Parrilladas are the ultimate Mexican barbecue, where different cuts of meat like steaks, chicken thighs, and pork belly are marinated and cooked over the grill. Other things like marinated prawns and chorizo can be added to the mix. You can find parrilladas in Mexican restaurants, often served piping hot over cast iron pans and brought to the table, but this is a meal that you can prepare at home as well.
The thing is to serve up a variety of grilled food at the table accompanied by salads, warm tortillas, and salsa, creating your own authentic Mexican barbecue at home.
The key to making parrillada is to grill the meat over charcoal for a smoky flavour, but just as important is to marinate the meat that you are cooking. For this, we find that our selection of Gran Luchito Fajita & Spice Mixes works perfectly to bring the right amount of Mexican spices to your grilled food. Try BBQ Ancho, Smoky Chipotle, or Guajillo and choose your favourite; each one brings a different amount of heat and spice to your food. Rub them dry over meat or mix them with citrus and olive oil to create an easy marinade.
Top Tips for Hosting a Mexican Parrillada:
Use high-quality proteins; choose at least three different ones.
Season your meat well, rub the spices into your meat, and add a coating of olive oil.
Grill your chosen proteins over charcoal for more flavour, but a gas grill can be used too.
Serve the grilled meat with a variety of side dishes and salsas.
Light the charcoal on the grill and allow approximately 30 minutes for it to be hot enough and ready to use. Try to set up two sections: a hotter side where you can sear your meat first and a medium-temperature side where you can finish cooking your meat without getting it dry. Don’t forget to have the steaks and the pork at room temperature before grilling.
In the meantime, in the kitchen, season your meat while the charcoal reaches the right temperature. In a bowl, place the chicken thighs and add the Ancho BBQ Fajita & Taco Mix. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the olive oil on top, rub the spice and oil onto the chicken, and reserve in the fridge until ready to grill. In a different bowl, add the clean prawns and season with Guajillo Fajita and Taco Mixand 2 more tablespoons of olive oil. Mix with a spoon. Cover and reserve in the fridge until ready to grill.
Get the steaks and pork belly on two different plates, then season both with Chipotle Fajita & Taco Mix, add the remaining olive oil, and rub them well, making sure the sirloin and pork belly are well coated in spices and oil on both sides. Reserve.
Get ready to grill your meat. Begin with the chicken, then pork belly and steaks. Season them with a sprinkle of salt just before they are ready to go on the grill. First, sear all the meat and the sirloin on the hotter side of the grill for about 2 minutes on each side; leave the steaks to cook for one more minute to medium; remove the steaks and leave them to rest for 6 minutes before cutting. In the meantime, finish cooking the chicken and pork on the lower heat side. You can place the lid on as well to help keep the meat moist. When ready, remove the chicken and pork belly from the grill and leave them to rest for a couple of minutes.
To cook the prawns, you can place the prawns over an open fire in a suitable frying pan, add a little bit more olive oil, and add a bit of salt and lime juice on top. Let them cook for a couple of minutes until they turn pink on both sides.
To serve, slice the steak into strips and place them on a large platter, then add the grilled pork belly and chicken by the side. Serve the grilled prawns on the side, with warmSoft tacos,Tomatillo Salsa, and lime wedges. Place everything at the table, ready for everyone to enjoy!
What to serve with Parrillada
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What are some traditional sides and accompaniments for Parrillada?
Common side dishes for Mexican Parrillada include fresh salsas, guacamole, charred tortillas, Mexican rice, and beans. These flavourful combinations enhance the overall experience of enjoying Parrillada.
How is Parrillada enjoyed?
Parrillada is traditionally enjoyed in a social setting, often as part of a larger gathering with family and friends. It is a festive and communal experience, where people gather around the grill to enjoy the aromatic and delicious flavours of the meats and vegetables.
What is Parrillada?
Mexican Parrillada is a type of BBQ that features a variety of meats like beef, chicken, and pork, as well as grilled vegetables. It is a popular dish enjoyed in Mexico during outdoor gatherings and social occasions.
Are there any vegetarian options for a Parrillada?
While parrillada traditionally focuses on grilled meats, you can include vegetarian options like grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and eggplant, on the grill. Additionally, there are some meat alternatives like seitan or tofu that can be marinated and grilled to offer vegetarian-friendly options.
Can leftovers from a parrillada be used in other dishes?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled meats from a parrillada can be used in various dishes like sandwiches, tacos, quesadillas, or even chopped up and added to salads. The leftover flavours can add a delicious twist to your meals.
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