The Juiciest Instant Pot Carne Asada Recipe Ever Made

Here’s a spicy instant pot carne asada that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Mexican grilling traditions meet modern kitchen technology in this mouthwatering dish.

Tender beef cuts infused with vibrant marinades promise an unforgettable dining experience.

Bold flavors burst through each succulent bite, creating a memorable meal.

Quick cooking methods ensure maximum taste with minimal effort.

Succulent meat seasoned with zesty herbs promises to impress even the most discerning palates.

Instant Pot Carne Asada: Tender Beef in Record Time

• Quick and Foolproof Cooking: Master this carne asada recipe with minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners wanting delicious Mexican-inspired meals.
• Lightning-Fast Meal Preparation: Whip up a restaurant-quality dish in just 15 minutes using the Instant Pot, eliminating lengthy traditional cooking methods.
• Versatile Serving Options: Transform this succulent steak into tacos, burritos, or standalone protein, making it adaptable for various meal preferences and family tastes.
• Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Elevate basic steak with elote seasoning and fresh salsa, creating a vibrant, zesty meal that requires minimal ingredients and maximum taste.

Ingredients Behind Instant Pot Carne Asada

• Steak: A prime cut that provides rich, beefy flavor and tender texture; flank or skirt steak work best for authentic carne asada.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the meat's natural taste and creating a balanced flavor profile.
• Elote Seasoning: Adds a Mexican street corn-inspired zesty and slightly spicy kick to the meat.

• Avocado Oil: Provides a high smoke point for perfect searing and adds a subtle, clean flavor to the meat.

• Fresh Salsa: Brings bright, fresh tomato and herb notes to complement the rich meat.
• Cilantro: Optional herb that adds a fresh, citrusy, and slightly peppery accent to the dish.

Instant Pot Steps for Carne Asada

Step 1: Prep the Beef

Slice the steak into bite-sized chunks, creating uniform pieces for even cooking.

Sprinkle generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the meat’s natural flavors.

Step 2: Fire Up the Instant Pot

Activate the sauté function on your Instant Pot and wait until the display signals “hot”.

Pour in a splash of avocado oil, creating a glistening surface that will help develop a beautiful sear on the meat.

Step 3: Sear and Season the Meat

Carefully place the seasoned beef pieces into the hot pot.

Dust the meat with zesty elote seasoning, which will add a delightful Mexican street corn-inspired flavor.

Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, developing a rich golden-brown crust that locks in juiciness.

Step 4: Add Fresh Flavor Boosters

Gently fold in vibrant fresh salsa and chopped cilantro, allowing the herbs and sauce to mingle with the seared meat.

The salsa will add brightness and depth to the entire dish.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the sizzling carne asada directly to warm tortillas, creating irresistible tacos.

Alternatively, pile the meat into burritos or serve alongside Mexican-inspired side dishes like rice, beans, or grilled vegetables.

Carne Asada Know-How For Pressure Cooking

• Cut steak perpendicular to muscle fibers for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature – 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium.
• Marinate steak for 2-4 hours beforehand with lime juice, garlic, and spices to enhance taste profile.
• Let cooked meat rest 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful results.
• Layer seasonings by using salt first, then adding complex spices like elote for a more robust and balanced flavor.

How to Keep Carne Asada Tender and Juicy

• Store leftover carne asada in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags, preserving meat quality for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
• Place meat slices on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle with a few drops of water, and heat in 30-second intervals to prevent drying out.
• Warm meat over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth, stirring occasionally to maintain moisture and restore tenderness.

Tasty Add-Ons For Carne Asada

• Boost Flavor Blast: Pair this zesty carne asada with crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial for a perfect flavor harmony that cuts through the meat's richness.
• Tangy Sidekick: Serve alongside fresh pico de gallo and creamy guacamole to enhance the meat's bold southwestern profile and add refreshing texture contrasts.
• Wine Lover's Choice: Select a medium-bodied red like Argentine Malbec to complement the steak's robust seasoning and provide a smooth, bold drinking experience.
• Texture Magic: Add crisp pickled red onions and charred jalapeños as garnishes to elevate the dish's complexity and introduce bright, spicy undertones that dance with the meat's flavors.

Carne Asada Cooking Options

• Gluten-Free Carne Asada: Replace elote seasoning with certified gluten-free Mexican spice blend to ensure no cross-contamination.
• Low-Carb Protein Option: Skip tortillas and serve carne asada over cauliflower rice or mixed greens for a keto-friendly meal.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute steak with portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, using similar seasoning techniques for a plant-based protein version.
• Spicy Heat Lover's Version: Add extra chipotle powder or diced jalapeños to increase the heat level and create a more intense flavor profile.

FAQs

• What type of steak works best for this recipe?

Flank steak or skirt steak are ideal because they’re tender, flavorful, and cook quickly in the Instant Pot.

• Can I use a different oil instead of avocado oil?

Yes, you can substitute with vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil if avocado oil isn’t available.

• How do I know when the steak is cooked to the right doneness?

For medium doneness, cook 2-3 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer for precise temperatures: 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium.

• Is elote seasoning necessary for the recipe?

While elote seasoning adds great flavor, you can use taco seasoning or a mix of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder as alternatives.

Instant Pot Carne Asada Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling Mexican Instant Pot Carne Asada brings bold flavors from tender beef marinated in citrus and spices. Juicy, charred slices promise a quick and delicious meal perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 lbs (907 g) flank or skirt steak

Seasonings and Spices:

• Elote seasoning, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Liquids and Herbs:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons (22 ml) avocado oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) fresh salsa
• 1/4 cup (15 g) cilantro (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Slice the beef into manageable portions, generously coating each piece with salt and freshly ground black pepper for robust flavor infusion.
2. Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté function, allowing the surface to reach an optimal high temperature before introducing a splash of avocado oil.
3. Gently place the seasoned meat into the heated pot, sprinkling elote seasoning across the surface to create a complex, zesty crust.
4. Sear each side for approximately 2-3 minutes, ensuring a perfect medium doneness while developing a rich caramelized exterior.
5. Incorporate vibrant fresh salsa and finely chopped cilantro, stirring thoroughly to distribute the aromatic ingredients throughout the meat.
6. Allow the carne asada to rest momentarily, absorbing the combined flavors and ensuring maximum tenderness.
7. Transfer the succulent meat to warm tortillas or serve alongside complementary side dishes, presenting a delectable Mexican-inspired meal ready to delight the palate.

Notes

• Slice steak against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
• Use high-quality, well-marbled flank or skirt steak to ensure rich flavor and juiciness.
• Adjust cooking time based on meat thickness and desired doneness, checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
• For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps instead of traditional tortillas.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg