Steak quesadilla is one of the most versatile Tex-Mex dishes out there. One is allowed to customize this dish according to their tastes and preferences. The steak quesadilla, a standard variation, is equipped with melted cheese, seasoned steak and juicy flavour. This crowd-pleaser menu is suitable for any occasion.
What is Steak Quesadilla?
Steak quesadilla is a very popular and sought-after Mexican dish. This food is basically a tortilla equipped with cheese and other ingredients such as vegetables, meats and spices, folded and cooked. The term ‘Quesadilla’ originates from ‘Queso’, a Spanish word which means cheese. The melted cheese elevates the flavour to a great extent.
Steak Quesadilla: The Recipe
If you are looking forward to preparing steak quesadilla, then you should follow the step-by-step methods described below:
Essential Ingredients of Steak Quesadilla
- Flank steak
- Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar)
- Flour tortilla
- Quesadilla seasoning
- Thinly sliced onion
- Thinly sliced bell pepper
- Thinly sliced jalapenos
- Salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for serving
Cooking Instructions for Steak Quesadilla
Steak Marinate
The first step is to marinate the steal with olive oil and quesadilla seasoning. Do it evenly on both sides. Leave it marinated for a few hours or whole night. You can keep it in the refrigerator for the best results.
Cook the Steak
Take the steak in skillet and cook it for around 5 minutes on each under medium-high heat. Cooking it till it reaches your preferred level of doneness. Leave the steak as it is for a few minutes after cooking.
Cook the Veggie
Take the sliced onion, bell pepper and other vegetables in the same skillet and cook them in olive oil under medium heat. Once the vegetables should become caramelized and tender, add the jalapenos in it.
Organize the Ingredients in Layers
Heat a skillet over medium heat and put one tortilla. Make a layer of cheese on it. Then on it a layer of steak and sauted vegetable one by one. Put some more cheese on the top of everything.
Fold and Cook
Now take the tortilla and fold to make a half-moon shape. Cook the whole thing till its cheese starts melting and it gets a golden brown colour. Do not cook it more than 3-4 minutes over medium heat. Flip and cook the other side of the tortilla in the same way.
Serve the Steak Quesadilla
After cooking, put the cooked steak quesadilla in a separate place and let it cool. Slicing them into some wedges is another option for you to consider. You can garnish it with several ingredients of your choice and serve it with various side dishes like salsa, guacamole and sour cream.
Tips to Consider to Make the Best Steak Quesadilla?
Use High-Quality Ingredients in Steak Quesadilla
You are supposed to use the high-quality materials to prepare the ultimate steak quesadilla. The cheese and steak should be of top-notch quality. The quality and freshness will decide the texture and flavour of the cooked steak quesadilla. Using high-grade cuts of cheese and meats is highly recommended.
Refrain from Overfilling
It would never be a good for you to do overfilling. You should leave some space in the quesadilla while filling it with various ingredients. If it is overfilled or stuffed, then you will find it difficult to cook properly. Flipping it will also make it difficult. Hence, you should do the filling in a balanced way with right amount of vegetables, cheese and steak.
Use Medium Heat
Using medium heat is recommended while steak quesadilla. If you cook it over low heat, then the dish might be undercooked and the process would be time-consuming. While using high heat might spoil or burn the dish. Only the medium heat will ensure even cooking without burning the tortilla at all.
Let it Rest
Once the steak is cooked, you are supposed to rest it for a few minutes. It will make the filling flavourful and tender while making outside crispy. This is how you can make the texture of the steak quesadilla as best possible.
Utilize a Press
In case you have a quesadilla press, then you should use it to ensure even cooking of this dish. Knowing the right way to use is also important for you.
Add-Ons and Variations to Consider in Steak Quesadilla
You have different options, including add-ons and variations to steak quesadillas. Here are some of the best options that you could go for:
BBQ Steak Quesadilla
If you wish to have smoky twist, then you shoud proceed to use BBQ sauce instead of the regular seasonings. Once the steak is cooked, you just have to mix it with your favourite BBQ sauce to ensure the best flavour.
Make it Spicy
If you love extra spicy food, then you can make spicy steak quesadilla. You are just required to incorporate more amount of spicy salsa, serrano peppers, and jalapenos. Adding some pepper jack cheese will also ensure an added kick.
Breakfast Steak Quesadilla
Adding breakfast potatoes and scrambles eggs to the steak quesadilla will make it a heathy morning breakfast. Using some hot sauce will add an extra flavour in it.
Useful Tips on Ingredient Options
If you wish to prepare the best steak quesadilla, then you need to consider the quality, type and option of ingredients to make the recipe. Here are some the things and options you must consider in regard to ingredients.
Steak
This is the star ingredient of steak quesadilla. There are different kinds of steak that you are allowed to use for this purpose.
Flank Steak
This type of steak will ensure a rich flavour in the quesadilla. If you use this steak, then you need to cook it over high heat.
Skirt Steak
Using this flavourful and thin will be another good option for you to consider. It makes it easy for do the cooking steak quesadilla.
Ribeye
This steak is there to add an additional level of flavour and tenderness in this dish. It is rather a more luxurious option for you.
Cheese
When it comes to cheese, you have quite a handful of options to consider before choosing the best one. Your options are:
Cheddar
This is this most common option for you to go for. This flavourful and sharp cheese just melts upon being heated for a couple of minutes.
Monterey Jack
This is another popular cheese used in the making of quesadilla. It introduces a mild flavour and creamy texture. It will be quite classic choice for you.
Queso Oaxaca
This cheese is quite similar to mozzarella, which melts beautifully upon being heated. Using this will be a good option.
Tortillas
This is the foundation ingredient for making steak quesadilla. Most of the people use flour tortillas. You can also use the same tortilla to get a neutral flavour and pliability.
Quesadilla Seasoning
You are supposed to prepare this seasoning with the help of different ingredients such as salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin and chili powder etc. If you want, you have the option to add some additional ingredients to make it a little unique.
Additional Ingredients to Consider
To make your recipe unique and distinct, you can decide to use additional ingredients. Some of such ingredients are sour cream, Avocado or Guacamole, and Jalapenos. The amount or portion of using such additional ingredients will determine the flavour of the dish.
Conclusion
Making the best steak quesadilla will be easy and fast if you can follow all the steps describe above. You can serve this versatile dish to your guests at any occasion. The meal is bound to be delicious and flavourful. The important thing is to use the best quality ingredients and following the right cooking methods. Now you know how to make quesadillas.
Whether you wish to use Steak Quesadilla for a lightweight dinner or for some other purpose, you can do it. This amazing recipe will be a hit dish. Doing some prior research on this dish will be essential for you. Many people consider it as one of the ultimate chicken dishes.
FAQs
Which Steak Will Be Best Used for the Steak Quesadilla Recipe?
Ans: There is no single best steak for this recipe. You can choose from various steak options such as Ribeye, skirt steak, and flank steak. Each of these steak types has its own flavour. It all depends on your personal preference.
How to Make a Healthier Version of Quesadilla Recipe?
Ans: To make this dish healthier, you have the option to use reduced-fat cheese, lean cuts of steak and white tortillas. Moreover, adding more vegetables will make it healthier and nutritious. Including spinach will be a good option to consider to make it healthier.
Can You Cook Quesadilla in an Oven?
Ans: Yes, you can definitely cook quesadilla in an oven. All you need to do is preheat your oven to a temperature of 400°F (200°C). Bake the quesadilla for around 8-10 minutes for best results. You should flip it halfway to ensure it is even cooking and crispy.
What are Some Essential Tips to Consider While Cooking Steak Quesadilla?
Ans: There are several useful tips that you must consider. For example, it is important for you to use the fresh and high-quality ingredients while making this dish. On the other hand, cooking it in medium heat is essential to make it crispy and juicy. Flipping the tortilla midway to cook the other side is another vital aspect for you to consider.
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