Grilled Tortas with Meat, Cheese, and Avocado | Arteflame Recipe

Introduction

Grilled tortas filled with perfectly seared meat, melty cheese, and creamy avocado are a mouthwatering way to enjoy a Mexican classic, all made on the versatile Arteflame grill. The even heat distribution of the flat cooktop gives the tortas a perfect crisp without burning, while the high-heat center allows you to sear the meat for maximum flavor. This recipe is quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for casual gatherings or a fun family meal. Let's get started!

Ingredients

• 4 bolillo rolls (or any sandwich roll)
• 1 lb flank steak or chicken breast
• 8 slices of cheese (Monterey Jack or Queso Oaxaca)
• 2 ripe avocados, sliced
• 1 cup refried beans
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Pickled jalapeños (optional)
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

First, light the Arteflame grill. Stack firewood on top of three vegetable-oil-soaked paper napkins and ignite them. Let the grill heat for about 20 minutes until it reaches the right cooking temperature. The center grill grate will be extremely hot, perfect for searing the meat, while the flat cooktop will have varying heat zones for toasting the rolls and heating other ingredients.

2. Season and Sear the Meat

While the grill heats up, season the flank steak (or chicken breast) with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Rub a little vegetable oil on the meat to prevent sticking.

Sear the meat over the center grate, where the temperature reaches over 1,000°F. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side for a nice crust while keeping the inside juicy. Move the meat to the cooler flat griddle to finish cooking to your desired doneness. For flank steak, cook to about 130°F internal temperature for medium-rare, then let it rest. Chicken should be cooked to 165°F.

3. Grill the Tortas

Butter the cut sides of the bolillo rolls and place them on the outer flat cooktop, where the heat is lower. Toast the rolls until they’re golden brown and crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Remove them once ready.

4. Melt the Cheese

Place the slices of cheese on the flat griddle until they start to melt, then scoop them up with a spatula and layer them on the toasted bread.

5. Assemble the Tortas

Spread a generous layer of refried beans on the bottom half of each toasted roll. Slice the grilled meat thinly and layer it on top of the beans. Add avocado slices, melted cheese, and optional toppings like fresh cilantro or pickled jalapeños. Finish with the top half of the roll.

6. Serve

Serve the grilled tortas with lime wedges on the side and enjoy the smoky, cheesy goodness!

Tips

• Meat Variations: You can swap out flank steak for grilled chicken or pork shoulder, depending on your preference.
• Cheese Options: Queso Oaxaca or even cheddar will work well in place of Monterey Jack.
• Heat Zones: Use the outer edge of the flat cooktop to keep bread warm without over-toasting.
• Avocado Ripeness: Ensure your avocado is ripe but firm to maintain texture in the sandwich.

Variations

1. Grilled Chorizo Torta: Substitute flank steak with grilled chorizo sausage, and add crumbled queso fresco instead of Monterey Jack.
2. Torta de Carnitas: Use slow-cooked pork carnitas instead of steak, and add pickled red onions and cotija cheese for extra flavor.
3. Vegetarian Torta: Swap out the meat for grilled portobello mushrooms and add roasted bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian option.
4. Torta de Pollo Asado: Use marinated grilled chicken breast, and add sliced pickled carrots and cabbage slaw for a crunchy bite.
5. Breakfast Torta: Add scrambled eggs to the steak, cheese, and avocado filling for a delicious breakfast sandwich.

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with lime and chili
• Mexican street-style grilled elote
• A refreshing watermelon salad with mint
• Light Mexican beer like Modelo or Pacifico
• A side of tortilla chips with fresh guacamole

Conclusion

These grilled tortas on the Arteflame offer a fun, flavorful spin on the traditional Mexican sandwich. The juicy meat, melted cheese, and creamy avocado come together beautifully when grilled to perfection on the flat cooktop. Serve these tortas at your next BBQ, and your guests will be impressed by the rich flavors and textures.