Imagine tender, juicy meat infused with zesty citrus and bold Mexican spices, so delectable it practically melts in your mouth. This Crock Pot Carne Asada isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms an ordinary cut of flank steak into a restaurant-quality feast with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend warrior in the kitchen, this foolproof method will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs flank steak
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the flank steak. Trim any excess fat from the meat to ensure a leaner result. Cut the steak into large chunks to help it fit better in the crock pot and to allow the marinade to penetrate more effectively.
- In a medium bowl, combine the lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. This mixture will serve as the marinade for the steak.
- Place the chunks of flank steak into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring that all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- After marinating, remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps the meat cook more evenly.
- Transfer the marinated flank steak to the crock pot. Pour any remaining marinade over the top of the meat. This will add extra flavor during the cooking process.
- Set the crock pot to low heat and cover it with the lid. Allow the carne asada to cook for 8 hours. The low and slow cooking method will make the meat tender and flavorful.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the flank steak from the crock pot and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- While the meat is resting, you can strain the cooking liquid from the crock pot into a small saucepan. Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat and reduce it slightly if desired. This can be used as a sauce to drizzle over the sliced carne asada.
- Slice the carne asada against the grain into thin strips. This helps to ensure that the meat remains tender when served.
- Garnish the sliced carne asada with chopped cilantro for added freshness and flavor. Serve with your choice of tortillas, rice, beans, or any other sides you prefer.
- Enjoy your delicious carne asada, perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply on its own!
Tips
- Marinate Overnight: For maximum flavor penetration, let the steak marinate for at least 4-8 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the citrus and spices to deeply tenderize the meat.
- Choose the Right Cut: Flank steak works best, but you can also use skirt steak. Look for meat with minimal fat for the most tender results.
- Slice Against the Grain: Always slice the cooked meat perpendicular to the muscle fibers to ensure maximum tenderness.
- Don't Overcrowd the Crock Pot: Leave some space between meat pieces to ensure even cooking and proper heat circulation.
- Save the Cooking Liquid: The leftover liquid can be reduced into a delicious sauce or used as a flavor base for other dishes.
- Temperature Matters: Let the meat rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and diced onions can elevate the final presentation and flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
