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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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!
Calories |
583 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.3 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.9 g | 60% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 170 mg | 57% | |
| Sodium | 132 mg | 6% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.6 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.4 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.2 g | ||
| Protein | 60.0 g | 120% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 63 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 6.9 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 835 mg | 18% | |
*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.