The Macho Combo from El Torito features tender grilled steak, savory chicken, and zesty chorizo paired with seasoned rice and refried beans, all presented on a vibrant platter that showcases a hearty and colorful Mexican feast.
Equipments
- Grill
- Tongs
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Frying pan or skillet
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Cooking spoon
- Ladle
- Platter (serving plate)
- Rice cooker (optional)
- Measuring cups
- Spoon or spatula
- Serving utensils
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) steak (sirloin or flank)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 8 oz (225g) Mexican chorizo sausage
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 (15 oz) can refried beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 lime
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup pico de gallo or salsa
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
- 1 avocado (optional)
When selecting your proteins for the Macho Combo, choose fresh, high-quality sirloin or flank steak and boneless, skinless chicken to ensure tenderness and flavor. Mexican chorizo adds a bold, zesty taste but watch the seasoning balance with chili powder, cumin, and paprika to avoid overpowering the dish. Using long-grain white rice maintains the traditional texture, and canned refried beans provide convenience without sacrificing authenticity. Fresh ingredients like lime juice, cilantro, and jalapenos brighten the meal, while optional avocado adds creaminess and richness. Your homemade version of the Macho Combo from El Torito can capture the same hearty, vibrant flavors by carefully balancing these key ingredients.
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Season steak and chicken with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grill steak and chicken until cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per side), then rest and slice.
- In a frying pan or skillet, cook chorizo until browned and fully cooked.
- In a saucepan (or rice cooker), cook long-grain white rice according to package instructions.
- Fluff rice and mix in chopped cilantro and lime juice.
- Warm refried beans in a saucepan, stirring until hot.
- Arrange rice and refried beans on serving platter.
- Place sliced grilled steak, sliced grilled chicken, and cooked chorizo on the platter.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over hot proteins as desired.
- Garnish with pico de gallo or salsa, sour cream, diced tomatoes, green onions, and optional jalapeños and avocado.
- Serve immediately using serving utensils.
Substitution
The Macho Combo from El Torito copycat menu can be adapted using chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier results or substituting steak with skirt steak for a more authentic Mexican flavor. If you lack a grill, pan-searing the steak and chicken in a skillet with olive oil maintains tenderness and grill marks can be mimicked by pressing grill pans. For the chorizo, pork sausage seasoned with smoked paprika and chili powder works well as a substitute if Mexican chorizo is unavailable. When cooking the rice, use a rice cooker for consistent texture or a saucepan with careful water measurement to avoid mushiness. You can customize your platter by adding avocado or jalapenos according to your spice preference to make the dish truly your own.
Tips
Make sure to let the grilled steak and chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices and enhance flavor. When cooking chorizo, break it up with a spoon to ensure even browning and avoid clumping. Fluffing the rice with a fork before mixing in cilantro and lime juice prevents it from becoming mushy or sticky. Use a large platter to arrange your components neatly and serve immediately to maintain the optimal texture and temperature of your Macho Combo.
Nutritions
The Macho Combo from El Torito provides a balanced source of protein from grilled steak, chicken, and Mexican chorizo, supporting muscle health and satiety. The seasoned rice contributes carbohydrates essential for energy, while refried beans offer fiber, aiding digestion and promoting fullness. Fresh ingredients like lime, cilantro, and avocado add vitamins C and E, antioxidants, and healthy fats that enhance nutrient absorption. Your meal delivers a flavorful combination of macronutrients and micronutrients to fuel and satisfy your body.
Storage
Store leftover Macho Combo in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Separate the grilled meats, rice, and beans to avoid sogginess and preserve texture in your meal. Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days for optimal flavor and safety.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the long-grain white rice with cilantro lime brown rice for a nuttier flavor and higher fiber content. Try using boneless, skinless turkey breast instead of chicken for a leaner protein option while keeping the same seasoning blend. For a smoky twist, cook the chorizo on the grill in a foil packet rather than in a skillet. Consider swapping the refried beans with black beans cooked with garlic and onions to add a different texture and enhance the traditional Mexican taste.
Allergies
The Macho Combo contains common allergens such as dairy from the shredded cheese and sour cream, which may cause reactions in lactose-intolerant individuals or those with a milk allergy. Mexican chorizo sausage and seasonings like chili powder and cumin could trigger sensitivities or allergies related to spices or preservatives in processed meats. You should carefully review each ingredient if you have specific food allergies to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
El Torito's Macho Combo menu offers a hearty combination of grilled meats, sizzling fajitas, and authentic Mexican flavors that create a satisfying and flavorful dining experience. The bold seasoning and tender cuts of steak, chicken, and shrimp are complemented by fresh vegetables and classic sides like rice and beans, making it a favorite for meat lovers. Your copycat version can capture this unique flavor profile and presentation, bringing the restaurant-quality experience into your home kitchen. Recreating the Macho Combo allows you to enjoy a customizable and fulfilling meal anytime with ingredients tailored to your taste.