Hello, friends of Paulina Cocina! Today we're going to make a Beef Salad . Because who hasn't prepared a salad with fresh ingredients and a portion of meat to achieve a more balanced dish? Well, what we're going to do this time is shred that meat and combine it with the salad vegetables for a more uniform and colorful option.
In this article, we'll learn a little more about meat salpicón, its history, the reason for its charming name, the secrets to preparing it, and a beef salpicón recipe to always have on hand .
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About the salpicón
Beef salpicón is a Latin American dish made primarily from cooked and shredded beef, accompanied by ingredients such as red onion, bell peppers, tomato, pickles, olives, lettuce, avocado, chili, and fresh herbs. Salpicón's distinctive flavor is the result of a vinaigrette that combines lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
This dish is served cold and is known for its versatility, as it can be enjoyed as an appetizer, as a summer salad , or as a filling for Mexican tacos or Venezuelan arepas , being a popular choice at many culinary gatherings on hot days.
Origin of beef salpicón and why it is called that
Beef salpicón originated in Spain , where it was often prepared with game and poultry (it is still prepared today). Later, in Latin America, the recipe was adapted to include beef and other ingredients, achieving great popularity.
The versatility and simplicity of this recipe allowed each country to add its own special touch, incorporating regional ingredients and seasonings. Today, this tasty and colorful dish is enjoyed in many Latin American countries.
The word "salpicón" comes from the French term "salmigondis," which was used in the Middle Ages to refer to a mixture or "hodgepodge" of various ingredients. Over time, this idea of mixing and matching was adapted to different cuisines, giving rise to preparations unique to each culture.
What does salpicón contain?
The heart of any beef salpicón is, of course, the meat. This recipe uses cooked beef (brisket or similar cuts) shredded into thin strips. A variety of fresh and colorful ingredients are also added to add texture to the dish.
Some of the typical ingredients are:
- Red onion: Provides a spicy touch and vibrant color.
- Red and green bell peppers: Add a color contrast and a crunchy flavor.
- Tomato: Provides juiciness and a fresh, acidic flavor.
- Pickled gherkins: They offer a sweet and sour touch and an interesting texture.
- Green olives: They contribute their salty flavor and fleshy texture.
- Cilantro or parsley: They add freshness and aroma to the whole.
- Avocado: Provides creaminess and smoothness.
- Lemon: Lemon juice is essential to the dressing, providing a citrusy and refreshing touch.
In any case, this is a guideline list and items can be added or removed according to personal tastes.
How do you prepare beef salpicón?
Preparing meat salpicón is quite simple, and the result is a very filling and fresh dish . To begin, cook the meat until tender and shred it into thin strips. Then, julienne the vegetables and mix them with the meat.
The dressing is essential for the salpicón's flavor. A vinaigrette is prepared with lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. This vinaigrette is poured over the meat and vegetable mixture and tossed gently to infuse all the ingredients with flavor.
Beef salpicón is traditionally served cold , making it an ideal choice for hot days, as a salad. It's often served with tostadas, crackers, or as a taco filling, depending on personal taste.
4 tips for preparing meat salpicón
- Meat quality: Use a lean cut of meat and cook it in water with a little garlic and bay leaves for flavor.
- Uniform cut: Cut ingredients into strips or similar pieces to ensure a harmonious mix.
- Balanced Vinaigrette: Adjust the acidity of the dressing according to personal taste. You can use only lemon or only vinegar as the acidic element, or a combination of both.
- Resting time: Let the salpicón rest in the refrigerator for at least half an hour before serving so that the flavors can blend.
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Beef salpicon recipe
Yields: 4 portions
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 500 grams of cooked and shredded beef.
- 1 red onion, julienned.
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips.
- 1 green pepper, cut into thin strips.
- 1 lettuce plant
- 1 avocado
- 2 tomatoes, chopped into small cubes.
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced gherkins.
- 1/2 cup chopped green olives.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped.
- Juice of 1 lemon.
- 1/4 cup olive oil.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste.
How to make beef salpicón step by step
- In a bowl, combine the shredded beef with the red onion, peppers, tomatoes, pickles, olives, shredded lettuce, and cilantro or parsley.
- In another container, mix the lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper to prepare the vinaigrette.
- Spread the vinaigrette over the meat and vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat everything. Let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Garnish with avocado slices before serving.
