Thin beef skewers {Carne en palito/chuzos/pinchos}
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
5 mins
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Additional Time
2 hrs
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
8 to 10 as an appetizer or ~4-6 as part of a main meal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer
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Cuisine
South American, American, Ecuadorian
Thin beef skewers {Carne en palito/chuzos/pinchos}
Description
Thin beef strips, cut carne asada style, are marinated in a mix of orange juice, cooking oil, crushed garlic, achiote powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. This blend adds both color and a balance of citrus and earthy spices. Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning during grilling.
The skewers cook on a very hot grill for several minutes per side, allowing the beef to develop a slight char while remaining tender inside. The relatively quick cooking time preserves juiciness and texture.
Serving suggestions include accompaniment with aji criollo hot sauce, tomato and onion curtido salsa, and either grilled or fried ripe plantains. These add freshness, heat, and sweetness, balancing the savory grilled beef well.
The recipe notes that chicken or pork can be substituted for the beef, making the method adaptable to different proteins.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef thinly cut carne asada style and cut in long strips
- 2-4 tbs orange juice
- 1 tbs neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- 6-8 garlic crushed, cloves
- 2 tsp achiote powder
- 1-2 tsp cumin ground
- salt to taste
Can be served with:
- tomato curtido salsa
- onion curtido salsa
- plantains or grilled ripe plantains, fried, ripe
- aji criollo hot sauce
- queso sauce Ecuadorian style cilantro
Instructions
- Mix the orange juice, olive oil, garlic, achiote, cumin, salt and pepper together to make a marinade.
- Season the meat with the marinade and refrigerate for a couple of hours.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water while the meat is marinating - this will prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Slide the meat onto the skewers and grill on each side until done, depending on your grill this should just take a few minutes per side, make sure the grill is very hot.
- Serve immediately with aji criollo or other sauces, ripe plantains, and/or tomato onion curtido salsa.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water before grilling to prevent burning.
- Marinate the meat for a few hours to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Chicken or pork can be used instead of beef following the same method.
- Serve immediately after grilling for best texture and flavor.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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