Grilling & BBQ

Argentine Asado

Argentine Asado
Experience the heart of Argentine culture with this traditional Asado, featuring premium cuts of meat grilled to perfection over charcoal and wood. Each bite offers a smoky, tender flavor profile perfectly complemented by the zesty, herb-filled bite of homemade chimichurri.

Prep

45m

Cook

120m

Serves

6


Ingredients

Qty Ingredient
4 lbs 1.8 kg Tira de Asado (Beef short ribs, flanken-cut)
3 lbs 1.35 kg Vacío (Flank steak or thin flank)
6 pieces 6 pieces Argentine Chorizo (Pork Sausages)
0.5 cup 120 g Sal Parrillera (Coarse sea salt)
1 cup 60 g Fresh Parsley (for Chimichurri)
4 cloves 4 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced)
1 tbsp 15 g Dried Oregano
0.25 cup 60 ml Red Wine Vinegar
0.5 cup 120 ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp 5 g Red Pepper Flakes

How to Make Argentine Asado

1

Step 1. Prepare the Chimichurri: Finely chop the parsley and garlic. Mix in a bowl with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Let it sit for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.

2

Step 2. Prepare the Fire: Start a large fire using a mix of hardwood charcoal and logs. Wait until the wood has burned down to glowing white coals.

3

Step 3. Temper the Meat: Remove all meat from the refrigerator at least 45 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature.

4

Step 4. Set the Heat: Spread the coals under the grill (parrilla). You should be able to hold your hand 6 inches above the grate for about 6-8 seconds.

5

Step 5. Season: Liberally coat all sides of the meat with Sal Parrillera (coarse salt). Avoid using fine table salt.

6

Step 6. Grill the Ribs: Place the Tira de Asado (short ribs) bone-side down on the grill. This protects the meat and allows the heat to travel through the bone. Cook for about 45-60 minutes on the bone side.

7

Step 7. Grill the Steaks and Sausages: Place the Vacío and Chorizos on the grill. The Vacío usually takes about 25-30 minutes per side depending on thickness.

8

Step 8. Flip and Finish: Once the ribs show blood beads on the top surface, flip them and cook for another 15-20 minutes. Flip the Vacío when it has a deep brown crust.

9

Step 9. Rest: Remove the meat from the grill and let it rest on a wooden board for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

10

Step 10. Serve: Slice the meat against the grain and serve immediately with a generous spoonful of chimichurri.

Chef's Tips

  • ·

    Never use lighter fluid; it taints the flavor of the meat.

  • ·

    Use a 'brasero' or side basket to light new coals so you can replenish the heat without adding raw smoke to the meat.

  • ·

    The 'bone-down' rule for ribs is essential for achieving that tender, fall-off-the-bone texture without drying the meat.

  • ·

    If the fat starts to cause flare-ups, move the meat to a cooler part of the grill or spread the coals thinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best wood for an Argentine Asado?
Hardwoods like Oak, Hickory, or traditionally Quebracho are best because they provide steady heat and a clean smoky flavor.
Why use coarse salt instead of table salt?
Coarse salt (Sal Parrillera) creates a delicious crust and doesn't over-salt the interior of the meat like fine salt can.
What is 'Vacio' in American cuts?
Vacio is most similar to the Flank Steak or the Thin Flank, often including a layer of fat that is usually trimmed off in US supermarkets.
How do I know when the coals are ready?
The coals should be covered in a light grey ash and glowing red in the center with no active flames touching the meat.

Video Tutorials

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