How long can I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, the brisket can be prepared a day in advance and reheated gently before serving.

What can I use instead of plantains?

Try using sweet potatoes for a sweet and savory alternative.

Is there a substitution for beef brisket?

Chuck roast can be a suitable substitute with similar cooking times.

How do I make it less spicy?

Reduce the chili powder in the rub or serve with a cooling yogurt-based sauce.

Rich Venezuelan Asado with Cocoa-Chili Rub and Plantain Chips

Name: Rich Venezuelan Asado with Cocoa-Chili Rub and Plantain Chips
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Unsweetened cocoa powder; Chili powder; Smoked paprika; Cumin; Salt; Black pepper; Olive oil; Beef brisket; Garlic; Onion; Beef broth; Balsamic vinegar; Worcestershire sauce; Bay leaves; Green plantains; Vegetable oil; Salt

A vibrant and flavorful Venezuelan roast with a touch of cocoa

This Venezuelan delicacy brings a lush blend of spices, cocoa, and a hint of chili, served alongside crispy, golden plantain chips.

3 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

Cocoa-Chili Rub

Unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tbsp

Chili powder

1 tbsp

Smoked paprika

1 tbsp

Cumin

1 tsp

Salt

1 tsp

Black pepper

1/2 tsp

Olive oil

2 tbsp

Asado

Beef brisket

1.5 kg

Garlic

3 cloves — minced

Onion

1 small — chopped

Beef broth

1 cup

Balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup

Worcestershire sauce

2 tbsp

Bay leaves

Plantain Chips

Green plantains

Vegetable oil

for frying

Salt

to taste

Preparation

Preparing the Cocoa-Chili Rub

Combine the spices

In a small bowl, combine cocoa powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

Create the paste

Add olive oil and mix until a paste forms.

Season the brisket

Rub the mixture all over the beef brisket to season thoroughly.

Preparing the Asado

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).

Sauté aromatics

In a roasting pan, add minced garlic and chopped onion.

Assemble the asado

Place the seasoned beef brisket on top and add beef broth, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves.

Ensure the brisket is fat-side up in the roasting pan to keep it moist during cooking. Pro Tip: Marinate the brisket overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.

Cooking Process

Roasting

Cover the roasting pan with foil and place it in the oven; cook for 3 hours or until tender.

Making Plantain Chips

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and fry plantain slices until golden and crisp.

Rest the Meat

Let the cooked brisket rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Plating & Serving