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What to Serve with Carne Asada? 14 Worth-trying Side Dishes

Are you looking for the perfect side dish to complement your incredible carne asada?

Look no further!

We’ve got you covered with 14 recipes that will have your family and friends asking for more.

Each recipe is unique, flavorful, and sure to make even the pickiest guests satisfied.

Plus, each one can easily be adjusted to fit any dietary restrictions or preferences.

So get ready to take your carne asada experience up a notch with these savory side dishes – from creamy avocado cilantro lime rice to spicy Mexican street corn – this list of suggested recipes will tantalize your tastebuds!

What to Serve with Carne Asada? 14 Worth-trying Side Dishes

1. Pico De Gallo

Pico de gallo is a delicious and fresh side dish that is perfect for any Mexican-inspired meal.

The dish is made with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, and it is typically served as salsa or a condiment.

It can also be used as a topping for tacos or enchiladas.

Pico de gallo has a fresh and vibrant flavor that is perfect for summertime meals.

The acidity of the lime juice pairs well with the richness of the carne asada, and the cilantro adds a beautiful pop of color.

The dish is also incredibly easy to make, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

There are a few tips that can help you elevate your pico de gallo from good to great.

First, make sure to use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.

Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of onions – red onions add a beautiful sweetness, while white onions add a bit of sharpness.

And finally, make sure to give the pico de gallo plenty of time to sit so that the flavors have a chance to meld together.

2. Guacamole

Guacamole is a dish that is synonymous with Mexican cuisine.

This dish is traditionally made with avocados, onions, tomatoes, lime juice, and cilantro.

Guacamole can be enjoyed as a dip, on tacos, or even on its own.

The taste of guacamole is creamy and smooth, with a slight acidity from the lime juice.

The texture comes from the avocado, which can range from chunky to smooth, depending on how it is prepared.

Tips on elevating the dish include adding in fresh fruit like mango or pineapple, as well as incorporating other vegetables like jicama or radishes.

3. Chips and Salsa

Chips and salsa are classic Mexican dishes that can be enjoyed as a snack or a side dish.

The combination of salty chips and fresh salsa is delicious and perfect for any occasion.

There are endless ways to elevate this dish, but here are three simple tips that will take your chips and salsa to the next level.

First, try using different types of chips.

Instead of the standard tortilla chips, try using pita chips, plantain chips, or even popcorn.

Each type of chip will add a different flavor and texture to the dish.

Second, experiment with different types of salsa.

Traditional salsa is made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, but there are many variations of this popular sauce.

Try making mango salsa, pineapple salsa, or even roasted tomato salsa.

The options are endless.

Third, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings.

In addition to the traditional toppings of sour cream and cheese, try adding avocado, jalapeno peppers, or even crumbled bacon.

4. Refried Beans

If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty side dish to accompany your carne asada, look no further than refried beans.

Refried beans are a classic Mexican dish that is packed with flavor.

The beans are usually made from pinto or black beans, and they are cooked until they are soft and then mashed.

They are typically seasoned with onions, garlic, chili peppers, and cumin.

Refried beans have a creamy and smooth texture, with a slightly nutty flavor.

They are the perfect complement to the rich flavor of carne asada.

If you want to elevate your refried beans, try adding some cheese or sour cream on top.

You can also add some chopped green onions or cilantro for extra flavor.

5. Spanish Rice

Spanish rice is a classic side dish that is often served with carne asada.

This dish is usually made with white rice, but you can also use brown rice for a more nutritious meal.

Spanish rice is usually seasoned with garlic, onion, and tomato sauce.

It can also be spiced up with cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.

This dish is simple to make and can be easily tailored to your taste.

If you like your food on the spicier side, add more chili powder or cayenne pepper.

If you prefer a milder flavor, stick to the garlic and onion.

You can also add other vegetables to this dish, such as corn, green peppers, or zucchini.

This dish can be served as a main course or a side dish.

It pairs well with chicken, beef, or pork.

For a vegetarian option, serve it with black beans or lentils.

If you’re looking for a heartier meal, add some chopped chicken or beef to the rice before serving.

6. Black Beans

Black beans are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.

They’re packed with fiber and protein, and their rich, earthy flavor goes well with a variety of other ingredients.

When it comes to taste and texture, black beans are similar to other types of beans like pinto beans or kidney beans.

They have a firm, meaty texture and a slightly nutty flavor.

One of the best ways to enjoy black beans is to add them to a salad or grain bowl.

They can also be used as a filling for tacos or burritos.

If you want to elevate your black bean dish, try adding some fresh herbs or spices.

Cilantro, lime juice, and chili powder are all great options.

You can also experiment with different types of cuisines.

Black beans go well in Latin American-inspired dishes as well as Indian curries.

7. Fried Plantains

When it comes to side dishes, plantains are a classic Caribbean option that can be served with just about anything.

Fried plantains are a delicious way to enjoy this starchy fruit, and they can be made in sweet or savory dishes.

Fried plantains have a soft and slightly sweet flavor with a crispy exterior.

They can be enjoyed as is or with dipping sauces on the side.

Plantains can also be added to other dishes like stews and curries for extra flavor and texture.

For an elevated dish, try serving fried plantains with dipping sauces like chimichurri or sour cream.

You can also top them with shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or diced avocado for extra flavor.

8. Arepas

Arepas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

They are made from cornmeal and have a slightly sweet flavor.

The texture is dense and chewy, with a slightly crispy exterior.

There are many ways to enjoy arepas.

They can be topped with cheese, eggs, avocado, or any other toppings of your choice.

They can also be enjoyed plain, with just a little bit of butter or margarine.

Here are some tips on how to make the perfect arepa:

  • Be sure to use fine cornmeal for the best texture.
  • Pre-cook the arepas in the oven before adding your toppings. This will help them to retain their shape and prevent them from falling apart.
  • Add some fat (butter, margarine, oil) to the cooking water to give the arepas a richer flavor.

9. Tostones

Carne asada is a delicious and hearty dish, but it can be a little heavy on its own.

That’s why finding the perfect side dish is essential.

Tostones are a great option because they’re light and crispy, with a delicious flavor that pairs perfectly with carne asada.

Tostones have a unique taste and texture- they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a slightly salty flavor.

They’re also very versatile- you can top them with anything from avocado to salsa to sour cream.

There are a few tips to keep in mind when making tostones.

First, make sure your plantains are ripe- they should be yellow or brown, not green.

Second, don’t over-fry them- they should be golden brown, not dark brown.

Lastly, season them well with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.

10. Empanadas

Empanadas are delicious little pockets of goodness that can be filled with just about anything.

The most common fillings are beef, chicken, or cheese, but the possibilities are endless.

Empanadas can be baked or fried, and they’re usually served with a dipping sauce on the side.

The taste and texture of empanadas depend on the filling and dough.

The dough is usually made from flour, water, and fat, and it can be either savory or sweet.

The fillings are usually savory, although sweet empanadas are also popular in some parts of the world.

The most common savory fillings include beef, chicken, cheese, and vegetables.

There are many ways to elevate this dish.

One way is to use a different kind of dough, such as puff pastry or phyllo dough.

Another way is to experiment with different fillings.

For example, you could try the sweet potato and goat cheese filling, or a BBQ chicken filling.

You could also top your empanadas with a variety of sauces, such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

11. Paella

Paella is a classic Spanish dish that is perfect for any occasion.

It is a rice-based dish that is typically made with chicken, shrimp, and chorizo.

Paella can also be made with other meats such as pork or beef.

The dish is typically seasoned with saffron, which gives it a unique flavor.

Paella is a very versatile dish, so it can be made to suit any taste.

If you want a more traditional paella, then you can keep the ingredients simple.

However, if you want to elevate the dish, then you can add more ingredients, such as vegetables or seafood.

No matter how you make it, paella is sure to be a hit.

Here are some tips on how to make the perfect paella:

  • Make sure to use Bomba rice, as this is the traditional type of rice used in paella.
  • If you want to add seafood, then make sure to cook the shellfish first and then add them into the dish at the end.
  • Don’t forget to season your paella with saffron. This will give it a beautiful yellow color and a unique flavor.

12. Arroz Con Pollo

Arroz con pollo is a classic dish that is loved by many.

It is a simple dish that is made up of rice and chicken, but the flavors are anything but simple.

The rice is usually infused with the flavors of the chicken, making it a delicious and hearty dish.

The dish can also be elevated by adding other ingredients such as vegetables or spices.

The taste and texture of arroz con pollo are what make it so popular.

The rice is usually fluffy and full of flavor, while the chicken is tender and juicy.

This dish can be made even more delicious by adding in other ingredients such as vegetables or spices.

If you want to elevate the dish, try adding in some sautéed onions or garlic or even some diced tomatoes.

You can also add in some cumin or chili powder for an extra kick of flavor.

13. Albondigas Soup

Albondigas soup is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for wintertime.

The soup is made with beef and pork meatballs, vegetables, and a flavorful broth.

The meatballs are tender, and the vegetables are cooked to perfection.

The soup is also very filling and satisfying.

One of the best things about albondigas soup is its versatility.

You can easily add or remove ingredients to suit your taste.

For example, if you want a more robust flavor, you can add more spices to the soup.

Or, if you prefer a lighter soup, you can omit the meatballs altogether.

There are also many ways to elevate this dish.

One way is to use homemade beef or pork sausage instead of ground beef or pork.

This will give the soup a richer flavor and make the meatballs moister.

Another way to make the soup more special is to add some fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, before serving.

14. Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a traditional Spanish soup made with fresh vegetables and served cold.

It’s the perfect summer dish because it’s light, refreshing, and can be easily made ahead of time.

The best gazpachos are made with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions.

For a little bit of heat, add some jalapeno peppers.

The soup is typically blended until smooth, but you can also leave it chunky if you prefer.

Gazpacho is usually served with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped herbs on top.

It’s the perfect side dish for grilled meats or fish.

If you’re looking to elevate your gazpacho game, try adding in some fresh fruit like watermelon or cantaloupe.

You can also add in some cooked shrimp or diced avocado.

Conclusion

There are a ton of great side dishes that go well with carne asada.

In this blog post, we have listed 14 of the best side dishes to serve with carne asada.

These include traditional favorites like pico de gallo and guacamole, as well as some new twists like chips and salsa or refried beans.

Whatever sides you choose, we hope you enjoy your carne asada.

What to Serve with Carne Asada? 14 Worth-trying Side Dishes

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sides
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Pico De Gallo
  • 2. Guacamole
  • 3. Chips and Salsa
  • 4. Refried Beans
  • 5. Spanish Rice
  • 6. Black Beans
  • 7. Fried Plantains
  • 8. Arepas
  • 9. Tostones
  • 10. Empanadas
  • 11. Paella
  • 12. Arroz Con Pollo
  • 13. Albondigas Soup
  • 14. Gazpacho

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite sides from the list above.
  • Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
  • If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!