Crockpot Beef Carna Asada is one of those dishes that can make any meal feel special. With its bold flavors and tender meat, this recipe brings a taste of Mexico right into your home. The beauty of cooking it in a crockpot is that it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in meat that practically falls apart at the touch. Whether you’re preparing for a casual dinner or an exciting gathering, this recipe will leave your guests raving.
Why We Love This Crockpot Beef Carna Asada Recipe
The allure of Crockpot Beef Carna Asada lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor it showcases. You only need a few ingredients to create a dish that feels lavish. The slow-cooking process allows the flank or skirt steak to absorb every bit of the flavorful marinade, ensuring every bite is delicious. Plus, it’s a truly hands-off recipe: once you’ve set it up, you can simply let it do its thing while you go about your day. The versatility of this dish means you can serve it in numerous ways, whether in tacos, burritos, or even over rice. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to prep, cook, and serve this amazing dish.
Ingredients about Crockpot Beef Carna Asada
- 2 lbs flank steak (or skirt steak)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt (or adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or gluten-free alternative)
- 2 Tbsp white vinegar
- Optional: tortillas (corn or flour), pico de gallo, avocado slices, Cotija cheese or crumbled feta
How to Make Crockpot Beef Carna Asada Directions
The steps to create Crockpot Beef Carna Asada are straightforward and rewarding. Start by preparing your spice rub. In a small bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano. This mix will impart rich flavors to the meat, so be generous with the rub! Take your flank steak and rub half of the spice mixture onto one side. Flip the steak and coat the other side with the remaining spice mix.
Next, you’ll create a tangy marinade. In another bowl, mix together the orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, and white vinegar. Once combined, it’s time to set up your crockpot. Lightly grease it with a bit of olive oil, then pour half of the prepared marinade into the bottom of the pot. Lay the seasoned flank steak in the crockpot and pour the rest of the marinade over the top.
Cover the crockpot and let it work its magic on low heat for about six hours. Check for tenderness toward the end of the cooking time; you’re aiming for that perfect fall-apart texture. Once done, carefully remove the steak and allow it to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This is crucial for keeping the juices locked in. Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. Finally, return the sliced steak back to the crockpot, mixing it with the wonderful cooking juices for added flavor.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Carna Asada
Serving Crockpot Beef Carna Asada can turn into a fun, interactive meal. Start by gently heating your tortillas, whether they’re flour or corn. Lay out a serving station with the warm tortillas in one dish and then present the sliced beef in another. Accompany this with toppings like pico de gallo, slices of creamy avocado, and perhaps some crumbly Cotija cheese or feta on the side.
Encourage your guests to build their own tacos or burritos, giving them the freedom to customize with the toppings they prefer. This not only enhances the dining experience but also adds a level of excitement to meal time. Whether you’re hosting friends, family, or just indulging in a cozy dinner, the vibrant colors and textures of the dish will surely entice everyone to dig in.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Beef Carna Asada
To ensure you achieve the best possible Crockpot Beef Carna Asada, keep these expert tips in mind. Firstly, choose good quality meat. Flank or skirt steak works well due to their flavor and texture, but make sure it’s fresh for the best results. When preparing your spice rub, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings to suit your own taste. If you love a bit of heat, you can incorporate cayenne pepper into your mix or add a bit of hot sauce to your marinade.
Mixing your marinade the day before can save time; simply let your steak marinate overnight in the refrigerator for even deeper flavor. This approach allows the steak to absorb those wonderful citrus and savory notes fully. During cooking, resist the urge to lift the lid too often; it releases heat and slows the cooking process. Lastly, when you slice the steak, aim for thin strips and always cut against the grain for maximum tenderness.
How to Store Crockpot Beef Carna Asada
Storing your leftover Crockpot Beef Carna Asada is easy and offers a great opportunity for more delicious meals. Allow the beef to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Make sure to include some of the cooking juices to keep the meat moist. Stored this way, it can last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the leftovers. Just ensure everything is sealed tightly in a freezer-safe container or bag. Properly stored, it can remain in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and gently reheat, making sure to add a little water if needed to maintain moisture.
Variation of Crockpot Beef Carna Asada
There’s plenty of room for creativity with Crockpot Beef Carna Asada, making it a versatile recipe to suit various palates. If you’re looking for a twist, try marinating the meat with different citrus combinations—grapefruit or lime zest can add a unique flair. Incorporating different spices into your rub can also change the tone of the dish. For a bit of sweetness, try adding a teaspoon of brown sugar to the marinade.
Additionally, consider using different cuts of meat if flank or skirt isn’t available. Chuck roast or even chicken can work, offering distinct flavors while still being deliciously tender. If you lean toward a more health-conscious route, you can replace tortillas with lettuce wraps, providing a fresh and crunchy alternative. Each variation keeps the spirit of the recipe intact while introducing new textures and flavors for your enjoyment.
FAQs
What is the best cut of meat for crockpot beef carna asada?
Flank steak and skirt steak are the traditional cuts used for this recipe, as they are both flavorful and tender.
How can I make crockpot beef carna asada spicier?
You can increase the amount of chili powder in the spice rub or add some cayenne pepper to the marinade for extra heat.
Can I substitute the soy sauce in the marinade?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative or even coconut aminos if you’re looking for a soy-free option.
What can I serve with crockpot beef carna asada?
Serve it with warm tortillas, fresh pico de gallo, avocado slices, and Cotija cheese for a complete meal.
Can I cook crockpot beef carna asada on high heat?
Yes, you can cook it on high for about 3 to 4 hours, but be sure to check for tenderness as cooking times may vary.
This sumptuous recipe of Crockpot Beef Carna Asada will not disappoint; it’s a luscious dish loaded with flavor that you and your loved ones will savor. Enjoy!
Crockpot Beef Carna Asada
Ingredients
For the Beef and Marinade
- 2 lbs flank steak (or skirt steak) Choose good quality meat for the best flavor.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt Adjust to taste.
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 Tbsp olive oil For greasing the crockpot.
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce Use gluten-free alternative if needed.
- 2 Tbsp white vinegar
Optional Toppings
- tortillas (corn or flour) For serving.
- pico de gallo For serving.
- avocado slices For serving.
- Cotija cheese or crumbled feta For serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Rub half of the spice mixture onto one side of the flank steak, then flip and coat the other side with the remaining spice mix.
- Mix together the orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, and white vinegar in another bowl.
- Lightly grease the crockpot with olive oil and pour half of the marinade into the bottom.
- Lay the seasoned flank steak in the crockpot and pour the rest of the marinade over the top.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for about 6 hours, checking for tenderness toward the end.
- Once done, remove the steak and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then slice against the grain into thin strips.
- Return the sliced steak to the crockpot and mix with the cooking juices.
Serving
- Gently heat the tortillas and set up a serving station with warm tortillas, sliced beef, and toppings.
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