Our Carne Picada stands out as an exceptional carne asada picada option, celebrated for its depth of flavor and versatility. Whether you’re using a slow cooker, an Instant Pot, or even an air fryer, this dish remains consistently delicious and satisfying. The combination of perfectly seasoned beef and complementary vegetables creates a carne picada dish that’s both hearty and delightful.
I fondly remember the first time I introduced carne picada con papa to a family gathering. The blend of savory beef with the subtle sweetness of potatoes created a harmonious balance that had everyone asking for seconds. Inspired by their enthusiastic feedback, I refined this carne picada recipe to ensure it’s both authentic and easy to recreate, allowing you to bring the essence of Mexican flavors to your home effortlessly.
Equipments to make Carne Picada
Certain kitchen appliances that improve the cooking process are necessary to make the ideal carne picada:
- Slow Cooker or Crock Pot: Ideal for carne picada slow cooker, allowing the beef to become tender and infused with flavors over an extended period.
- Instant Pot: Perfect for the carne picada instant pot method, significantly reducing the cooking time while maintaining tenderness.
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Essential for sautéing vegetables and browning the beef for stovetop preparations.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: Crucial for slicing beef and chopping vegetables with precision.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure ingredients, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
- Mixing Bowls: For marinating the beef and preparing the seasoning mix.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring and sautéing without scratching your cookware.
- Tongs: Ideal for handling the beef during cooking and serving.
- Ladle: Convenient for serving generous portions of carne picada into bowls or wraps.
- Small Bowl: For whisking together marinades and sauces, ensuring a smooth and consistent mixture.
Having these tools on hand will streamline your cooking process, allowing you to focus on building the rich and savory flavors that make Carne Picada so irresistible.
Ingredients for Carne Picada
Customize your Carne Picada with these essential ingredients:
For the Beef Marinade:
2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak, thinly sliced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Carne Picada Sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 bell peppers (red and green), thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
2 tomatoes, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Optional Add-Ins:
2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed (carne picada con papa)
1/2 cup green peas for added sweetness and texture
1 jalapeño, sliced for extra heat
1 teaspoon sesame oil for a rich, nutty flavor
For Serving:
Tacos shells or tortillas
Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Lime wedges
Sliced avocado
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Shredded cheese
Optional Variations:
Philly Cheesesteak Style: Serve carne picada for Philly cheesesteak sandwiches with melted provolone or American cheese and sautéed onions.
Air Fryer Carne Picada: Use an air fryer orange chicken style to achieve crispy beef pieces with less oil.
Cheese Cake Factory Orange Chicken Style: Adapt flavors to create a fusion dish inspired by popular restaurant styles.
These components work together to produce a filling and substantial dish of carne picada that is full of flavor.
Instructions to make Carne Picada
To make a delicious Carne Picada that is brimming with real flavors, follow these steps:
Marinate the Beef:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Add the flank steak or skirt steak to the marinade, ensuring each slice is well-coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the beef to absorb the rich flavors.
Prepare the Carne Picada Sauce:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced onion and bell peppers, sautéing until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the diced tomatoes and canned diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
Pour in the beef broth, and add the brown sugar, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cook the Carne Picada:
Slow Cooker Method:
Transfer the marinated beef and the prepared sauce into a slow cooker.
If adding carne picada con papa, include the cubed potatoes at this stage.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
Instant Pot Method:
Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the marinated beef and sauce.
If adding carne picada con papa, include the cubed potatoes.
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to Manual High Pressure for 30 minutes.
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release.
Add Optional Ingredients:
If using green peas or jalapeños, stir them into the mixture and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
For an extra depth of flavor, drizzle sesame oil over the dish and stir gently.
Shred the Beef:
Once the beef is tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker or Instant Pot. Ensure the shredded beef is well incorporated into the sauce.
Serve the Carne Picada:
Spoon the tender shredded beef and vegetables into taco shells or tortillas.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and add toppings like sliced avocado, sour cream, or shredded cheese as desired.
For a Philly cheesesteak twist, serve the carne picada in sandwich rolls with melted cheese and additional sautéed onions.
Savor your handmade carne picada, a robust and savory Mexican traditional dish that adds coziness and contentment to any dinner table.
Allergen Information regarding Carne Picada
To guarantee that everyone has a safe dining experience, be aware of any possible allergies in Carne Picada:
- Contains: Soy (soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce), Gluten (if using regular soy sauce and flour tortillas), Eggs (if adding any egg-based toppings)
- Possible Cross-Contamination: Ensure that all utensils and surfaces are thoroughly cleaned if you have severe allergies, especially related to soy and gluten.
You can take the appropriate precautions or make the required replacements to accommodate dietary restrictions if you are aware of these sensitivities.
Substitutions regarding Carne Picada
Use these flexible substitute alternatives to modify the Carne Picada to accommodate different dietary requirements and preferences:
Protein Alternatives:
- Turkey: Replace beef with ground turkey for a leaner option without compromising on flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Use mushrooms or lentils as a substitute for beef to create a vegetarian carne picada dish.
Gluten-Free Option:
- Tamari Sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce to eliminate gluten from the dish.
- Gluten-Free Tortillas: Serve with gluten-free or lettuce wraps instead of traditional flour tortillas.
Dairy-Free Option:
- No Changes Needed: This carne picada recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it suitable for those avoiding dairy products.
Low-Carb Option:
- Cauliflower Rice: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake.
- Zucchini Noodles: Serve with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of regular pasta.
Spice Level Adjustments:
- Milder Version: Reduce the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes to make the dish less spicy.
- Extra Heat: Add more jalapeños or hot sauce to increase the spiciness according to your preference.
Vegetable Variations:
- Additional Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or broccoli for added nutrition and variety.
- Leafy Greens: Add spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for an extra boost of vitamins.
Sauce Alternatives:
- Citrus Variations: Use lime juice instead of or in addition to lemon juice for a different citrusy flavor.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup to adjust sweetness levels.
Cooking Method Alternatives:
- Air Fryer Carne Picada: Use an air fryer to achieve crispy beef pieces with less oil.
- Oven-Baked Carne Picada: Bake the beef in the oven for a hands-off cooking method that still delivers tender and flavorful meat.
With these changes, you may modify the recipe to meet your unique dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Variations
These inventive versions will help you improve and expand your Carne Picada:
- Carne Picada for Philly Cheesesteak: Serve the shredded beef on hoagie rolls with sautéed onions and melted provolone or American cheese for a Mexican-inspired Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
- Carne Picada con Papa: Add cubed potatoes to the slow cooker or Instant Pot to create a heartier meal with the subtle sweetness and texture of potatoes complementing the savory beef.
- Crock Pot Carne Picada: Utilize a crock pot orange chicken style by adding additional spices like cinnamon and cloves for a unique twist, and cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeply infused flavors.
- Air Fryer Carne Picada: Use an air fryer to cook the marinated beef pieces, achieving a crispy exterior with minimal oil. This method is perfect for a healthier version without sacrificing texture.
- Carne Picada for Tacos: Serve the Carne Picada in soft or hard taco shells with a variety of toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and salsa for customizable tacos.
- Carne Picada Food Fusion: Combine with Asian flavors by adding a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil, and serve over steamed rice or noodles for a fusion meal that blends Mexican and Asian cuisines.
- Spicy Carne Picada: Incorporate extra jalapeños or sriracha into the sauce to elevate the heat level, creating a fiery and robust Carne Picada dish.
- Carne Picada Stuffed Peppers: Fill halved bell peppers with the Carne Picada mixture, top with cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted for a visually appealing and tasty dish.
- Carne Picada Pasta: Toss the shredded beef with your favorite pasta and a bit of the sauce for a hearty and satisfying pasta dish that combines Italian and Mexican flavors.
- Carne Picada Quesadillas: Use the Carne Picada as a filling for quesadillas along with cheese and sautéed onions. Cook until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted for a delicious handheld meal.
These variations encourage creativity, allowing you to adapt the recipe to your taste preferences and special occasions.
Notes
Optimize your Carne Picada with these helpful tips:
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Opt for flank steak or skirt steak as they are ideal for slow cooking and shredding, ensuring a tender and flavorful carne picada dish.
- Slice Beef Against the Grain: This technique ensures the beef remains tender and easy to chew, enhancing the overall texture of the dish.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allowing the beef to marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, infuses the meat with rich flavors and tenderizes it for a more enjoyable eating experience.
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Whether using a skillet or a Dutch oven, a heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heat distribution, preventing hot spots and ensuring the beef cooks uniformly.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Always taste your carne picada before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. Adding more salt, lime juice, or spices can enhance the dish according to your preference.
- Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh cilantro or parsley at the end of cooking brightens the flavors and adds a fresh, aromatic element to the dish.
- Balance Flavors: Ensure a harmonious balance between savory, sweet, and tangy elements by adjusting the amount of brown sugar, vinegar, and spices to suit your taste.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the carne picada to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors to meld and the beef to absorb more of the delicious sauce.
- Serve with Complementary Sides: Pairing carne picada with sides like steamed rice, tortillas, or roasted vegetables enhances the meal’s completeness and satisfaction.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make a significant difference in the overall flavor profile of the dish, ensuring a vibrant and tasty carne picada food experience.
Implementing these tips ensures you achieve the best results and make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Health Benefits
Enjoying our Carne Picada has multiple health benefits because of its wholesome ingredients:
Lean Beef:
- High-Quality Protein: Essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Iron: Supports oxygen transport in the blood and energy production.
- B Vitamins: Important for metabolism and maintaining healthy skin and nerves.
Bell Peppers and Onions:
- Vitamins A and C: Boost the immune system and promote healthy skin.
- Fiber: Aids in digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- Antioxidants: Help protect the body from free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Garlic and Ginger:
- Immune Support: Enhance the immune system’s ability to fight off infections.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Assist in reducing inflammation in the body.
- Heart Health: Help in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Tomatoes:
- Antioxidants: Rich in lycopene, linked to heart health and cancer prevention.
- Vitamins C and K: Support immune function and bone health.
Olive Oil:
- Healthy Monounsaturated Fats: Promote heart health by reducing bad cholesterol levels.
- Antioxidants: Provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
Herbs and Spices:
- Cilantro and Parsley: Offer antioxidants and aid in digestion.
- Cumin and Paprika: Contain anti-inflammatory properties and support metabolism.
Incorporating this dish into a balanced diet can contribute to overall health and well-being. Remember to enjoy it in moderation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Nutrition Facts
Making educated dietary decisions can be facilitated by being aware of our carne picada’s nutritional value. The breakdown by serving is as follows:
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
The Carne Picada nutritional profile makes it a well-rounded meal choice, including healthy fats from lean beef and olive oil along with a significant quantity of protein to aid in muscle building and repair. It is a tasty and filling dish that is enhanced by the sweetness and energy provided by the carbohydrates found in vegetables and sauces. Given the sodium concentration of the soy sauce and other ingredients, it’s crucial to eat this meal in moderation.
Understanding the nutritional facts makes it easier to include this meal in your diet and guarantees that it meets your dietary objectives.
Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredient brands and measurements used. For more precise information, refer to the labels of your chosen ingredients.
Cooking Tips
Use these professional cooking ideas to improve your Carne Picada:
- Properly Thaw Frozen Beef: Ensure that your beef is fully thawed before marinating to achieve a consistent texture and even cooking.
- Don’t Overmix the Marinade: Gently mix the marinade and beef to avoid breaking down the meat too much, which can lead to tougher meatballs.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make a significant difference in the overall flavor profile of the dish, ensuring a vibrant and tasty Carne Picada experience.
- Control the Heat: Maintain medium-high heat when sautéing the onions and peppers to achieve a slight caramelization, enhancing the dish’s depth of flavor.
- Taste as You Go: Continuously taste the dish during cooking and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, honey, or spices to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
- Marinate Overnight: For an even deeper flavor, marinate the beef overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: A heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven ensures even heat distribution, preventing hot spots and ensuring the beef cooks uniformly.
- Add Vegetables in Stages: Add harder vegetables like bell peppers first, followed by softer ones like peas or spinach towards the end to maintain their texture.
- Garnish Creatively: Experiment with different garnishes such as a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or additional fresh herbs to elevate the dish’s presentation and flavor.
- Serve Fresh: Carne Picada is best enjoyed fresh, as the textures and flavors are most vibrant when the dish is hot.
Implementing these techniques will help you achieve perfectly cooked, flavorful Carne Picada every time.
Storage Advice
Properly storing Carne Picada ensures it stays fresh and delicious for future meals. Here’s how to do it:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Carne Picada in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This allows you to enjoy a quick and flavorful meal without compromising on taste.
- Freezing: For longer storage, divide the Carne Picada into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the Carne Picada on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
- Preventing Sogginess: If storing with rice or tortillas, keep them separate and combine just before serving to maintain their textures.
- Labeling: Clearly label containers with the date to keep track of freshness and ensure timely consumption.
- Leftover Reuse: Transform leftovers into Carne Picada tacos, incorporate them into a hearty soup, or use them as a filling for burritos and quesadillas for added variety.
According to these storage recommendations, you can comfortably and safely savor your Carne Picada later.
Serving Suggestions
Use these inventive serving suggestions to elevate your Carne Picada:
- For Tacos: Serve the Carne Picada in soft or hard taco shells with toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and salsa for customizable tacos.
- Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches: Place the Carne Picada in hoagie rolls, top with melted provolone or American cheese, and add sautéed onions for a Mexican-inspired Philly cheesesteak.
- Over Steamed Rice: Spoon the Carne Picada over a bed of steamed white or brown rice to soak up the rich sauce.
- With Warm Tortillas: Pair the dish with warm flour or corn tortillas for an authentic meal experience, allowing everyone to build their fajitas.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill halved bell peppers with Carne Picada, top with shredded cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted for a colorful and tasty dish.
- In a Rice Bowl: Create a hearty rice bowl by layering Carne Picada with steamed vegetables and a drizzle of extra sauce.
- With a Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for a balanced and light meal.
- As a Topping for Baked Potatoes: Spoon the savory beef mixture over baked potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- With Sliced Avocado: Add creamy avocado slices to complement the rich flavors of the Carne Picada.
- Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
These serving suggestions offer a well-balanced and filling lunch in addition to improving presentation.
By putting these tips into practice, you can vary your meals and offer your food in a visually pleasing and enticing way.
Troubleshooting
Have trouble getting Carne Picada ready? To guarantee that your dish turns out flawlessly, below are some typical issues and how to fix them:
- Beef Overcooked and Tough: Ensure you use tender cuts of beef like flank or skirt steak and marinate them adequately. Avoid overcooking by following the recommended cooking times and checking for tenderness before removing from heat.
- Sauce Too Thick: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Let the Carne Picada simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thin it out naturally.
- Sauce Too Thin: Allow the Carne Picada to simmer uncovered for additional time to reduce and thicken the sauce. Alternatively, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce until it thickens.
- Lack of Flavor: Ensure that the beef is well-marinated and that fresh spices are used. Taste the Carne Picada before serving and adjust the seasoning with more salt, lime juice, or spices as needed.
- Vegetables Undercooked or Overcooked: Add vegetables based on their cooking times. Start with harder vegetables like bell peppers and onions, and add softer ones like peas or spinach towards the end to prevent overcooking.
- Beef Sticking to the Pan: Ensure the skillet or slow cooker is properly preheated and adequately oiled before adding the beef. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the beef to steam rather than sear.
- Sauce Separation: Stir the sauce continuously while cooking to maintain a smooth consistency. Avoid using too high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate.
- Too Spicy: If the Carne Picada is too spicy, balance the heat by adding a bit more honey or lime juice. Incorporate additional vegetables or a splash of coconut milk to mellow the spiciness.
- Too Sweet: Balance the sweetness by adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. Increase the amount of spices to introduce savory elements that counteract the sweetness.
- Beef Lacks Tenderness: Use tender cuts of beef and ensure they are marinated properly. Avoid overcooking, as this can cause the beef to become tough.
These tips will assist you in overcoming typical obstacles and consistently producing excellent Carne Picada.
By mastering these troubleshooting techniques, you may improve your cooking confidence and abilities while producing consistently excellent meals.
FAQ
Yes, this recipe is perfectly suited for an Instant Pot. Follow the carne picada instant pot method by combining the marinated beef and sauce, then cook on Manual High Pressure for 30 minutes with a natural release for 10 minutes.
Carne Picada pairs wonderfully with sides like steamed rice, tortillas, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. It also makes a great filling for tacos, sandwiches, and wraps.
Carne Picada can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For the best flavor and texture, consume within this timeframe and reheat gently before serving.
Yes, you can freeze Carne Picada for up to 3 months. Place it in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, ensuring the beef and sauce are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cuts like flank steak or skirt steak are ideal for Carne Picada as they are tender and shred easily after slow cooking. These cuts absorb flavors well and provide a satisfying texture to the dish.
Yes, feel free to use a variety of beans such as black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans to add different textures and flavors. Beans also enhance the nutritional profile by adding protein and fiber.
Yes, when prepared with lean beef and plenty of vegetables, Carne Picada is a nutritious and balanced meal. It provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Opting for low-sodium soy sauce and using healthy fats like olive oil can further enhance its health benefits.
Yes, substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or a plant-based meat alternative. Ensure that all sauces used are vegan-friendly to maintain a fully vegetarian dish.
Use low-sodium soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce to reduce the overall salt content. Additionally, taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning accordingly by adding more vegetables or a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors.
Carne Picada is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of shredded beef cooked in a savory and aromatic sauce with vegetables and spices. The name translates to “chopped meat,” referencing the finely shredded texture of the beef in the dish.
These responses help you get the most out of your Carne Picada experience by addressing common questions.
Having concise responses to these frequently asked questions guarantees that you have the knowledge required to make and savor this delectable cuisine.
Footnotes
There are countless culinary opportunities when you start the process of making Carne Picada. Feel free to customize this recipe by experimenting with other ingredients and methods. Your distinctive touch will make the recipe uniquely yours, whether you’re using fresh herbs for a burst of freshness or adding extra spices for an added kick. Enjoy your culinary journey as you prepare your own Carne Picada!
For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, visit Dinnerthendessert.com or Food Network. Navigate to our Main Dishes section or Trustedrecipe, Thank you for choosing this recipe, and may your kitchen adventures be tasty and enjoyable!
