta.

      Reply
    2. Stevie

      August 15, 2020 at 6:05 pm

      5 stars
      Yummmm

      Reply
    3. Jordan

      August 12, 2020 at 11:32 pm

      5 stars
      This is probably the best carne asada torta I’ve ever had. The marinade for this carne asada is unreal!

      Reply
    4. Roxanne

      April 16, 2020 at 11:30 am

      5 stars
      Great receipe. I didnt use onions or jalapenos but was just like I get out of the resturants. Thank you

      Reply
    5. Jeff

      February 22, 2020 at 9:17 am

      the one thing missing? Frijol! No self-respecting torta mexicana would be seen en la calle sin frijoles. Just a smear on the telera/bolillo makes it the real deal. Can’t be a real torta without it. EMHO

      Reply
      • Roxanns

        April 16, 2020 at 11:32 am

        Plenty of places i been to do not do beans. I prefer it that way and from San Antonio where we know our mexican food.

        Reply
    6. jamie@familysavvy

      June 20, 2014 at 6:44 am

      Pinned! Making these this weekend!

      Reply
    7. Elaine Matthews

      March 04, 2014 at 10:13 am

      I love mexican food!! It’s my weakness and being from So Cal Carne Asada and Torta are to die for!! Thanks for sharing your recipe I am going to have to try this!! I created a mexican chicken version with fresh guacamole!! Check it out http://69.89.31.214/~cookinan/mexican-cheesechicken-torta-wguacomole/

      Its kinda like a cheese steak but with more spicy flare!

      Reply
    8. Sadye

      August 21, 2013 at 6:07 pm

      5 stars
      All it took was one bite to know I’d be making this again! What a great, flavorful recipe, and I love that the marinade is all pantry staples (or at least things you’ll use again).

      Reply
    9. karinrowe

      July 19, 2013 at 5:05 pm

      5 stars
      holy. cow. so, so, so good. thank you much!

      Reply
    10. melissa

      March 11, 2013 at 6:43 pm

      omg will you just come make this for me?

      Reply
    11. joey @ 80 breakfasts

      March 02, 2013 at 8:13 am

      Seriously considering right now! And it’s midnight over here!!

      Reply
    12. sofia

      March 02, 2013 at 5:18 am

      looks fab. when you say “avocado spread” you mean mashed up avocado?

      Reply
      • Jenny Park

        March 02, 2013 at 7:42 am

        Yep! (I usually add lemon juice, salt and pepper to mine, but that’s it!

        Reply
    13. Jennifer

      February 28, 2013 at 11:53 am

      5 stars
      Now, that’s what I call comfort food.

      Reply
    14. Stefanie @ Sarcastic Cooking

      February 28, 2013 at 11:46 am

      wow! i agree, sometimes you need some good old fashioned carbs! this looks crazy good!

      Reply
    15. Bev @ Bev Cooks

      February 28, 2013 at 7:05 am

      My mouth just fell off my face in a river of drool.

      Reply
    16. Tia Stockton

      February 28, 2013 at 6:22 am

      I love meat way too much for a girl, so this is right up my alley. Looks sublime.

      Reply
    17. Tahny

      February 28, 2013 at 5:05 am

      5 stars
      Oh my! That’s my kind of sandwich!

      Reply
    18. ZuVuYah

      February 28, 2013 at 4:13 am

      YUM! This looks so dee-lish …and if someone wants to be holy…leave out the bread… I personally want it! Muchas Gracias!!

      Reply
    19. New Dress A Day

      February 27, 2013 at 11:47 pm

      5 stars
      I’m currently salivating! Mmmm!! xx Marisa

      Reply
    20. Cookbook Queen

      February 27, 2013 at 7:12 pm

      5 stars
      I’ll take this over steamed veggies any day. YUM!!!

      Reply
    21. Kevin @ Closet Cooking

      February 27, 2013 at 12:12 pm

      5 stars
      That is one nice looking sandwich!

      Reply
    22. Garry

      February 27, 2013 at 11:16 am

      5 stars
      Sandwich Porn Alert!!!!

      :)

      Reply
    23. natalie @ wee eats

      February 27, 2013 at 10:39 am

      another drool-worthy recipe with even more drool-worthy pictures! we just got a restaurant down the road that serves carne asada tortas and now i can make my own! :)

      Reply
    24. Holly

      February 27, 2013 at 10:10 am

      Hell!! I want that right now!!

      Reply

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