Asado

Instructions

1. 1 Build a wood fire in your parrilla (grill) or fire pit using hardwood at least 1 hour before cooking. Allow the flames to burn down completely until you have a deep bed of glowing, ashy-white embers with no active flames. The heat should be medium — you should be able to hold your hand 6 inches above the grate for 4-5 seconds before pulling away. Spread the embers evenly for consistent indirect heat, and keep a reserve pile of burning wood to one side to replenish coals throughout the cook.
2. 2 While the fire develops, prepare the chimichurri. In a bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, oregano, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt. Add the red wine vinegar and stir, then pour in the olive oil and mix well. Let the chimichurri rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The sauce should be herbaceous, tangy, and slightly spicy — this is the only condiment an asado needs.
3. 3 Remove all meat from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before grilling to bring it to room temperature. Season every surface of the short ribs and vacío generously with coarse salt — do not be shy, as much of the salt will fall away during cooking. The salt should be visible as a crust on the surface. Do not add any other seasoning, as authentic asado relies solely on salt, smoke, and the quality of the beef.
4. 4 Place the short ribs bone-side down on the grill grate, positioned away from the most intense heat for slow, indirect cooking. Close the grill if possible, or leave uncovered over well-managed coals. Cook the ribs for 60-90 minutes without turning, allowing the bone to conduct heat slowly into the meat. The fat will gradually render, basting the meat from within. When the meat pulls away from the bone slightly and the top surface shows beads of juice, flip once and cook for 15-20 minutes on the meat side.
5. 5 About 30 minutes before the ribs are done, place the vacío (flank steak) fat-side down over medium heat. Cook for 20-25 minutes on the first side until a deep crust forms, then flip and cook for 10-15 minutes more for medium-rare. Place the pre-soaked sweetbreads directly over the coals for 5-7 minutes per side until they develop a crispy golden exterior while remaining creamy inside. Season the sweetbreads with salt immediately after grilling.
6. 6 Remove all grilled meats to a large wooden cutting board and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes — this is crucial for the juices to redistribute throughout the muscle fibers. During this rest, warm the crusty bread on the grill for 1-2 minutes per side.
7. 7 Slice the vacío against the grain into 1/2-inch thick strips, revealing the pink, juicy interior. Cut the short ribs between the bones into individual portions. Slice the sweetbreads into thick rounds. Arrange everything on a large platter in the traditional manner. Serve family-style with the bowl of chimichurri, crusty bread, and nothing else — the simplicity is the point of a perfect Argentine asado.