Loaded Steak Quesadillas

Crafting steak quesadillas is an artful balance of flavors and textures that never fails to satisfy. This recipe elevates the classic dish with a tantalizing blend of spices, tender sirloin steak, and an array of vibrant toppings. The result? A mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner with friends or a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups Mexican Cheese Blend
• 1/2 cup drained fire-roasted corn kernels
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup black beans
• 1 small diced avocado
• Lime wedges and fresh minced cilantro, for garnish

For the Steak:

• 1 lb/500g sirloin steak
• 1 tsp ancho chili powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp ground Mexican oregano
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, mix all the spices and salt together for the steak seasoning. Generously coat the steak with the seasoning mixture.
3. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for no longer than 3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
4. On the prepared baking dish, place 2 tortillas and sprinkle each with 1/2 cup of cheese. Top with tomatoes, black beans, corn, and avocado.
5. Thinly slice the rested steak against the grain. Arrange the steak slices on top of the filled tortillas.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese equally over all quesadillas and top with the remaining tortillas.
7. Bake for 10 minutes in the oven until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and slice before they cool.
9. Serve with lime wedges, sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

1. Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use other cuts such as flank steak or ribeye, but adjust cooking times accordingly based on the thickness of the steak.
2. What can I substitute for fire-roasted corn kernels if I can’t find them?
   • Regular corn kernels or frozen corn can be used as a substitute for fire-roasted corn.
3. Can I make these quesadillas vegetarian?
   • Absolutely! Simply omit the steak and add extra veggies or substitute with meat alternatives like tofu or tempeh.
4. How can I make these quesadillas spicier?
   • Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapenos or chipotle peppers for an extra kick.
5. Can I prepare the steak ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can season and sear the steak in advance, then refrigerate it until ready to use. Bring it to room temperature before assembling the quesadillas.
6. What other toppings can I add to customize these quesadillas?
   • Get creative with toppings like sliced bell peppers, onions, olives, or jalapenos to tailor the quesadillas to your taste preferences.
7. Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time and reheat them?
   • While they’re best served fresh, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.
8. Is it necessary to use Mexican cheese blend, or can I use other types of cheese?
   • Mexican cheese blend works well for its melting properties and flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

Tips:

1. To ensure even cooking, slice the steak thinly against the grain.
2. Don’t overcrowd the tortillas with toppings to prevent them from becoming soggy.
3. For added flavor, brush the tortillas with a bit of olive oil before baking for a crispy finish.
4. Customize the level of spice in the steak seasoning to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper.

With its flavorful steak, gooey cheese, and vibrant toppings, these Steak Quesadillas are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy the delicious fusion of Mexican-inspired flavors in every bite!

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