Experience the taste of Northern Mexico with Cabrito Asado a la Estaca, a traditional dish that features a milk-fed goat, roasted slowly over a wood fire. This delectable entrée offers tender, flavorful meat through an exciting cooking method that involves continual basting with a herb-infused brine.

Ingredients

🐐 1 whole cabrito lechal, head reserved for brine
💧 4 liters of water
🧂 400 grams of salt
🌿 1 bundle of mixed herbs: Bay leaf, Thyme, Marjoram, Parsley
🔥 Wood for fire

Instructions

1- Prepare the Kid:

• Begin by obtaining a whole, dressed cabrito lechal.
• Cut along the spine to butterfly it open, and remove the head for presentation purposes, setting it aside for the brine.

2- Secure the Kid:

• Use galvanized wire to secure the opened kid onto a metal roasting stake.
• Pass the wire through the corners and middle part of the carcass to keep it flat and open.

3- Prepare the Brine (Salmuera):

• In a metal pot, combine 4 liters of water, 400 grams of salt, the reserved head, and the herb bundle.
• Bring this mixture to a boil, allowing flavors to meld.
• Replenish with water as needed to maintain volume.

4- Start the Fire:

• Build a bonfire with your choice of wood.
• Allow the wood to burn down to embers to maintain a low and constant heat.

5- Initial Roasting:

• Place the secured kid on the stake with the ribs facing the heat.
• Cook for about 1.5 hours.

6- Heat Check:

• Touch the outer skin to check if it feels warm, indicating readiness for basting.

7- Basting:

• Using the herb bundle, liberally baste the roasting kid with the prepared brine, focusing on the exposed inner side.

8- Turn the Kid:

• After 1.5 hours, rotate the kid so the hind legs face more direct heat.

9- Continue Roasting and Basting:

• Keep roasting and basting frequently for an additional 1.5 hours, until the meat is tender and golden brown.

10- Check for Doneness:
- The kid is done when the meat is tender, comes off the bone easily, and has a crispy exterior.

11- Serve:
- Remove from stake, place on a tray, and carve for serving.

Prep Time: ~30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: ~3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Equipment:

• Stainless Steel Trays
• Large Kitchen Knife
• Galvanized Wire
• Pliers
• Metal Roasting Stakes
• Circular Metal Fire Pit
• Cooking Pot
• Aluminum Foil-lined Tray
• Cutting Board
• Tongs

Cooking Tips

• Use a young, milk-fed goat for the most tender and flavorful meat.
• Regular basting helps prevent drying and enhances flavor.
• Ensure even cooking by properly securing the kid flat on the stake.

Hashtags

#cabrito #asado #mexicanfood #traditionalcooking #woodfire #goatrecipe

Cabrito Asado a la Estaca