Carne Seca
Discover the authentic flavors of Carne Seca, a traditional dish that transforms simple ingredients into an explosion of savory delight. Made with tender strips of beef, marinated in a bold blend of garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and vinegar, this recipe captures the rich essence of Latin American cuisine. Slowly dried to achieve a jerky-like texture and then sautéed to perfection with caramelized onions, Carne Seca boasts an irresistible combination of smoky, tangy, and savory notes. Perfectly finished with a bright squeeze of fresh lime, this versatile dish can be served as a hearty snack, enjoyed with tortillas, or paired with rice for a satisfying meal. With minimal preparation and deeply satisfying results, Carne Seca is your go-to recipe for flavorful, protein-packed perfection.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Beef (sirloin or flank steak, trimmed of excess fat)
- 2 tablespoons Salt
- 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons White vinegar
- 1 cup Water
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil (or lard)
- 1 large Onion (sliced thin)
- 1 large Fresh lime (for garnishing)
Instructions
Cut the beef into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. If desired, use a meat mallet to further tenderize the strips.
In a bowl, combine salt, garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the beef strips.
Place the seasoned beef in a shallow dish and drizzle with white vinegar. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to marinate.
Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) or set a food dehydrator to its meat drying setting.
Lay the beef strips in a single layer on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet (or on a food dehydrator tray). Ensure the pieces are not overlapping.
Dry the beef in the oven or dehydrator for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is firm and has a jerky-like texture. Check periodically to avoid over-drying.
Once dried, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil or lard.
Add the sliced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
Add the dried beef strips to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is slightly browned and heated through.
Serve the carne seca warm with a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top. Pair with rice, tortillas, or enjoy on its own!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2381 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 138.1 g | 177% | |
| Saturated Fat | 47.7 g | 239% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 680 mg | 227% | |
| Sodium | 14692 mg | 639% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.7 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.1 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.7 g | ||
| Protein | 241.2 g | 482% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 240 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 27.4 mg | 152% | |
| Potassium | 3490 mg | 74% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
