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Dan the Man

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #1 of 5 (5333 views)

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Arrachera in the U.S.

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We were in Quintana Roo in July and we bought arrachera in a meat market a couple of times. Marinated and cooked on the grill, it's the best cut of beef I've ever had. My question: is it available in the U.S. and where can you get it? I've read that this cut is called "skirt steak" in the U.S. Any hints on what to order from a U.S. butcher to get arrachera?
Thanks,
Dan

Gus Baez

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #2 of 5 (5329 views)

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Arrachera in the U.S.

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Hi "Arrachera's Fans",
I am mexican and lived in the US for a few years, so I had to find myself the cut of meat equivalent to mexican arrachera and basically you can find it in any supermarket as "Flank Steak". Skirt could be a good substitute, but definetelly not the same. Skirt is mostly used when you cook the meat instead of grilling it. Arrachera is a cut for grilling. Depending on your personal tastes, you might just marinate it with lime juice, salt,and pepper, or if you prefer to do it, add onions, garlic, and some beer .... beer will tenederize the meat so it will require less "grilling time". Hope this will help.
Enjoy!!!

Gus

Don

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

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Arrachera in the U.S.

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In the US, meat markets sell skirt steaks. In Mexico you can buy packages of arrachera at Sam's Club. See attached web site.
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Bob Brent

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

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Arrachera in the U.S.---Arrachera con Ajo y Limon a la Parilla

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Arrachera con Ajo y Limon a la Parilla

http://mexicanfood.about.com/cs/miscbeef/index.htm?rnk=r1&terms=Arrachera

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Frank

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #5 of 5 (5331 views)

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Arrachera in the U.S.

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Dan,

Skirt steak at a regular grocery store will not be
the cut you want. You need to find a spanish grocery store that has a meat counter. They will
have arrachera and it may be also be referred to as skirt steak. The key is that there cut of meat has more fat layered in it and that is what really gives it the flavor. The other key thing that you need to ask for is to have them "run it through the machine". This will flatten out and tenderize the meat even further. At the same store you will
find "Adobo" which is a spanish style of seasoning
which you can sprinkle on the meat prior to cooking. To really enjoy the steak you need to grill it and eat it immediately. It cooks really fast so you need to be careful not to over cook it. My parents have amny mexican friends who turned us on to arrachera years ago.

enjoy!!

Frank