5 Ways to Elevate Your Asado Event with Unique Side Dishes and Desserts
An authentic asado is all about the meat, but the right side dishes and desserts can really take your meal to the next level. If you’re planning an asado event and want to go beyond the traditional offerings, here are five creative ideas for sides and desserts that will elevate your gathering and impress your guests.
1. Mbeju (Argentine Cheese Bread)
For a delicious and unique side, try Mbeju, a traditional Argentine cheese bread made with cassava flour, cheese, and butter. This crispy, cheesy treat is the perfect complement to the rich flavors of your grilled meats. Serve it warm to add a comforting, savory element to your meal.
2. Grilled Vegetables with Chimichurri
Take your grilled vegetables to the next level by marinating them in chimichurri, the iconic Argentine herb sauce. Use a mix of bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini, and onions for a colorful, flavorful addition to your asado. The chimichurri sauce adds a tangy and fresh kick that pairs perfectly with the smoky, tender cuts of meat.
3. Yuca Fries with Garlic Aioli
Swap out traditional fries for crispy yuca fries cooked in either pork lard or beef tallow, ensuring a rich, flavorful crunch without any unhealthy seed oils. Served with garlic aioli, these fries are a delightful and hearty side that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, offering a satisfying texture and delicious flavor.
4. Torta de Choclo (Corn Cake)
A favorite in Argentine cuisine, Torta de Choclo is a savory corn cake made with sweet corn, cheese, and a touch of cream. This comforting side dish adds a natural sweetness and a creamy texture that balances out the bold flavors of your asado, providing a hearty and flavorful contrast to the meats.
5. Homemade Flan with Dulce de Leche, Traditional Argentine Pasta Frola (Quince Pie), or Bread Pudding
End your asado meal on a sweet note with one of our traditional Argentine desserts:
Homemade Flan with Dulce de Leche: This creamy custard topped with the rich sweetness of dulce de leche offers the perfect way to end your meal.
Pasta Frola: This classic Argentine quince pie combines a buttery crust with the tangy sweetness of quince paste, creating a delightful dessert that’s both simple and satisfying.
Traditional Bread Pudding: A warm, comforting dessert made with classic ingredients, perfect for a crowd and a perfect way to round off your asado experience.
Bonus Tip: Signature Cocktails
Pair your asado with refreshing mate cocktails or a rich Malbec Sangria. These beverages not only complement the flavors of your meal but also add a festive touch to the occasion, making it even more memorable.
With these unique and flavorful side dishes and desserts, your asado event will be elevated to a new level. From crispy yuca fries to traditional flan and pasta frola, your guests will enjoy a memorable dining experience that goes beyond the usual asado.
Step 3: Cooking with Patience and Precision
Asado cooking is a slow, meticulous process. Unlike quick grilling methods, the meat is cooked over low, indirect heat, which can take several hours. Our asadors carefully monitor the fire and flip the cuts of meat at just the right time, ensuring that the meat stays juicy, tender, and full of flavor. The key to a perfect asado is patience—great meat takes time to cook to perfection.
Step 4: The Art of Serving an Asado
An essential part of the asado experience is the way it’s served. Once the meat is ready, guests gather around the grill to watch the carving process. Ultimate Asado Experience offers an interactive, communal dining experience, where guests can carve their own pieces of tender meat directly from the grill. This adds to the festive and social atmosphere of the event.