This crockpot carne asada is super tender and packed with flavor. Just throw in the beef with your favorite seasonings, and let the slow cooker do all the work!
Who doesn’t love the smell of beef cooking all day? 😍 I enjoy serving it in tacos or burritos. It’s a great way to keep dinner simple and yummy. You’ll love it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank or Skirt Steak: These cuts are perfect for carne asada. They’re tender and flavorful. If you can’t find them, try sirloin or chuck roast as alternatives, but they may require longer cooking times.
Citrus Juices: Fresh orange juice adds sweetness and lime juice gives it a zing. If you’re short on fresh juice, bottled versions can work in a pinch, but fresh is always the best choice.
Soy Sauce: This gives a nice umami flavor. For a gluten-free option, you can use tamari or coconut aminos.
Garlic: Minced garlic is a must for flavor. If you want a milder option, substitute garlic powder, but use less to taste since it’s stronger.
Jalapeño: For a bit of heat, but it’s optional! You can substitute with a poblano for less spiciness or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
How Do I Get the Meat to be Super Tender?
Cooking the steak slowly is key to achieving tender meat. Using a crockpot lets the meat braise gently, breaking down tough fibers. Here’s how to nail it:
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours for the best results. If you’re in a hurry, high for 3-4 hours works, but low is preferred.
- Make sure to slice the meat against the grain once it’s done. This helps keep the meat tender as you cut it.
- Letting it rest for a few minutes after cooking can help with juiciness—don’t skip this step!
Tender & Flavorful Crockpot Carne Asada
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carne Asada:
- 3 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Serving:
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious carne asada takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll need to let it cook in the crockpot for either 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high, depending on how much time you have. That’s it! Let your slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped jalapeño, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until it’s nicely mixed.
2. Coat the Steak:
Place your flank or skirt steak in the crockpot. Pour the marinade all over the steak, ensuring that it gets well coated. Drizzle the olive oil on top for extra flavor.
3. Cook the Steak:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook. Choose low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The goal is for the meat to be tender and shred easily with a fork.
4. Slice the Meat:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the steak from the crockpot. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly against the grain. This helps keep the meat tender when you’re serving it.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Spoon some of the flavorful juices from the crockpot over the sliced meat to keep it juicy. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. You can either wrap this delicious carne asada in tortillas as tacos or enjoy it as a main dish alongside rice and beans.
Enjoy your tender, juicy, and flavorful crockpot carne asada! It’s a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
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Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak and skirt steak are traditional choices, you can also use sirloin or chuck roast. Just keep in mind that these cuts might have different cooking times, with tougher cuts typically needing a bit longer to become tender.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding more jalapeño or even a few slices of serrano pepper. Additionally, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or use a hotter chili powder for an extra kick. Just adjust the spice level to your liking!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the marinade and coat the meat the night before. Just refrigerate it overnight to let the flavors meld. In the morning, pop it in the crockpot, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready by dinnertime!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of the reserved cooking juices to keep it moist. Enjoy it in tacos or on salads!
