Spicy Beef Wraps

Mexican Spicy Beef Wraps Recipe

Region / culture: Mexico | Servings: 6

Introduction

Spicy Beef Wraps are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines tender beef with a flavorful spice mixture, crisp lettuce, and tangy sour cream. These wraps are perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch option that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

The origins of Spicy Beef Wraps are not entirely clear, but they are believed to have been inspired by traditional Mexican beef tacos. Over time, this recipe has evolved to include a variety of spices and ingredients to create a unique and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of lean beef sirloin (choice), 0.75" thick
1.5 tbsp of chili powder
2 tsp of dried oregano
1 tsp of ground cumin
6 whole wheat tortillas, 7" inches in diameter
1 cup of no-fat sour cream
1 tbsp of prepared horseradish
6 cups of shredded lettuce
1 large tomato, chopped
0.5 large red onion, chopped

How to prepare

Preheat the broiler in the oven and set the rack about 3-4 inches below the heating elements.
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, oregano, and cumin.
Rub the spice mixture over both sides of the beef and let it stand for 15 minutes at room temperature.
Place the beef on a broiler pan and broil it in the oven for about 5 minutes until it reaches a medium doneness (or until desired doneness).
Cut the beef into slices that are 0.13 inches thick.
Warm the tortillas according to the package directions.
In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and horseradish.
Spread 3 tbsp of the sour cream mixture over each tortilla.
Top each tortilla with 1 cup of lettuce.
Sprinkle each tortilla with the chopped red onion and tomatoes.
Divide the beef into equal portions and top each tortilla with the beef.
Fold one end of a tortilla up about 1 inch over the filling, then fold the left and right sides over the folded end, overlapping them. Serve.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the beef for a different protein option.
Add sliced bell peppers, jalapenos, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
Use different spices or seasonings to customize the flavor of the beef.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the beef stand at room temperature after seasoning it with the spice mixture to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Broil the beef to your desired level of doneness, keeping in mind that it will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

- Warm the tortillas before assembling the wraps to make them more pliable and easier to fold.

- Customize the toppings to suit your preferences, such as adding avocado, cheese, or salsa.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spicy Beef Wraps with a side of rice, beans, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Broiling the beef gives it a nice charred flavor and helps to lock in the juices for a tender and flavorful result.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt or avocado in place of sour cream for a healthier alternative.

- Use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas for a different twist on the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the spice mixture and marinate the beef in advance to save time when cooking. You can also chop the vegetables ahead of time for easy assembly.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Spicy Beef Wraps on a platter with a side of salsa, guacamole, and lime wedges for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Spicy Beef Wraps with a cold beer, margarita, or iced tea for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Spicy Beef Wraps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap the wraps in foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spicy Beef Wraps contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spicy Beef Wraps contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spicy Beef Wraps contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Spicy Beef Wraps contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Spicy Beef Wraps are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and wheat (tortillas). It may also contain soy if the tortillas are made with soybean oil.

Summary

Spicy Beef Wraps are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Spicy Beef Wraps are a flavorful and satisfying meal that is easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner option. With a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals, these wraps are a nutritious and delicious choice for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Spicy Beef Wraps. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Lillian in her cozy little kitchen. Lillian was known for her delicious and inventive cooking, and I always loved getting a chance to learn from her.

As I walked into her kitchen that day, I could smell the tantalizing aroma of spices wafting through the air. My mouth watered as I saw Lillian busy at work, chopping vegetables and marinating meat. Curious, I asked her what she was making, and she smiled mischievously before handing me a piece of paper with the recipe for Spicy Beef Wraps written on it.

Lillian explained that she had learned this recipe from her travels to Thailand, where she had spent time learning about the local cuisine. She had put her own twist on it over the years, and it had become one of her signature dishes. Intrigued, I eagerly studied the recipe, taking note of the exotic ingredients and intricate cooking techniques.

The first step was to marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and chili paste. This would infuse the meat with a bold and spicy flavor that would be the star of the dish. While the beef marinated, I helped Lillian prepare the fresh vegetables - crisp lettuce, crunchy bell peppers, and juicy tomatoes - that would accompany the beef in the wraps.

Once the beef had marinated for a few hours, it was time to cook it. Lillian showed me how to sear the beef in a hot pan until it was perfectly browned and cooked to tender perfection. The smell of sizzling meat filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

After the beef was cooked, it was time to assemble the wraps. Lillian demonstrated how to lay out a soft flour tortilla and top it with a generous portion of beef, followed by a colorful array of vegetables. She then drizzled a spicy and tangy sauce over the top, adding a final burst of flavor to the dish.

As we sat down to enjoy our Spicy Beef Wraps, I marveled at how something so simple could be so delicious. The tender beef, the crunchy vegetables, and the zesty sauce all came together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was truly unforgettable.

I asked Lillian how she had come up with such a creative and flavorful recipe, and she laughed before telling me about her own culinary journey. She had always been passionate about cooking, and she had spent years experimenting with different flavors and techniques to create her own unique dishes.

Lillian had learned to make Spicy Beef Wraps during a cooking class in Thailand, where she had been inspired by the bold and vibrant flavors of the local cuisine. She had taken the basic recipe she had learned and added her own personal touch, creating a dish that was both authentic and innovative.

As I finished my Spicy Beef Wrap, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. The bold flavors, the fresh ingredients, and the simple preparation made it a perfect dish for any occasion. I thanked Lillian for sharing her recipe with me and promised to pass it on to future generations.

And so, the recipe for Spicy Beef Wraps became a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire. I would make it for family dinners, potlucks with friends, and special occasions when I wanted to impress guests with my cooking skills. Each time I made the dish, I would think fondly of Lillian and the day she had introduced me to this delicious recipe.

In the years that followed, I would continue to experiment with different variations of the recipe, adding my own twists and adaptations to suit my own tastes. But no matter how I changed it, the essence of the Spicy Beef Wraps remained the same - a delicious and satisfying dish that brought people together and created lasting memories.

As I look back on that warm summer day in Lillian's kitchen, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from a dear friend who had opened my eyes to the wonders of world cuisine. The recipe for Spicy Beef Wraps will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy of cooking and the magic of sharing delicious food with the ones we love.