Authentic Mexican Cemita Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 sesame seed buns 4 sesame seed buns
• 500g (1.1 lb) beef or pork, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef or pork, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 avocados, sliced 2 avocados, sliced
• 200g (7 oz) Oaxaca cheese, shredded 200g (7 oz) Oaxaca cheese, shredded
• 4 lettuce leaves 4 lettuce leaves
• 2 tomatoes, sliced 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced and pickled 1 red onion, thinly sliced and pickled
• Chipotle sauce, to taste Chipotle sauce, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat: 32g (Saturated Fat: 12g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the sliced meat, vegetable oil, cumin powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the meat evenly.
3. 3.
   Cook the seasoned meat on the preheated grill or skillet until it is cooked through and slightly charred, about 4-5 minutes per side.
4. 4.
   Toast the sesame seed buns on the grill or in a toaster until they are golden brown.
5. 5.
   Assemble the Cemita by placing a generous amount of the cooked meat on the bottom half of each bun.
6. 6.
   Top the meat with avocado slices, shredded Oaxaca cheese, lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and pickled onions.
7. 7.
   Drizzle chipotle sauce over the toppings according to your desired level of spiciness.
8. 8.
   Place the top half of the bun on each sandwich and press gently to hold everything together.
9. 9.
   Serve the Cemita immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Avocado — Choose ripe avocados that are slightly soft to the touch. To prevent browning, squeeze some lemon or lime juice over the sliced avocado.
• Oaxaca cheese — If you can't find Oaxaca cheese, you can substitute it with mozzarella or any other mild, meltable cheese.
• Pickled onions — To pickle the onions, thinly slice them and soak them in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt for at least 30 minutes before using.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the meat overnight in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices before cooking.
• If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce the amount of chipotle sauce or use a milder hot sauce as a substitute.
• Experiment with different types of meat such as chicken or even vegetarian options like grilled portobello mushrooms for a unique twist on the classic Cemita.
• Add a slice of ripe pineapple or a drizzle of pineapple salsa for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
• Serve the Cemita with a side of traditional Mexican street corn (elote) for a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Cemita immediately after assembling to ensure the bun stays crispy and the flavors are at their best. Accompany it with a side of tortilla chips and salsa for a delightful crunch.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can wrap the Cemita in parchment paper or serve it on a wooden cutting board. Garnish the plate with a sprig of fresh cilantro or a lime wedge for an extra pop of color.