Here’s a delicious, authentic-style Carne Asada Gorditas recipe — thick, warm masa pockets stuffed with juicy grilled beef and toppings. Simple, traditional, and packed with flavor!
⭐ Carne Asada Gorditas
Ingredients
For the Gorditas
- 2 cups masa harina (Maseca or similar)
- 1 ½ – 2 cups warm water
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp oil (optional—makes them softer)
For the Carne Asada
- 1–1½ lbs skirt steak, flank steak, or sirloin
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp orange juice (optional but traditional)
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder or paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
Toppings / Fillings
- Chopped onion
- Cilantro
- Salsa roja or salsa verde
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
- Queso fresco
- Lime wedges
⭐ Instructions
1. Marinate the Carne Asada
- Combine lime juice, orange juice, garlic, oil, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and oregano.
- Coat the steak well and marinate at least 30 minutes (2–4 hours is best).
2. Make the Gorditas
- In a bowl, mix masa harina + salt, then slowly add warm water until the dough is soft, not sticky.
- It should feel like Play-Doh.
- Knead 1 minute.
- Divide into 8–10 balls.
- Flatten each ball to about ½ inch thick—thicker than a tortilla.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Cook each gordita 2–3 minutes per side, until it puffs slightly and gets spots of browning.
- Remove from heat and carefully slice a pocket halfway around the edge.
(Don’t cut all the way through.) - If desired, fry lightly in a thin layer of oil until crisp outside—optional but amazing.
3. Cook the Carne Asada
- Heat a grill or skillet to high.
- Cook steak 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
- Rest 5 minutes, then chop into small pieces.
4. Build the Gorditas
Stuff each gordita with:
- Spoonful of chopped carne asada
- A bit of onion
- Cilantro
- Your favorite salsa
- Optional: guacamole, queso fresco, or shredded lettuce
🌮 Tips for Perfect Gorditas
- If dough cracks, add more water (1 tbsp at a time).
- If too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more masa harina.
- To make them extra soft, wrap the cooked gorditas in a clean towel while working.
If you’d like, I can give you:
🔥 Spicy version, 🧀 cheese-stuffed gorditas, or 🥑 low-carb option.
