Master the Art of Latin American Grilling with These Delicious Recipes

Grilling is a beloved pastime in many parts of the world, and Latin America is no exception. In fact, the art of grilling, or “parrilla,” is a beloved tradition in many Latin American countries and is an integral part of their culture and cuisine. From Argentina to Mexico, the unique flavors and techniques of Latin American grilling are sure to tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends and family.

So, if you’re looking to master the art of Latin American grilling, you’re in luck. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing some delicious recipes that will help you bring a taste of the tropics to your backyard barbecue.

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a quick look at some of the key ingredients and techniques used in Latin American grilling.

Ingredients:

• Meat: Latin American grilling often features a variety of meats, including beef, pork, chicken, and lamb. One of the most famous cuts of meat used in Latin American grilling is the “asado,” or roast, which is typically made from beef and cooked slowly over a wood or charcoal fire.
• Spices: Latin American cuisine is known for its bold and flavorful spices, and grilling is no exception. Common spices used in Latin American grilling include cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano.
• Sauces and marinades: Latin American grilling often involves the use of sauces and marinades to add flavor and moisture to the meat. Some popular options include chimichurri, a tangy herb sauce made with parsley, garlic, and vinegar, and aji, a spicy Peruvian sauce made with chili peppers and cilantro.

Techniques:

• Slow cooking: Many Latin American grilling traditions involve slow cooking the meat over a wood or charcoal fire. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and results in a juicy and tender final product.
• Wood and charcoal grilling: Wood and charcoal grilling are popular methods in Latin American grilling, as they add a smoky flavor to the meat. In some countries, such as Argentina, wood grilling is preferred, while in others, such as Mexico, charcoal grilling is more common.
• Rotisserie grilling: Rotisserie grilling, or “spit roasting,” is another popular technique in Latin American grilling. This method involves cooking the meat on a spit over a wood or charcoal fire, allowing it to rotate slowly and evenly cook.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some delicious Latin American grilling recipes that you can try at home.

1. Argentine Asado:

The Argentine asado is a traditional roast made with beef and cooked slowly over a wood or charcoal fire. To make an Argentine asado, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4-5 lbs beef roast (such as ribeye or sirloin)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for brushing

To prepare the asado, season the roast with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat a grill to medium-high heat and brush with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the roast on the grill and cook for about 20-30 minutes per side, or until the desired level of doneness is achieved. Be sure to turn the roast occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the roast is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

2. Peruvian Grilled Chicken:

Peruvian grilled chicken, or “pollo a la brasa,” is a popular dish that is marinated in a flavorful mixture of spices and herbs before being grilled to perfection. To make Peruvian grilled chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 lbs chicken pieces (such as breasts, thighs, and drumsticks)
• 1 cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To prepare the chicken, mix together the cilantro, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Place the chicken pieces in the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.

Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade. Grill the chicken for about 10-15 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Serve the grilled chicken with your choice of sides and enjoy!

3. Brazilian Churrasco:

Churrasco, or Brazilian barbecue, is a popular grilling tradition that features a variety of meats cooked over a wood or charcoal fire. To make a traditional Brazilian churrasco, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4-5 lbs beef, pork, and chicken skewers
• 2 cups chimichurri sauce (see recipe below)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the chimichurri sauce:

• 1 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To prepare the chimichurri sauce, mix together the parsley, cilantro, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.

To prepare the churrasco, season the skewers with salt and pepper on all sides. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes per side, or until the meat is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F for poultry and 145°F for pork and beef.

Serve the churrasco with the chimichurri sauce on the side for dipping and enjoy!

4. Mexican Carne Asada:

Carne asada, or grilled beef, is a popular dish in Mexico that is often served at family gatherings and celebrations. To make Mexican carne asada, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs skirt or flank steak
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To prepare the carne asada, mix together the lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Place the steak in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over the top. Seal the bag and marinate the steak in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.

Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and remove the steak from the marinade, discarding the excess marinade. Grill the steak for about 8-10 minutes per side, or until it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serve the carne asada with your choice of sides, such as grilled vegetables, beans, and rice, and enjoy!

5. Cuban Pork Chops:

Cuban pork chops, or “chuletas de puerco,” are a delicious and flavorful grilling option that are sure to impress your guests. To make Cuban pork chops, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 pork chops
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To prepare the pork chops, mix together the orange juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Place the pork chops in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over the top. Seal the bag and marinate the pork chops in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.

Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and remove the pork chops from the marinade, discarding the excess marinade. Grill the pork chops for about 8-10 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Serve the Cuban pork chops with your choice of sides, such as black beans, rice, and plantains, and enjoy!

6. Colombian Grilled Corn:

Grilled corn, or “elote,” is a popular street food in many Latin American countries, including Colombia. To make Colombian grilled corn, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, husked
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup queso fresco, crumbled
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp lime juice
• Salt, to taste

To prepare the grilled corn, preheat a grill to medium-high heat and grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is tender and slightly charred. Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool slightly.

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, queso fresco, chili powder, lime juice, and salt. Spread the mixture over the grilled corn and serve immediately.

7. Venezuelan Grilled Plantains:

Grilled plantains, or “plátanos asados,” are a delicious and sweet treat that are popular in many Latin American countries, including Venezuela. To make Venezuelan grilled plantains, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 ripe plantains
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt, to taste

To prepare the grilled plantains, preheat a grill to medium-high heat and slice the plantains into 1/2-inch thick slices. Brush the plantains with the melted butter and season with the cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Grill the plantains for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Remove the plantains from the grill and serve immediately.

8. Ecuadorian Grilled Pork:

Ecuadorian grilled pork, or “chancho al horno,” is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for your next backyard barbecue. To make Ecuadorian grilled pork, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
• 1/2 cup aji sauce (see recipe below)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the aji sauce:

• 1 cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To prepare the aji sauce, mix together the cilantro, onion, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, jalapeno peppers, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.

To prepare the grilled pork, season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper on all sides. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and grill the pork shoulder for about 30-40 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Brush the pork shoulder with the aji sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Remove the pork shoulder from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

We hope these additional Latin American grilling recipes have inspired you to try something new on the grill. Whether you’re in the mood for a savory roast, succulent skewers, or sweet plantains, these recipes are sure to satisfy your grilling cravings. So gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and enjoy a taste of the tropics in your own backyard.