Tender Slowcooker Carne Asada

This slow-cooker carne asada transforms a traditionally grilled Mexican favorite into a tender, flavor-packed meal with minimal effort. The rich marinade of citrus juices and aromatic spices infuses the beef while it cooks to fork-tender perfection, creating a versatile dish that works for everything from taco Tuesday to meal prep Sunday.

I discovered this recipe when hosting a neighborhood fiesta and needed to feed a crowd without missing the party. Five years later, it remains my most requested recipe when friends come over.

Ingredients

• Flank steak or skirt steak: these cuts become perfectly tender when slow cooked and have excellent beefy flavor
• Orange juice: the natural enzymes help tenderize the meat while adding subtle sweetness
• Lime juice: provides essential acidity that brightens the entire dish
• Soy sauce: an unexpected ingredient that adds umami depth rather than Asian flavor
• Fresh garlic: minced cloves provide aromatic punch that dried versions simply cannot match
• Chili powder: adds mild heat and authentic Mexican flavor notes
• Cumin: brings earthy warmth that anchors the spice profile
• Smoked paprika: contributes subtle smokiness that mimics traditional grilling
• Black pepper: freshly ground provides the best sharp bite
• Salt: enhances all other flavors and helps tenderize the meat
• Oregano: preferably Mexican oregano for its more citrusy notes
• Jalapeño: fresh slices infuse gentle heat throughout the cooking process
• Cilantro: fresh leaves add brightness that balances the rich meat
• Olive oil: helps the spices bloom and flavors meld together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Marinade:

Whisk together orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic and all spices until thoroughly combined. This marinade serves two purposes: flavoring the meat and creating the braising liquid that will keep everything moist during the long cooking process. Make sure all spices are evenly distributed with no clumps.

Arrange The Meat:

Place your flank or skirt steak in a single layer in your slow cooker. If using a larger cut, you can fold it or arrange it to fit properly. Pour the marinade evenly over the meat, lifting edges to ensure the liquid gets underneath as well. Use tongs to flip the meat once or twice to guarantee complete coating on all surfaces.

Add Fresh Elements:

Scatter sliced jalapeño and fresh cilantro over and around the meat. These ingredients will infuse their flavors throughout the long cooking process. The jalapeño will become quite mild during cooking, so don’t worry about it making the dish too spicy unless you’re very heat-sensitive.

Set And Cook:

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The low setting is preferable for maximum tenderness. Resist the urge to peek or stir frequently as this releases valuable heat and extends cooking time. The meat is done when it shreds easily with two forks.

Rest And Slice:

Carefully transfer the cooked meat to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Using a sharp knife, slice against the grain into thin strips. For extra-tender results, you can also shred the meat using two forks.

Serve And Enjoy:

Plate your carne asada with warm tortillas, fresh lime wedges, and your favorite toppings. The cooking liquid can be spooned over the meat for extra moisture and flavor. For an authentic touch, garnish with additional fresh cilantro.

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My family goes crazy for this carne asada served on corn tortillas with just a bit of diced white onion and cilantro. Something about the simplicity lets the incredibly tender meat shine through. My husband insists the orange juice is the secret ingredient that makes this recipe special.

Make It A Complete Meal

Transform your carne asada into a complete feast by serving it alongside classic Mexican side dishes. Traditional accompaniments include Spanish rice with its tomato base and fluffy texture, refried beans topped with crumbled cotija cheese, and grilled vegetables with a squeeze of lime juice. For a lighter option, a simple cabbage slaw dressed with citrus vinaigrette provides refreshing crunch that balances the rich meat perfectly.

Customize Your Heat Level

This recipe can easily be adjusted to suit any spice preference. For a milder version perfect for family meals, remove all seeds from the jalapeño or omit it completely and rely solely on the chili powder for gentle heat. If you're a spice enthusiast, add a serrano pepper alongside the jalapeño or include a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade. For serious heat lovers, stir in a tablespoon of minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce before cooking.

Storage And Meal Prep Tips

Properly stored carne asada makes weekday meals effortless. Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers with some of the cooking liquid to maintain moisture. The meat will stay fresh for up to four days. For longer storage, portion the meat into meal-sized freezer bags, add a tablespoon of cooking liquid to each, and freeze flat for quick thawing. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying, and warm gently over medium heat just until heated through.

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Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes! While flank or skirt steak is traditional, chuck roast works well too. The slow cooking process breaks down tougher cuts beautifully, making them tender and flavorful.

→ How can I get that charred flavor without grilling?

After slow cooking, place the meat under the broiler for 2-3 minutes per side. This creates a delicious caramelized exterior that mimics the traditional grilled flavor.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the meat overnight in the refrigerator, then transfer everything to the slow cooker in the morning. The longer marinating time will enhance the flavors.

→ How should I slice the meat?

Always slice against the grain for maximum tenderness. Let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

→ What can I serve with slow cooker carne asada?

Warm tortillas, Mexican rice, black beans, fresh salsa, guacamole, and lime wedges all make excellent accompaniments. For a low-carb option, serve over a salad with avocado.