Spanish Tapas Fillet San Jacobo Recipe

Originating from the heart of Spain, San Jacobo Recipe has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide. Imagine succulent fillets meticulously layered with thinly sliced ham and creamy cheese, all coated with a crispy golden breadcrumb exterior. Each bite is a harmonious symphony of textures and tastes that speaks to the artistry of Spanish culinary traditions.

Whether planning a cozy evening at home or hosting a gathering, this recipe elevates your dining experience. With simple yet precise steps, you’ll master the creation of this iconic tapas dish that embodies the essence of Spanish flavors.

A crispy, greasy Spanish tapas dish of all ages

San Jacobo is popular among diners of all ages, from children to adults.
San Jacobo is popular among diners of all ages, from children to adults.

San Jacobo is a beloved Spanish tapas dish with a delightful blend of history and flavors. The very name “San Jacobo” hints at its cultural roots, drawing a connection to Saint James, the patron saint of Spain. This dish is cherished in Spanish households, particularly captivating families and children. Its simplicity and mouthwatering appeal lie in its crispy exterior, concealing a gooey treasure trove of cheese within, this take take resemblance to one famous main dish of settled in Asturias called Cachopos.

The origins of San Jacobo might be shrouded in mystery, but its popularity is undeniable. A harmonious medley of quality ingredients gives life to this culinary gem, making it an experience worth repeating. At the heart of this dish lies a tender fillet, a canvas for flavors to intermingle. Choosing a premium cut of meat ensures a succulent bite that forms the foundation of San Jacobo’s character.

Wrapped around the fillet is a blanket of turkey ham, delivering a touch of saltiness and a comforting aroma. This choice of ham enhances the overall taste and resonates with the dish’s historical ties to Spain. The journey of textures continues with a layer of cheese that takes center stage as the dish’s molten, indulgent heart. This gooey decadence harmonizes with the crispy exterior, creating a gratifying contrast in every mouthful.

To achieve that coveted crispiness, the fillet adorned with ham and cheese is encased in a delicate armor of breadcrumbs. The choice of breadcrumbs is crucial, as they hold the key to that satisfying crunch that greets each bite. As the San Jacobo sizzles in the pan, the breadcrumbs turn golden brown, locking in flavors and ensuring an unforgettable eating experience.

Preparation is an art; attention to detail transforms this simple assembly into a gastronomic masterpiece. The ham and cheese carefully embrace the fillet, securing the components together. With each step, the dish reflects the essence of comfort food, perfect for sharing and savoring with loved ones.

Ultimately, San Jacobo transcends its humble components, becoming a symphony of tastes and textures. A tribute to tradition and innovation alike, this crispy Spanish tapas dish bridges generations and cultures. From its historical allusion to Saint James to the satisfying crunch that welcomes you, San Jacobo encapsulates the heart and soul of Spanish cuisine – a dish that brings joy to diners of all ages.

Ingredients

The ingredients for San Jacobo are quite basic; however, there are some takeaway keys to keep in mind to make this tapas dish outstanding
The ingredients for San Jacobo are quite basic; however, there are some takeaway keys to keep in mind to make this tapas dish outstanding

Delight your taste buds with the tantalizing Spanish Tapas Fillet San Jacobo, a dish that harmoniously combines flavors and textures to create a culinary masterpiece. This recipe celebrates the art of blending succulent ingredients to perfection, resulting in a mouthwatering treat you’ll be excited to prepare and savor.

Ingredients:

  • Iberian Pork Fillets: The show’s star, these tender pork fillets provide a rich and indulgent base for the dish. When selecting your fillets, opt for the freshest cuts available. The fresher the fillets, the more vibrant and delicious the flavors will be.
  • Slices of Turkey or Ham: These slices offer a savory layer that complements the pork fillets beautifully. Choose turkey for a lighter touch or ham for a more intense, smoky flavor. Their saltiness adds depth to the dish.
  • Slices of Tasty Cheese: The cheese brings a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth element to the Tapas. Be playful and consider using a low-fat cheese to keep the indulgence in check, especially if you’re mindful of your health. The cheese’s richness will still shine through, contributing to the decadence.
  • Salt and White Pepper: These two seasonings are the pillars of flavor enhancement. A pinch of salt and a dash of white pepper elevate the taste of each layer, ensuring a well-rounded experience.
  • Flour: A light dusting of flour on the pork fillets creates a delicate, crispy coating when cooked, adding an enticing texture contrasting with the creamy cheese and savory meat.
  • Eggs: The eggs serve as the binding agent for the bread crumbs, helping them adhere to the fillets during the frying process. This step is crucial for achieving that coveted golden crust.
  • Bread Crumbs: These crunchy crumbs encase the fillets in a delectable, crispy shell. When fried to perfection, they offer a satisfying contrast to the tender interior.

Key tips to consider:

  • Freshness is Key: Regarding the pork fillets, prioritize freshness. The quality of the fillets will directly impact the dish’s overall taste. Seek out the best you can find for an unforgettable experience.
  • Cheese Choice: Opt for a cheese that suits your preferences, whether it’s a milder cheese or something with a more robust flavor. Consider using low-fat cheese if you’re looking to balance richness with health consciousness.
  • Layering Perfection: As you assemble the layers of turkey or ham, cheese, and pork fillets, pay attention to the balance of flavors. The cheese acts as a binding agent, ensuring that each bite encompasses all the enticing elements.
  • Texture Play: The combination of crispy bread crumbs and tender meat makes this dish special. Achieve the perfect texture by ensuring your fillets are evenly coated with flour and egg before being coated with bread crumbs.
  • Frying Know-How: To achieve that crispy exterior while maintaining succulence inside, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying. This way, the bread crumbs crisp up quickly without absorbing excess oil.

Making San Jacobos

As we embark on this culinary escapade together, I’m excited to share my perspective and some insider tips to make your San Jacobo creation truly outstanding.

For me, I really enjoy those thin fillet pieces, combined with cheese, each bite of San Jacobo feels like it's melting in your mouth.
For me, I really enjoy those thin fillet pieces, combined with cheese, each bite of San Jacobo feels like it’s melting in your mouth.

Ah, the magic of tenderizing! As we lay the fillets on the board, it’s not just about flattening them. It’s like giving the meat a little massage, breaking down those tough fibers, and setting the stage for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. I find that using a meat hammer isn’t just functional; it’s a satisfying way to channel our culinary energy into the dish.

Here’s where we lay the foundation of flavor. My personal preference leans toward white pepper for its subtle heat, but feel free to dance with black pepper if that’s your jam. And salt? It’s like the conductor of the flavor orchestra, enhancing every note. Remember, we’re not just seasoning; we’re building layers of taste that will surprise and delight with every bite.

Now, let’s talk about personal flair. The choice of sausage is like choosing the perfect accessory for an outfit. You can go classic with Serrano ham, playful with turkey, or embrace any other favorite. This is where your culinary identity shines through – a dash of you in every layer.

Oh, the cheese! It’s the binding agent, the unifier of flavors. From my exploration, I find that a cheese with a higher protein content not only adds a luxurious texture but also beautifully complements the other elements. And the discount code for the cheese? Well, that’s like an insider’s tip – a little culinary treasure hunt that adds a dash of excitement.

The half-hour chill is like a prelude to a symphony. It’s a moment of anticipation, allowing the flavors to mingle and the breading to set. Think of it as letting the ingredients get to know each other before they hit the frying pan dance floor.

To make a perfect San Jacobo, it's best to deep-fry it generously so that the outer layer becomes crispy while the inside cooks evenly
To make a perfect San Jacobo, it’s best to deep-fry it generously so that the outer layer becomes crispy while the inside cooks evenly

The sizzle as the fillets meet the oil. It’s a culinary symphony you can almost hear. I’ve found that a medium-high heat is the sweet spot. It’s like finding that perfect rhythm on the dance floor – not too fast or slow. And that single flip? It’s like turning the page of a good book – the climax that reveals the golden-brown transformation.

As you transfer those beautiful San Jacobos to the plate, take a moment to relish the fruits of your labor. It’s not just about a dish; it’s about the journey you’ve undertaken. Share a knowing smile with yourself – you’ve created something delightful that tells a story through flavors.

Beside crunchy tapa, Manzanillanyc is also a really big fan of stew tapas which is fat and of course rich in flavor at the same time, perfect with red wine actually. You can explore some tapas like:

Note: To make the dish perfect, to balance out the fatty fat of every deep fried, I strongly recommend fresh tapas like salad to refresh your taste before coming to main dishes. At manzanillanyc, most of our gourmets are fond of Melon con Jamon to take this responsibility.

Spanish Fillet San Jacobo Recipe

Spanish Fillet San Jacobo Recipe

Dani García
Discover a delicious Spanish tapas for Fillet San Jacobo recipe- a savory delight that combines tender fillet, ham, and cheese.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 Iberian pork fillets
  • 2 slices of turkey or ham per
  • 2 slices of tasty cheese
  • Salt
  • White pepper
  • Flour
  • 2 eggs
  • Bread crumbs

Instructions
 

  • Tenderizing the meat is essential for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
  • Seasoning with white or black pepper and salt builds layers of flavor.
  • Choosing the right sausage adds personal flair to the dish.
  • Cheese with higher protein content binds flavors and adds texture.
  • Chilling for half an hour lets flavors mingle before frying.
  • Deep-fry over medium-high heat for 5 minutes achieves a golden-brown finish.
  • Transferring to the plate marks the rewarding end of a culinary journey.

Notes

  • Start with high-quality ingredients, especially the fillet and cheese. Opt for fresh, tender fillet and flavorful cheese to enhance the dish’s overall taste.
  • Use a meat hammer to tenderize and flatten the fillet slices. This helps in cooking and ensures the fillet is perfectly thin for the San Jacobo.
  • After coating the fillet with egg, flour, and breadcrumbs, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour. This step helps the coating adhere better and makes deep frying easier.
  • Maintain a moderate frying temperature. Avoid frying at too high a temperature, as this could burn the outer layer while the inside remains undercooked. A medium heat level ensures even cooking and a crisp outer layer.
  • Choose a melting cheese like mozzarella or gouda. The cheese should have a mild flavor that complements the taste of the fillet without overpowering it.

© Manzanillanyc

Dani García

 

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Thanks for spending time and following along Dani García’s sharings. You will find blowing cuisine, traditional Spanish tapas or variety of dishes with professional techniques used by renowned chef Garcia.

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Dani García
Dani García

Andalusian, Michelin three-starred chief Dani García is the owner of Manzanilla Spanish Brasserie located in the heart of New York City. Chef Garcia's modernist expertise and innovative techniques promise a thrilling culinary experience.

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