These Easy Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos are a crowd-pleaser! Slow-cooked beef, wrapped in soft tortillas, paired with a tangy cilantro lime sauce—yum!
Making tacos has never been simpler! Just toss the ingredients in the crockpot and let it do the magic. I love piling them high with my favorite toppings for an epic meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank or Skirt Steak: Both cuts are perfect for tacos. Flank steak is a bit leaner, while skirt steak is more flavorful. If you need a budget-friendly option, try using chuck roast; it’ll still turn out delicious with slow cooking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a fantastic taste, but if you’re out, garlic powder can be a substitution. Use about 1 teaspoon of powder in place of each clove.
Spices: Ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano create deep flavors. If you want a different twist or can’t find smoked paprika, regular paprika works too, but it will have less smokiness.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and umami. If you’re avoiding soy, you can switch to coconut aminos for a similar taste but with a slightly sweeter flavor.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is key for the sauce. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you could use parsley for a different yet fresh taste.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve Tender, Shredded Meat?
The secret to perfectly cooked carne asada lies in slow cooking. This method ensures the meat becomes tender and flavorful. Here’s how to make it work:
- Marinate the meat at least 30 minutes but ideally 4 hours for deep flavor.
- Place the steak in your crockpot with the marinade. Don’t skip the marinade! It adds moisture and flavor during cooking.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Low and slow really brings out the flavors!
- Once done, remove the steak and use forks to shred it. This will allow you to soak up some of the juices for maximum flavor!
How Can I Make the Cilantro Lime Sauce Creamy and Flavorful?
The cilantro lime sauce is a bright and creamy addition to your tacos. Here’s how to prep it perfectly:
- Combine fresh cilantro, sour cream (or crema), lime juice, garlic, and salt in a blender.
- Blend until smooth; you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water to reach your desired thickness.
- Taste it! Adjust the lime or salt according to your preference.
- For extra zing, add a bit of chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a kick!
With these tips and techniques, your Easy Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos will be a hit at any meal! Enjoy making them with your favorite toppings!
Easy Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carne Asada:
- 3 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
For the Cilantro Lime Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1-2 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)
For Serving:
- Small corn or flour tortillas
- Diced onions
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Optional: sliced radishes, avocado slices, salsa, or shredded cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take you about 30 minutes to prepare and then approximately 6-8 hours to slow cook on low (or 3-4 hours on high). Once everything’s cooked, assembling your tacos only takes a few minutes. In total, you’re looking at a hands-off meal that’s perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Carne Asada Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, soy sauce, lime juice, orange juice, and oil. Stir well until all the spices are combined into a marinade.
2. Marinate the Meat:
Take your flank or skirt steak and rub the marinade all over the meat. For the best flavor, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it marinate up to 4 hours in the refrigerator will enhance the taste even more!
3. Slow Cook the Carne Asada:
Place the marinated steak into your crockpot and pour any remaining marinade over the top. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender and easily shreds.
4. Shred the Meat:
After it’s cooked, carefully remove the steak from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded meat to the crockpot, allowing it to soak in the delicious juices until you’re ready to assemble your tacos.
5. Prepare the Cilantro Lime Sauce:
While the meat is cooking, make your cilantro lime sauce! In a blender or food processor, combine fresh cilantro, sour cream (or crema), lime juice, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Warm your tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Once heated, fill each tortilla with a generous amount of shredded carne asada. Drizzle with your cilantro lime sauce and top with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and any additional toppings you like. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a refreshing squeeze!
Enjoy your flavorful, tender Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos with the refreshing zing of cilantro lime sauce!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank steak and skirt steak are traditional choices, you can also use chuck roast or even pork shoulder. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for tougher cuts that may require longer cooking to become tender.
Can I Make the Cilantro Lime Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The cilantro lime sauce can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir before serving, as it may thicken slightly in the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
For any leftover carne asada, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can keep the cilantro lime sauce separate to maintain its freshness. Reheat the meat gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Freeze the Meat?
Yes! Once fully cooked and shredded, let the carne asada cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Feel free to ask if you have any more questions about the recipe! Enjoy your tacos!
