Asado is a traditional South American method of grilling meat over wood or charcoal, especially common in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile.
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Asado Paraguayo is a beloved tradition in Paraguay, much like Argentina's famous Asado.
It's a time for families and friends to come together and enjoy a delicious spread of grilled meats accompanied by salads, veggies, and, of course, Sopa Paraguaya-a must-have dish.
While beef takes the spotlight, you'll also find pork, lamb, and chicken on the grill.
Popular cuts like vacio (flank steak), costilla (short ribs), and entraña (skirt steak) offer a variety of flavors that everyone enjoys.
🔥 Grilling Techniques
Grilling is the most critical step in preparing the perfect asado. The traditional method uses wood or charcoal to grill the meat over an open flame.
The heat source should be placed on one side of the grill, allowing the meat to cook slowly and evenly.
Cook the meat low and slow to ensure it is tender and juicy. Monitoring the grill's temperature and adjusting the heat as needed is essential.
Use a grill basket to grill sausages and morcilla, which can be challenging to cook without falling apart.
Asado Paraguayo is a traditional Paraguayan barbecue method that centers around grilling high-quality beef cuts, such as ribs, sirloin, and flank steak, over an open flame or charcoal grill.
The meat is typically marinated with a simple mixture of salt, garlic, herbs like parsley and oregano, and sometimes vinegar or lemon juice for added flavor.
Asado Paraguayo is often accompanied by side dishes like mandioca, sopa paraguaya, a traditional cornbread made with cornmeal, cheese, and onions, grilled vegetables, chimichurri sauce, and fresh salads, making it a delightful and social culinary event in Paraguay.
How to Make Asado
Note: Full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
On an open grill with burnt-down coals or a medium-heat gas grill, add the ribs, squeeze one lime juice on top, and add the kosher salt and black pepper as desired, then cover.
After 15 minutes, turn and repeat the process. Add the Chorizo to the grill and cook for around 30 minutes or until fully cooked.
Grill the Short Ribs on medium heat for about 1 hour or until cooked to your liking. Enjoy
Storage, Make Ahead, & Freezing
Storage & Reheat: Let grilled meats cool to room temperature, then wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave until warmed through, being careful not to overcook.
Make Ahead: Salt the meat and refrigerate it overnight to deepen the flavor and help retain juiciness during grilling.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as it can negatively affect the texture and taste of the meat.
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Recipe
Asado
Ingredients
- 10 lb Short ribs or Spare ribs
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- 4 Limes
Instructions
- On an open grill with burnt-down coals or a medium-heat gas grill, add the ribs, squeeze one lime juice on top, and add the kosher salt and black pepper as desired, then cover.
- After 15 minutes, turn and repeat the process. Add the Chorizo to the grill and cook for around 30 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Grill the Short Ribs on medium heat for about 1 hour or until cooked to your liking. Enjoy
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.
