Embarking on a culinary journey often unveils comforting delights, and there’s nothing quite as satisfying as dipping into a warm plate of Crockpot Beef Carna Asada. This savory dish, rooted in Mexican cuisine, captures the essence of flavor and simplicity—perfectly cooked flank steak marinated in zesty citrus juices and an array of spices. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, allowing you to enjoy the aromatic blend while your meal simmers to perfection throughout the day.
Why We Love This Crockpot Beef Carna Asada Recipe
What makes this Crockpot Beef Carna Asada so beloved? It’s more than just the flavor; it’s about the convenience and versatility. The slow cooker transforms tough cuts of meat into tender bites that almost melt in your mouth. With a handful of spices and some easily found ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dish that is both satisfying and impressively delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe stands out due to its rich taste and minimal effort. Plus, it’s easily adaptable, making it a go-to choice for any occasion!
Ingredients about Crockpot Beef Carna Asada
To successfully prepare your Crockpot Beef Carna Asada, gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 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
Start your flavorful journey by preparing the spice rub for the flank steak. In a small bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, freshly ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano until well combined.
Once the spice blend is ready, take your flank steak and rub half of this mixture on one side, ensuring every part gets coated in that lovely flavor. Flip the steak over and apply the remaining spice mix to the other side, giving it a good rub so the steak is evenly seasoned.
In a separate bowl, mix the freshly squeezed orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, and white vinegar until combined. This citrus marinade is crucial for tenderizing the meat while infusing it with vibrant flavors.
Next, you’ll want to prepare your slow cooker. Lightly grease the insert to ensure the beef doesn’t stick. Pour half of your citrus marinade into the crockpot—this will create a flavorful base for the steak.
Place the seasoned flank steak in the crockpot, resting it right on top of the juices, and then pour the remaining marinade over the top. Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for about six hours. Depending on your specific slow cooker, cooking times may vary, so it’s good to check for tenderness.
After six hours, remove the steak from the crockpot and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period is essential for keeping your steak juicy. Once rested, slice the meat against the grain into thin strips.
To serve, return the sliced steak to the crockpot, mixing it well with the cooking juices. This step ensures every bite is infused with those delightful flavors.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Carna Asada
Serving your Crockpot Beef Carna Asada is part of the fun! This dish is best enjoyed with warm tortillas—corn or flour, whichever you prefer. Load your tortilla with a generous amount of the juicy beef, then add your favorite toppings. Try some freshly made pico de gallo, creamy avocado slices, and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese or crumbled feta for a deliciously satisfying experience.
If you’re hosting friends or family, consider serving the beef alongside sides like Mexican rice, beans, or a fresh salad. The versatility of this dish allows you to get creative with your serving ideas!
Expert Tips: Crockpot Beef Carna Asada
To elevate your Crockpot Beef Carna Asada game, consider the following expert tips:
- Marination Time: While this recipe is designed for slow cooking, if you have extra time, marinate your steak for a couple of hours—or even overnight—in the fridge. This allows the spices to penetrate deeper into the meat for even more flavor.
- Cutting Technique: Always remember to slice the meat against the grain. This technique breaks down the muscle fibers, ensuring that each bite is tender rather than chewy.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with your spice blend. Add a pinch of cayenne for heat or substitute the dried oregano with fresh cilantro for a fresh twist.
- Serving Options: Get creative with your toppings! Beyond the usual pico de gallo and cheese, try pickled onions, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of crema for an extra layer of flavor.
- Slow Cooker Settings: Since slow cookers can vary in their heat distribution, always check for tenderness around the recommended cooking time. You want your steak to be fork-tender and easy to shred.
How to Store Crockpot Beef Carna Asada
Storing your leftover Crockpot Beef Carna Asada is quite simple. Allow the meat to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored this way, it can last in the fridge for up to three days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions of the meat. Place the sliced steak in a freezer-safe bag, remove as much air as possible, and it can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the microwave or on a skillet.
Variation of Crockpot Beef Carna Asada
Embrace your culinary creativity with these delicious variations of Crockpot Beef Carna Asada that you can try:
- Spicy Kick: Enhance the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a touch of chipotle in adobo sauce to the marinade. This will bring a smoky, spicy depth to your dish.
- Vegetable Add-ins: For a more substantial meal, toss in vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini into the slow cooker with the beef—a perfect way to create a one-pot dinner!
- Vegan Option: Substitute the beef with jackfruit in the same marinade and cooking process for a plant-based delight that still offers delightful flavors.
- Taco Night Twist: Instead of tacos, turn your beef into burrito bowls. Layer the juicy meat over rice, black beans, corn, and your choice of toppings for a hearty meal.
- Fusion Flavor: Try adding a hint of soy sauce and sesame seeds, creating an Asian-inspired twist on your classic Mexican dish.
FAQ
What is Crockpot Beef Carna Asada?
Crockpot Beef Carna Asada is a flavorful dish made from flank or skirt steak seasoned with spices and marinated in citrus juices, slow-cooked to tender perfection.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Beef Carna Asada?
Cooking Crockpot Beef Carna Asada usually takes about 6 hours on low, but times may vary based on your specific slow cooker.
Can I use other cuts of meat for this recipe?
Yes, while flank steak or skirt steak works best, you can also use chuck roast if you prefer. Just keep in mind that it may require longer cooking time for optimal tenderness.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative to ensure the dish remains gluten-free.
What toppings enhance Crockpot Beef Carna Asada?
Some popular toppings include pico de gallo, avocado slices, Cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of lime juice to brighten the dish!
By creating this delicious Crockpot Beef Carna Asada, you not only indulge in a flavorful experience but also embrace the essence of convenience that slow cooking offers. Enjoy the journey of flavors—and most importantly, your meal!
Crockpot Beef Carna Asada
Ingredients
For the Marinade and Spice Rub
- 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
For the Dish
- 2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
- 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 Toppings
- tortillas (corn or flour)
- pico de gallo
- avocado slices
- Cotija cheese or crumbled feta
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, freshly ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano until well combined.
- Rub half of the spice mixture onto one side of the flank steak, then flip and apply the remaining mixture evenly.
- In another bowl, mix together the orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, and white vinegar until combined.
- Lightly grease the slow cooker insert and pour half of the citrus marinade into it.
- Place the seasoned flank steak in the crockpot and pour the remaining marinade over the steak.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 6 hours, checking for tenderness as times may vary.
- Remove the steak after 6 hours and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes.
- Slice the meat against the grain into thin strips.
- Return the sliced steak to the crockpot and mix it with the cooking juices.
Serving
- Serve the beef with warm tortillas and toppings such as pico de gallo, avocado slices, and Cotija cheese.
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