These Instant Pot Carne Asada Tacos are quick and easy to make, and ready in under 30 minutes. The steak can be utilized in other Mexican favorites for the prefect family dinner every time.
Looking for a new go-to weeknight dinner perfect for the family?! These Instant Pot Carne Asada Tacos are quick and easy to make, require little prep work and ready in about 30 minutes. Top the tacos with salsa, cheese or cilantro for the perfect finish.
The finished steak also works great for nachos, burrito bowls or even in a steak quesadilla. This versatile dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Ingredient Notes
Meat Options: I recommend using either flank steak, or skirt steak for your pressure cooker carne asada. These cuts of meat are traditionally used for this dish in Mexican cuisine and yield very flavorful meat. Of course you could use a different cut of meat like a sirloin steak.
Liquid: When using an Instant Pot you need to add some liquid in to avoid your meat from burning, and it give the dish more flavor. I like to use chicken stock, but water, beef stock or vegetable stock can be used as well.
Additionally, I like to use both lemon and lime juice because I think it makes a great flavor combination. You could use one or the other, or even add in some orange juice for a more citrus kick.
Spices: Chili powder, oregano, paprika, oregano, salt and pepper are my go-to choice spices for this recipe. So additions you could add in are some cayenne pepper for some heat, or some smoked paprika for some deeper flavor. Also, you could add in a teaspoon of liquid smoke for that right off the grill taste.
Why You'll LOVE It
Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 Minutes
Versatile: Use in Tacos, Nachos or Burritos
Super Tender: The Steak is Loaded with Flavor and Tender
Instructions
Prep & Marinade
Start by slicing the flank steak AGAINST THE GRAIN then add it to a large prep bowl. Next, slice an onion and add it in with the sliced steak.
Finally, add the rest of your ingredients to the large bowl (except the beef broth), cover and marinade in the fridge for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Pressure Cooking
When ready to cook, add everything to the bowl of your Instant Pot along with the beef broth (or water). Secure the lid and turn the nozzle to SEAL.
Cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 4 minutes then natural release for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes quick release. Once the nozzle drops you can carefully open the lid.
Remove the steak from the instant pot and drizzle with a little of the excess liquid and dice/or shred. Check out Pro Tips below for a tasty broiling method.
Serving
Once your steak is shredded serve with warm tortillas (flour or corn, your choice) plus optional toppers and enjoy! Alternatively, you could serve with another Mexican dish of choice like burritos or in a steak quesadilla.
Leftover Storage Instructions
Store leftover carne asada in a airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating I recommend heating on the stovetop just until warm. Alternatively, you can heat the steak in the microwave.
Pro Tips
The Proper Slice: It is very important that you slice the flank steak AGAINST the grain when cutting the meat. Doing this will shorten the fibers and make the meat more tender and easier to chew.
Broil the Steak: If you want to add some extra flavor and texture to your carne asada after you pressure cook the steak, you can place it on a baking sheet. Next you can broil on high for 1 minute just until slightly crisp on the edges. You want to be careful not to broil for too long or you will loose some of the tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
Optional Toppers: The meat is so flavorful and tender that you really do not need much for topping your tacos. I recommend keeping it simple by just adding some fresh cilantro, salsa or pico de galo. Of course you could use some guacamole, sour cream, cheese, lettuce or any other of your favorite taco toppings.
Meal Ideas: I love utilizing my Instant Pot Carne Asada inside of tacos, over nachos or inside of a burrito. Some other great uses for this steak is in a Mexican style salad, in a burrito bowl, or used for a Walking Taco Bar Party. Another simple idea is to serve the meat with some rice, beans and veggies for a simple family dinner.
FAQS
The best cuts for the traditional Mexican version of carne asada are either skirt steak or flank steak. While other cuts of steak like sirloin can be used, skirt steak and flank steak yield the most flavor.
Yes, the instant pot is an electric pressure cooker that make meat extremely tender and soft. While carne asada is traditionally made on a grill, I love using my pressure cooker because it yields tender steak and is ready quickly.
The main difference between carne asada and carne picada that make them different recipes is the way the beef is cut. Carne picada is minced beef that is braised, while carne asada is slices of steak traditionally cooked on a grill.
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Happy Eating!
Easy Instant Pot Carne Asada Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 Lbs Flank Steak
- ½ Yellow Onion Sliced
- ½ Cup Chicken Stock or Water
- 1 tablespoon Lime Juice
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 5 Cloves Minced Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
- ½ teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
For Serving
- 24 Flour Tortillas Taco Size
- Fresh Cilantro
- Homemade Salsa
- Shredded Mexican Cheese Optional
- Sour Cream Optional
Instructions
- Slice flank steak AGAINST THE GRAIN then add it to a large bowl.
- Add the rest of your ingredients to the large bowl (except the beef broth), stir, cover and marinade in the fridge for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- When ready to cook, add everything to the bowl of your Instant Pot along with the beef broth. Secure the lid and turn the nozzle to SEAL.
- Cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 4 minutes then natural release for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes quick release. Once the nozzle drops you can carefully open the lid.
- Remove the steak from the instant pot and drizzle with a little of the excess liquid and dice/or shred. SEE NOTES FOR OPTIONAL BROIL
- Once your steak is shredded serve with tortillas plus optional toppers and enjoy!
Meghan
Fantastic, easy dinner. I was surprised how tender the beef turned out.
Caitlyn Erhardt
Glad it was tasty!