Christis Salpicon Recipes

SHREDDED BEEF TOSTADAS (SALPICON)

Steps:

• Put the brisket in a large pot and fill with enough water to cover the meat by an inch. Add the onion quarters and 1/4 cup salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer partially covered until the brisket is very tender, 2 1/2 hours. Add more water if needed to keep the meat covered. Turn off the heat and let the brisket cool in the cooking liquid to room temperature. Drain the brisket, discard the water and cool completely.
• Meanwhile, prepare the vinaigrette by whisking the olive oil and vinegar in a medium bowl until well combined. Add the lime juice, red onion and oregano and whisk again. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper.
• Shred the brisket into a large bowl. Add the cucumbers, tomatoes, capers, cilantro and radishes and toss to combine. Add the vinaigrette and toss to coat. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• To make the grilled tostadas: Heat a grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Place a corn tortilla onto the hot pan until the tortilla is crisp with a slight char. Cook for about 5 minutes each side. Scoop the shredded beef salad onto the grilled tostada and garnish with some avocado slices.

SALPICON (SPICY MEXICAN BEEF SALAD)

Steps:

• Prepare brisket: In a Dutch oven or a small stockpot, combine meat with onion, stock, bay leaves, garlic, chipotles, salt and peppercorns.
• Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, skimming off any foam.
• Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 3 1/2 to 4 hours or until the meat is falling-apart tender.
• Let cool 30 minutes in cooking liquid.
• Reserve 2 tablespoons cooking liquid for salad dressing and save remainder, refrigerated, for a Southweswtern soup or stew.
• Pull meat apart into shreds.
• (The dish can be made ahead to this point and refrigerated 1 or 2 days. Before proceeding, warm foil-wrapped meat in oven.) To make dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine reserved brisket liquid, chipotles, olive oil, lime juice, vinegar, ketchup, onion, garlic, salt and pepper and purée.
• To complete salad: In a bowl, mix brisket with about 3/4 of the dressing.
• Transfer brisket to a serving platter or bowl and toss it lightly with tomatoes, avocados, onion, cheese and cilantro.
• Drizzle additional dressing over top, enough to make the mixture moist.
• Garnish with radish roses if desired.
• Serve warm with fresh hot tortillas, or chilled with tortilla chips for dipping.