Description
This Instant Pot Carne Asada recipe offers a flavorful and tender marinated flank steak cooked quickly under pressure. Infused with citrus, garlic, and smoky spices, it’s perfect for tacos, rice bowls, or as a protein-packed main dish, delivering authentic Mexican flavors with the convenience of modern pressure cooking.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced (or skirt steak)
Marinade
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
To Serve
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a well-balanced marinade with savory, citrusy, and smoky flavors.
- Marinate the Steak: Place the thinly sliced flank steak into a resealable plastic bag or casserole dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring all slices are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the meat to absorb the flavors deeply.
- Optional Browning: Turn the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and heat the vegetable oil. In batches, add the marinated steak to the pot to brown slightly on the edges, enhancing flavor and texture. After browning all batches, add approximately 2 tablespoons of water to deglaze the pot, scraping any browned bits from the bottom to prevent burning during pressure cooking.
- Pressure Cook the Carne Asada: Return all browned steak and any remaining marinade back to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid, set the pressure valve to sealing, and select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” function on high pressure. Cook for 10 minutes to tenderize the meat while retaining its juiciness.
- Release Pressure and Serve: Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release to safely remove the pressure. Open the lid and fluff the meat gently. Serve the Instant Pot Carne Asada hot over rice, in warm tortillas for tacos, or with your favorite sides. Garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro and accompany with lime wedges for added brightness.
Notes
- Marinating overnight yields the best flavor and tenderness.
- Skipping the browning step is fine but browning adds an enhanced depth of flavor.
- Adjust seasoning and spice levels according to taste preferences.
- Use skirt steak as an alternative to flank steak for similar results.
- The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the steak slices.
- Ensure quick pressure release is done carefully to avoid splattering.
- Serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, or fresh salsa for an authentic experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (including sautéeing and pressure cooking)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
