If you’re looking for a dish that combines ease and incredible flavor, you’ve come to the right place! This Carne Asada Crockpot: The Easiest & Most Flavorful Recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings everyone together. The tender flank steak is marinated in a bright, zesty mixture that infuses every bite with mouthwatering flavor. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this recipe fits perfectly into any occasion.
What makes this carne asada so special is its versatility. You can serve it in tacos, burritos, or even over rice for a hearty meal. Plus, the slow cooker does all the hard work while you enjoy your day. Trust me; once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your household!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: You only need about 20 minutes of hands-on time to get this delicious dish started!
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves tacos! This recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Marinate the steak overnight for even more flavor and simply toss it into the slow cooker the next day.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of citrus and spices creates an irresistible taste that will have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it easy to whip up this delightful dish. Let’s gather everything you need for this carne asada masterpiece!
For the Marinade
- 2-3 lb flank steak or skirt steak
- 1 large orange, juiced
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
For the Seasoning
- 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
For Serving
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Variations
One of the best parts of this carne asada recipe is its flexibility! Here are some fun variations you can try:
- Swap the protein: Try using chicken or tofu instead of beef for a different spin on this classic.
- Add more heat: If you love spice, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or use spicier peppers.
- Mix up the herbs: Fresh parsley or green onions can be used in place of cilantro if you prefer something different.
- Make it smoky: Add a dash of liquid smoke to the marinade for an extra depth of flavor.
How to Make Carne Asada Crockpot: The Easiest & Most Flavorful Recipe
Step 1: Juice the Citrus
Juicing the orange and limes is essential because their acidity helps tenderize the meat while adding fresh flavors. You should aim for about ½ cup of orange juice and ¼ cup of lime juice—this brightens up every bite!
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your freshly squeezed juices with olive oil, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. This mixture forms the base of our marinade that will soak into the steak and give it incredible flavor.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
Next up is adding minced garlic and jalapeño (if you’re feeling adventurous!). These aromatics add layers of flavor. Garlic brings a rich earthiness while jalapeño gives it a kick.
Step 4: Incorporate the Spices
Time to amp up our marinade! Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper, and salt. Mixing these spices not only enhances flavor but also adds warmth and depth to the dish.
Step 5: Whisk Everything Together
Give everything a good whisk until well combined. This step ensures that all those beautiful flavors meld together beautifully. Taste it! Adjust salt or spices if needed—this marinade should make your taste buds dance!
Step 6: Prepare the Steak
Take your flank steak or skirt steak out and lay it on a cutting board. If it’s particularly thick, scoring it lightly in a diamond pattern helps absorb more marinade during soaking—trust me; it’s worth it!
Step 7: Place Steak in a Container
Now it’s time to place your steak into either a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. This makes marinating easier and mess-free.
Step 8: Pour Marinade Over Steak
Pour that lovely marinade over your steak! Make sure every inch gets coated evenly. If you’re using a plastic bag, squeeze out any excess air before sealing tightly.
Step 9: Marinate in the Refrigerator
Let your steak sit in that delicious marinade in the refrigerator for at least four hours—overnight is even better! This allows all those flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
Step 10: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Before cooking begins, lightly grease your slow cooker with cooking spray. This small step prevents sticking later on when serving this flavorful carne asada.
Step 11: Add Onions to the Slow Cooker
Place roughly chopped onion at the bottom of your slow cooker—this will provide additional sweetness as they cook down throughout roasting.
Step 12: Place Steak in Slow Cooker
Remove your marinated steak from its cozy spot in the fridge and place it atop those onions in your slow cooker—discard any remaining marinade since we’ve done our work there!
Step 13: Cook on Low
Cover up that slow cooker magic! Set it on low and let it work its wonders for about six to eight hours until tender enough to shred effortlessly with just two forks.
Step 14: Remove Steak from Slow Cooker
Carefully lift out that beautifully cooked carne asada onto a cutting board—it should feel like butter when you touch it!
Step 15: Shred the Steak
Now comes one of my favorite parts! Using two forks (or just one if you’re feeling bold), shred that juicy meat into bite-sized pieces—it smells divine already!
Step 16: Return Shredded Steak to Slow Cooker
Toss shredded pieces back into their flavorful juices along with those onions from earlier—mix them well so every bite has rich seasoning throughout!
Step 17: Serve and Garnish
Finally, serve hot garnished with chopped cilantro if desired! Whether tucked inside warm tortillas or served over rice alongside beans—you can’t go wrong here!
Enjoy every last savory bite of this amazing Carne Asada Crockpot recipe with family and friends!
Pro Tips for Making Carne Asada Crockpot: The Easiest & Most Flavorful Recipe
Making carne asada in a crockpot is a breeze, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your dish to perfection!
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and citrus not only enhance the flavor but also add a vibrant aroma to your dish, making it more appealing.
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Marinate Longer: While 4 hours is effective, marinating overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful carne asada.
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Don’t Skip the Onions: Adding onions at the bottom of the slow cooker not only infuses flavor but also creates a natural bed for the meat to rest on, preventing it from getting too soggy.
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Shred While Hot: Shredding the steak while it’s still warm ensures that it remains juicy and easy to pull apart. This helps maintain its tenderness when serving.
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Taste Before Serving: Always taste the shredded meat before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary; a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lime can make all the difference!
How to Serve Carne Asada Crockpot: The Easiest & Most Flavorful Recipe
Serving carne asada is all about creativity and presentation! Here are some delightful ideas to make your dish shine at any table.
Garnishes
- Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh burst of flavor and color.
- Diced Avocado: Creamy avocado complements the spicy meat perfectly, adding richness.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens up every bite and balances out the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes, onion, and spices makes a perfect bed for your carne asada, soaking up juices and adding texture.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide protein and are an excellent creamy counterpart to the flavorful meat.
- Grilled Vegetables: Bell peppers and zucchini lightly seasoned and grilled add color and crunch, making for a healthy side option.
- Corn Tortillas: Freshly warmed corn tortillas are essential for tacos or burritos. Their subtle sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory carne asada.
With these tips and serving suggestions, your carne asada crockpot meal will not only taste amazing but look fantastic too! Enjoy every bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
This carne asada crockpot recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to ensure your leftovers stay fresh and flavorful.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the carne asada to cool completely before storing.
- Place the shredded meat in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
- Portion the carne asada into freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen carne asada overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
- Heat until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe.
Can I use a different cut of meat for this carne asada crockpot recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak and skirt steak are traditional choices, you can also use other cuts like sirloin or chuck roast. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary.
What ingredients make this carne asada crockpot recipe so flavorful?
The combination of citrus juices, garlic, spices, and soy sauce creates a rich marinade that infuses the meat with incredible flavor. This ensures each bite is tender and packed with taste!
How do I serve carne asada from my crockpot?
You can enjoy it in various ways! Serve it in tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. It also works great over rice or mixed into salads for a delicious meal any time.
Can I make this carne asada crockpot recipe spicy?
Yes! You can add minced jalapeño or increase the cayenne pepper amount in the marinade to ramp up the heat according to your taste preference.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making this carne asada crockpot recipe as much as I do! It’s not just about delicious food; it’s about bringing people together around the table. Whether you’re whipping it up for family dinner or meal prepping for a busy week, this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations!
[Mexican]
Carne Asada Crockpot: The Easiest & Most Flavorful Recipe
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
- 2–3 lb flank steak or skirt steak
- 1 large orange, juiced
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- Spices: cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (optional), black pepper, salt
- Preparation Instructions:
Instructions
- Juice the orange and limes into a bowl.
- Whisk together the juices with olive oil, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
- Stir in minced garlic and jalapeño.
- Mix in spices until well combined; taste and adjust seasoning.
- Score the steak lightly and place it in a resealable bag or dish.
- Pour marinade over the steak; seal or cover and refrigerate for at least four hours (overnight preferred).
- Grease the slow cooker; add chopped onion on the bottom.
- Place marinated steak on top of onions; discard excess marinade.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until tender.
- Shred steak with forks; return to cooker to mix with juices before serving.
- Helpful Notes:
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup shredded carne asada (approximately 140g)
- Calories: 317
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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