Carne de Onça with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef tenderloin, finely minced 500g (1.1 lb) beef tenderloin, finely minced
• 2 limes, juiced 2 limes, juiced
• 2 tablespoons cachaça (Brazilian sugarcane liquor) 2 tablespoons cachaça (Brazilian sugarcane liquor)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped 2 tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 small chili pepper, finely chopped 1 small chili pepper, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Toasted bread or crackers, for serving Toasted bread or crackers, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the minced beef, lime juice, and cachaça. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, combine the chopped onion, tomatoes, cilantro, and chili pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
3. 3.
   Remove the marinated beef from the refrigerator and shape it into small patties or balls.
4. 4.
   Place the beef patties or balls on a serving platter and top each one with a spoonful of the onion and tomato mixture.
5. 5.
   Serve the Carne de Onça with toasted bread or crackers on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef tenderloin — Make sure to use high-quality beef tenderloin and finely mince it for the best texture in the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add more chili pepper to the onion and tomato mixture.
• Serve the Carne de Onça with a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of lime juice in the marinade.

Serving advice

Serve the Carne de Onça as an appetizer at your next gathering. Arrange the beef patties or balls on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, serve the Carne de Onça on individual small plates or on a wooden board. Arrange the beef patties or balls in an attractive pattern and top them with the colorful onion and tomato mixture. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and serve with toasted bread or crackers on the side.