A traditional Oaxacan specialty — Cecina Enchilada, thin sheets of beef or pork lacquered in a bright red guajillo adobo. The marinade turns the meat a vivid red as it dries onto the surface, and a quick sear over high heat leaves it charred-edged, juicy and deeply seasoned. It is a market-day staple, grilled in clouds of smoke and folded into tacos with salsa and lime.
Cecina Enchilada
A traditional Oaxacan specialty — Cecina Enchilada, thin sheets of beef or pork lacquered in a bright red guajillo adobo.

Step by stepInstructions
- Toast the chiles on a comal until fragrant, then soak them in hot water for 20 minutes.
- Blend the drained chiles with the garlic, cumin, oregano, vinegar, salt and 1/4 cup water into a thick adobo, then strain.
- Coat the meat slices generously with the adobo, stacking them in a dish, and marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Grill or griddle the slices over high heat for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until lightly charred and just cooked through.
- Slice against the grain and serve with warm tortillas, lime wedges, salsa and avocado.
💡 Chef tips & storage
Ask your butcher to slice the meat paper-thin, or partially freeze a roast and slice it yourself. The longer the marination, the deeper the red color and the more intense the flavor.

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