Tortas de Arrachera (Mexican Steak Sandwiches)
Crusty rolls packed with citrus marinated grilled steak, refried beans, melted cheese and creamy guacamole.
Made with Classic guacamole and Refried beans (frijoles refritos) and Carne asada marinade. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time30 min plus marinating
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £2.71 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Put the steak in a non metal dish, pour over your ready made carne asada marinade (see the base recipe), turn to coat and chill for 2 to 8 hours. Discard the used marinade afterwards.
- 2
Lift the steak out and pat it very dry. Heat a griddle or heavy frying pan until smoking hot. Cook the steak for 3 minutes on each side for medium.
6 min - 3
Rest the steak on a board for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly across the grain.
5 min - 4
Split the rolls and toast them cut side down on the pan for 1 minute until crisp. Warm the refried beans (see the base recipe) in a small pan.
- 5
Spread beans on the bottom of each roll, then add the steak and scatter over the cheese. Put under a hot grill for 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
2 min - 6
Top with guacamole (see the base recipe), tomato, lettuce and pickled jalapeños, close and serve straight away.
Tips
- Slice the steak thinly across the grain or the sandwich will be chewy.
- Toast the cut sides of the rolls so the beans do not make the bread soggy.
- Add a spoonful of salsa taquera for a hotter torta.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten straight away. Keep cooked steak in the fridge for up to 3 days, cooled within 1 to 2 hours, and reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
What bread is best for a torta?
A bolillo or telera roll is traditional. In the UK, small crusty white rolls or ciabatta rolls work well because they crisp up when toasted.
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes. Use 600 g boneless chicken thighs marinated for 2 to 4 hours and cook for 5 to 6 minutes a side until no pink remains and the juices run clear.
More made with classic guacamole
Totopos con Guacamole y Pico de Gallo (Chips with Guacamole and Fresh Salsa)
GFDFEFTostadas de Atun Sellado con Aguacate y Chipotle (Seared Tuna Tostadas)
GFDFEFTacos de Camaron al Mojo de Ajo (Garlic Prawn Tacos)
DFEFNFPapas Asadas Rellenas de Carne Sazonada (Taco-Loaded Baked Potatoes)
GFEFNFDouble check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.