Carne Asada
Carne Asada for Taco Night
This slow-cooked, tender, and flavorful carne asada is perfect for taco night! With a hint of smoky heat, zesty lime, and a touch of sweetness, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s easy to make and full of authentic Mexican flavors.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
| 2 pounds flank steak |
| 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated |
| 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder |
| 2 tsp onion powder |
| 1 tsp smoked paprika |
| ½ tsp kosher salt |
| 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil |
| Zest and juice of 1 lime |
| ½ cup Mexican beer (e.g., Negra Modelo) or water |
| 1 tbsp honey |
| Warmed corn or flour tortillas (for serving) |
| Toppings: avocado, feta cheese, jalapeños, pickled onion, shredded lettuce, cilantro |
Instructions
- In the bowl of your slow cooker, combine the flank steak, garlic, chili powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Rub the seasonings into the steak. Add the olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, and beer.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender and easy to shred.
- Preheat the broiler to high. Remove the steak from the slow cooker and place it on a baking sheet. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then lightly shred.
- Add ½ cup of the cooking liquid to the meat and drizzle with honey. Broil for 2-5 minutes, until the edges caramelize. Keep a close watch to avoid burning!
- Toss the caramelized steak with additional cooking liquid, if desired, for extra moisture. Stuff the carne asada into warmed tortillas and add your favorite toppings, such as avocado, feta cheese, jalapeños, pickled onions, and shredded lettuce.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, or elote (Mexican street corn).
- Serve alongside chips and guacamole for the ultimate taco night.
This recipe brings restaurant-quality carne asada straight to your table—flavorful, versatile, and always a hit!
