IPA Carne Asada Torta: Bold, Citrusy, and Stacked With Hop-Soaked Steak Power

This IPA Carne Asada Torta is tangy, juicy, and laced with citrusy bitterness from a bold pale ale marinade. The grilled steak gets hit with garlic, lime, and beer, then layered into a toasted bolillo roll with beans, avocado, and heat.

It’s a beer-forward street sandwich with punchy flavor, killer texture, and serious pint-pairing energy.

Ingredients (Makes 4 tortas)

For the IPA Carne Asada

• 1½ lbs flank, skirt, or flap steak
• ½ cup IPA (use a citrusy or hazy IPA — nothing too piney or dank)
• Juice of 2 limes
• Juice of 1 orange
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: ½ tsp chipotle powder or smoked paprika

For the Torta Assembly

• 4 bolillo rolls, telera rolls, or sturdy sandwich rolls
• 1 cup refried beans (warm)
• 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
• Pickled red onions or jalapeños
• Shredded lettuce or cabbage
• Sliced tomato
• Optional: queso fresco or pepper jack slices
• Hot sauce, chipotle mayo, or IPA aioli

Instructions

Marinate and Grill the Steak

• Combine beer, lime, orange juice, garlic, oil, and spices.
• Add steak to the marinade and chill for at least 1 hour, up to 8.
• Grill or pan-sear over high heat 3–5 minutes per side (medium rare to medium). Let rest, then slice thinly across the grain.

Toast the Rolls

• Split rolls and toast with a bit of butter or oil until golden and crispy on the inside.

Build the Torta

• Spread warm refried beans on the bottom half.
• Layer steak, avocado, tomato, onions, lettuce, cheese, and sauce.
• Press lightly, slice in half, and serve hot with napkins and cold beer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve With

• Grilled corn with IPA chili lime butter
• Cerveza pickles or pickled jalapeños
• Tortilla chips + beer cheese or guacamole

Sauce Options

• Chipotle IPA aioli
• Habanero-lime crema
• Cilantro-jalapeño ranch
• Classic Valentina or Cholula

Beer Pairing

In the Marinade

• Hazy IPA or juicy pale ale for citrus and balanced bitterness
• Avoid dank double IPAs — they’ll dominate the steak
• Session IPA works well for a lighter edge

In Your Glass

• The same IPA used to marinate
• Mexican lager or Vienna lager for balance
• Wheat beer or Kölsch to soften spice
• Grapefruit radler for crisp contrast

Final Thoughts

IPA Carne Asada Tortas are loud, messy, and packed with flavor — beefy, tangy, hoppy, and rich without ever dragging you down.

They’re street food turned beer food, perfect for grilling season, game day, or any time you want a sandwich that actually punches back.

Cheers to citrus, char, and beer in your torta! 🌮🍺🔥

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