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Slow Cooker Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Cream

Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro Lime Cream

Inspired by the smoky, charred flavors of a classic grilled carne asada, this is a great way to approximate the real deal, right in your slow cooker. No grill or stovetop searing required (no need to dirty that pan), and a very straight-forward mix of spice drawer staples comes together to flavor the meat perfectly. Plus, we’re just going to cook the meat in beer, rather than a multi-ingredient list of things. It’s not necessary! The beer does the job beautifully. If you’re like me and don’t have a grill, this is a great way to enjoy tender slices of delicious “carne asada.”

 

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 pounds flank steak (can also use sirloin, hanger, or tri-tip)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 12ounces beer (preferably not a dark one; beef stock can be subbed)
  • Tortillas (corn or flour – whichever you like)
  • Finely shredded red or green cabbage
  • Fresh or pickled onions, for serving
  • Crumbled Cotija or feta cheese
  • Fresh limes, for serving

For the cilantro-lime cream:

  • 8 ounces sour cream
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 cup cilantro
  • 1/2 large garlic clove

Instructions

  1. Combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder in a bowl.
  2. Rub this mix all over the steak and place in the slow cooker. Add the beer (or stock) and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or until nice and tender. Or, 4 hours on high should do the trick. Remove to a cutting board and allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
  3. To serve your tacos, pile some of the spiced, sliced steak onto your tortillas and top with some fresh or pickled onions, cabbage, some Cotija or feta, and some of the cilantro-lime cream.
  4. To make the cilantro-lime cream: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and combined. Taste and season with a pinch of salt, if you like. If you need to add a tablespoon of water to thin it out a bit, that’s just fine, too. 
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