If you’ve ever had the pleasure of walking through the streets of Mexico or visiting a good Mexican restaurant, you’ve likely encountered Mexican Alambre on the menu. It’s the type of dish that’s simple yet totally satisfying—a sizzling skillet filled with delicious ingredients like steak, bacon, bell peppers, onions, and of course, plenty of melty cheese. While not as internationally famous as tacos or burritos, Alambre holds a special place in Mexican cuisine, and for good reason. This hearty meal is flavorful, versatile, and downright comforting.
And let’s be real—anything with bacon and cheese is bound to be amazing. You can whip up a batch of Alambre in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable; whether you’re a meat lover or vegetarian, you can easily adapt this dish to suit your taste buds.
Oh, and before I dive into all the juicy details, here’s a quick tip: if you’re into quick and easy Mexican recipes, you might also want to check out this Taco Biscuit Cups recipe. It’s another killer dish that’s easy to make and super tasty!
So, What Exactly is Mexican Alambre?
If this is your first time hearing about Alambre, let me break it down for you. Alambre is a traditional Mexican dish that typically involves grilling up a variety of meats (like beef, chicken, or shrimp), mixing them with crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and bell peppers, and then finishing it off with a generous topping of melted cheese. The whole thing is usually served with warm tortillas, but honestly, it’s just as good straight out of the skillet. For more insight into traditional Mexican dishes, check out this guide to Mexican cuisine.
The word “Alambre” means “wire” in Spanish, which is a nod to how this dish was originally cooked on skewers over an open flame. These days, it’s more common to make Alambre in a skillet, but that smoky, grilled flavor is still a key part of the dish’s charm.
The Core Ingredients:
- Steak: Flank or skirt steak is usually the go-to, but honestly, any cut of beef works.
- Bacon: Adds that irresistible smokiness and crunch.
- Onions and Bell Peppers: These veggies provide sweetness and a little crunch.
- Cheese: Oaxaca cheese is the most traditional, but mozzarella, cheddar, or even a mix will do the trick.
- Seasoning: A good sprinkle of salt, pepper, and maybe some chili powder if you like a little kick.
How to Make Mexican Alambre (Because You’ll Want to Try This ASAP)
Making Alambre at home is crazy simple, and once you try it, you’ll be hooked. It’s the perfect combination of savory and cheesy with just the right amount of crunch from the veggies.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- 1 lb steak (flank, skirt, or whatever cut you prefer)
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (you can mix red, green, or yellow for extra color)
- 1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella/cheddar)
- Tortillas (optional, but recommended for scooping up all that deliciousness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Add some sliced jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder for extra heat.
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Cook the Bacon: Start by frying the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it crispy, but not burned. Once it’s cooked, take it out of the skillet and set it aside, but leave that glorious bacon fat in the pan.
- Sauté the Veggies: Toss the sliced onions and bell peppers into the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook them until they’re soft and just starting to caramelize—about 5-7 minutes. This is where the magic happens because the veggies soak up all that smoky bacon flavor.
- Cook the Steak: While the veggies are cooking, season your steak with salt and pepper. Once the onions and peppers are ready, push them to the side of the skillet and add the steak. Cook it until it’s browned on the outside but still juicy on the inside.
- Add the Bacon and Cheese: Crumble the cooked bacon back into the skillet, mix everything together, and then sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for a couple of minutes.
- Serve It Up: Now comes the best part—eating! Serve the Alambre with warm corn or flour tortillas for a taco-style experience, or just dig in straight from the skillet.
Alambre Variations You’ve Gotta Try
One of the best things about Mexican Alambre is how flexible it is. Whether you’re trying to mix things up or accommodate dietary preferences, there’s an Alambre variation for everyone.
1. Chicken Alambre:
If you prefer poultry, simply swap out the beef for chicken breast. The result is a lighter but equally tasty version of this classic dish.
2. Shrimp Alambre:
This is perfect for seafood lovers. Shrimp Alambre has a lighter, fresher flavor that pairs beautifully with the sautéed veggies and melted cheese.
3. Vegetarian Alambre:
Not into meat? No problem! Replace the steak and bacon with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant. You can also throw in some tofu or black beans for extra protein.
4. Alambre with Chorizo:
For a spicy twist, add some Mexican chorizo to the mix. The smoky, spicy flavor of the chorizo pairs perfectly with the other ingredients and gives the dish a nice kick.
Alambre vs. Fajitas: What’s the Difference?
It’s easy to see how people might confuse Alambre with fajitas—both are sizzling skillet dishes loaded with meat and veggies, usually served with tortillas. But there are a few key differences that set these two dishes apart.
1. The Cheese Factor:
Alambre is all about that melty cheese. Fajitas, on the other hand, typically don’t include cheese. If you’re a cheese lover (and let’s be real, who isn’t?), Alambre is the way to go.
2. Bacon, Bacon, Bacon:
Alambre features crispy bacon, which gives the dish a whole extra layer of flavor. Fajitas usually skip the bacon and focus more on the grilled meat and veggies.
3. Cooking Style:
Fajitas are often cooked on a grill or a hot cast-iron pan, while Alambre is typically made in a skillet and finished off with melted cheese on top.
A Brief History of Mexican Alambre
While the exact origins of Mexican Alambre are a little murky, it’s widely believed that the dish is an offshoot of Tacos Árabes, which were introduced to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants in the early 20th century. These early tacos were made with meat grilled on skewers (hence the “Alambre” or “wire” reference) and served in pita bread.
Over time, Mexican cooks adapted the dish, swapping out pita for tortillas and incorporating local ingredients like beef, bacon, and cheese. Today, Alambre is a popular street food in Mexico, especially in areas like Mexico City, where it’s commonly served in taquerias.
Nutritional Breakdown: Is Mexican Alambre Healthy?
Let’s not kid ourselves—Mexican Alambre isn’t exactly a low-calorie dish. With ingredients like bacon, cheese, and steak, this meal is rich in both flavor and fat. But hey, everything in moderation, right?
Here’s a general idea of the nutritional content per serving (based on a standard beef Alambre recipe with tortillas):
- Calories: 600-800 kcal
- Protein: 35-40g (thanks to the beef and bacon)
- Fat: 45-55g (most of this comes from the bacon and cheese)
- Carbs: 15-20g (mainly from the tortillas and veggies)
If you’re watching your calorie intake but still want to enjoy Alambre, consider using leaner cuts of meat, reducing the amount of cheese, or going for a vegetarian version.
Best Sides to Serve with Mexican Alambre
When it comes to serving Mexican Alambre, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re looking to keep things traditional or get creative with your sides, here are a few ideas to complement your skillet of goodness.
1. Mexican Rice:
You can never go wrong with a side of Mexican rice. Its mildly spicy and tomato-y flavor pairs perfectly with the rich, cheesy Alambre.
2. Refried Beans:
Refried beans are a classic Mexican side that adds creaminess to the meal and balances out the saltiness of the bacon.
3. Guacamole:
Guac isn’t just for chips! A scoop of creamy guacamole adds a fresh and zesty element that cuts through the richness of the dish.
4. Sour Cream:
If you like your Alambre with a little extra creaminess, a dollop of sour cream is a must.
5. Salsa:
Whether it’s a fresh pico de gallo or a smoky chipotle salsa, a good salsa brings a burst of flavor and brightness to your meal.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Mexican Alambre
What is Mexican Alambre?
Mexican Alambre is a skillet dish made with grilled meats (usually beef or chicken), sautéed vegetables, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. It’s typically served with tortillas.
What’s the difference between Alambre and fajitas?
The main difference is the cheese and bacon in Alambre, which gives it a richer flavor. Fajitas usually focus on grilled meat and veggies without the cheese and bacon.
Can I make a vegetarian version of Alambre?
Yes! Just replace the meat with hearty veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. You can also add beans or tofu for extra protein.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, just pop it in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Can I make Alambre with other types of meat?
Absolutely! You can use chicken, shrimp, or even chorizo to make different versions of Alambre.
Is Alambre gluten-free?
If you skip the tortillas or use gluten-free tortillas, then yes—Alambre is naturally gluten-free since the dish itself doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Add Mexican Alambre to Your Dinner Rotation
If you haven’t already added Mexican Alambre to your weekly meal plan, now’s the time. Whether you’re a fan of savory, cheesy dishes, or just looking for something new and delicious, Alambre checks all the boxes. It’s a dish that’s simple enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. Plus, the versatility means you can switch up the ingredients to keep things interesting.
Give this recipe a try, and trust me, you’ll be hooked. Don’t forget to share it with friends and family—after all, everyone deserves a little Alambre in their life!