What Is An Asado?

Asado has two meanings in Argentina. One is to reference cuts of meat that are cooked on a grill while the other simply means BBQ, aka barbecue, like “let’s prepare an asado”. Most of the articles you see on this site will reference the latter because my sole purpose in life is to clue you in on having an Argentinean asado.

So what is an asado like in Argentina?

The best asado is like any other BBQ party that is thrown in any other part of the world. A celebration of sorts with friends and family while feasting on large amounts of barbecued meats. Where the host is constantly eying guests to see if a glass needs to be refilled or another piece of meat needs to be slice. Great conversation is the final ingredient.

Usually asados are best enjoyed on weekends or holidays when the weather is nice and/or everyone needs a breaks from the normal life. They are also enjoyed on camping excursions or at estancias (ranches) that rent rooms or cabins for tourists. An asado is not to be rushed and can typically last at least three hours if it is a good one. Coming home from work and slapping some steaks on the grill for 20 minutes is not a true asado in the classical sense.

For those who are not fortunate enough to have their own parrilla, a barbecue grill and more on that later, usually have to rely on friends or family to host the event. If no one has access to one, which is quite common in cities where many live in apartments, they have to resort to a local parrilla restaurant or take-out shop to enjoy their asado.

Who in their right mind would have a barbecue party in a restaurant you ask? Well, many do. Think of it as a pseudo-asado. Restaurants that offer asado have their menus set up as a la carte so that you can re-create an asado setting at your table. You can start the meal with some chorizos (sausages) and then move on to larger cuts of meat. Some even have huge combination platters called parrillada where the meat is kept warm over hot coals right on the table. All the while enjoying some good conversation with wine and beer. Other establishments are strictly set up as a take-out or delivery service so that you can re-create an asado in your dining room.

If you ever travel to Argentina or have an Argentinean friend and get invited to an asado, do not pass it up. Well, unless you hate barbecues and meat. Vegetarians beware! If the site of large quantities of meat does not put you into shock you will most likely end up unsatisfied. No soy or tofu burgers; that would be a sacrilege to the feast. The only vegetables you will most likely to find are simple salads and potatoes. Even those tend to go untouched for fear of one losing vital space in their stomach for the succulent meats that desire to be eaten.