Can I use a different cut of meat for this slow cooker carne asada?

Absolutely! While flank steak is traditional, you can also use skirt steak for similar results. Chuck roast works well too, though it will have a different texture and more fat. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as thicker cuts may need the full 8 hours on low.

My carne asada seems too soupy. What happened?

Slow cookers trap moisture, which can sometimes result in more liquid than expected. If your finished dish has too much liquid, you can remove the meat, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan, and reduce it on the stovetop until it reaches your desired consistency. Then drizzle this concentrated sauce back over the meat.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes! You can adapt this recipe for the oven by placing the marinated meat in a covered Dutch oven or baking dish. Cook at 300°F for about 3 hours, or until the meat is tender. You can also use a pressure cooker, cooking on high pressure for about 45 minutes with a natural release.

Is this carne asada spicy?

With just one jalapeño, this recipe has a mild to medium heat level that most people find pleasant rather than overwhelming. For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño. For more heat, add an extra jalapeño or include some cayenne pepper.

Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 limes, juiced; 4 cloves garlic, minced and crushed; ½ cup orange juice; 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup olive oil; 1 jalapeno, minced; 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar; 2 pounds flank steak

Description

A tender and flavorful Mexican-style Carne Asada made effortlessly in your slow cooker. This dish features a marinade bursting with citrus, garlic, and fresh cilantro, infused into a juicy flank steak for a satisfying and versatile meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Marinade:

2 limes, juiced
4 cloves garlic, minced and crushed
1/2 cup orange juice
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
1 jalapeno, minced
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

For the Main Dish:

2 pounds flank steak

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, minced garlic, orange juice, chopped cilantro, salt, black pepper, olive oil, minced jalapeno, and distilled white vinegar. This will create a vibrant and flavorful marinade to tenderize the steak.
Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Lay the flank steak flat in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the prepared marinade evenly over the steak, ensuring all areas are coated. The marinade will infuse the steak with its rich flavor while cooking.
Cook the Carne Asada
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the steak on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, or on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. The long, slow cooking method ensures the meat becomes incredibly tender and juicy.

Notes

If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can quickly sear the flank steak in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side before adding it to the slow cooker.
Serve the Carne Asada with traditional accompaniments like warmed tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and lime wedges.
This dish is great for meal prepping as the cooked meat can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 375
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 85mg