A typical "asado," which is a traditional Argentine barbecue, is primarily prepared on a grill, known as a "parrilla." Here’s a breakdown of the preparation process:
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Choice of Meat: Asado usually includes a variety of meats, such as beef ribs, short ribs, flank steak, sausages (like chorizo), and sometimes chicken or pork.
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Seasoning: While simple seasoning is common, asado typically does not involve a lot of spices. The meat is often seasoned with just salt, and sometimes pepper or chimichurri, which is a popular Argentine sauce made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, oil, and spices.
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Marinating: Some cooks may marinate the meat in lime juice or other acidic mixtures for added flavor, but it's not a strict requirement in traditional asado preparation.
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Cooking Method: The meat is cooked over an open flame or hot coals on the grill. It is not steamed; rather, it is grilled slowly to allow the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.
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Serving: Once cooked, the meat is typically sliced and served with sides like bread, salad, and, of course, chimichurri sauce.
Overall, the focus of asado is on the quality of the meat and the grilling technique rather than elaborate spices or marinades.