Chipotle brings back fan-favorite item not on menu since 2020. Here’s what to know
After a three-year break, Carne Asada is back at Chipotle.
The fan favorite returns to restaurants in the U.S. and Canada for a limited time after it last appeared on menus in 2020, Chipotle announced Wednesday, Sept. 13.
Its Carne Asada, marinated then grilled with a blend of spices and topped with a squeeze of lime and cilantro, has become “one of the brand’s most requested menu items” online, according to the restaurant. The limited-time protein debuted in 2019 and has amassed a cult following in the years since.
This marks its third comeback on Chipotle’s menu.
This time around, customers can add Carne Asada to a quesadilla made with Monterrey Jack cheese and fajita vegetables, according to a news release. The customizable entree also comes with a choice of sides, including rice and black beans.
“Over the past few years, our fans’ passion for Carne Asada has rivaled any other Chipotle menu item,” Chief Brand Officer Chris Brandt said in a statement. “Now, we’ve answered the call, brought back this iconic protein, and introduced an entirely new way to try (it).”
What is Carne Asada?
Carne Asada, which translates to “grilled meat” in English, is a traditional Latin American dish featuring cuts of seasoned, marinated beef prepared over open flames, according to the Food Network.
While there are regional variations, the most common version outside Latin America is the Mexican style made with sirloin, T-bones or New York strip steak, the website states.
Other popular cuts of meat include skirt steak and chuck.
Chipotle didn’t say how long its Carne Asada will be available.
Find your nearest Chipotle here.
This story was originally published September 14, 2023 at 10:28 AM with the headline "Chipotle brings back fan-favorite item not on menu since 2020. Here’s what to know."