Carne Asada Steak Sandwich with Avocado Salad

My carne asada steak sandwich with avocado salad recipe is perfect for tailgating. About ninety percent of this recipe can be prepared in advance - meaning that when game day rolls around, all you'll have to do is fire up the grill, cook the steaks, and melt the cheese on the bread.

• Preparation Time: 60 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 1532 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ground allspice
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 3 tablespoons ground black pepper
• 1 red onion, diced
• 3 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 6 tablespoons paprika
• 3 tablespoons onion powder
• 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
• sea salt and ground black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon ground dried thyme
• 4 pounds flat iron steaks
• 3 avocados - peeled, pitted, and cubed
• 2 (1 pound) French baguettes
• ½ pound thinly sliced Cheddar cheese

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil grate.

Step 2

Stir together cayenne pepper, paprika, black pepper, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, allspice, thyme, and 1/4 cup olive oil in a large bowl until evenly mixed. Smear the flat iron steaks with this paste, then wrap with plastic wrap, or place into a resealable plastic bag. Marinate in refrigerator for 6 hours.

Step 3

Prepare avocado salad by gently mixing cubed avocado, green onion, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and tomatoes. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil; season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 4

Grill flat iron steaks until cooked to desired degree of doneness, or to an internal temperature of 135 degrees F (57 degrees C) for medium-rare, about 4 minutes per side. Remove from grill and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. While the steaks are resting, cut each baguette into three pieces, then halve the pieces horizontally. Toast bread, cut-side down on grill until golden brown. Turn baguettes over, and place sliced cheese on the cut sides; allow cheese to melt.

Step 5

To assemble sandwiches, thinly slice the flat iron steaks across the grain, and pile onto baguettes. Top with avocado salad before serving.