There’s nothing quite like the bold, zesty flavors of a perfectly cooked carne asada. Imagine juicy, marinated steak infused with citrus, garlic, and spices, all coming together in a tender, flavor-packed dish—without the need for a grill! That’s the magic of this Instant Pot Carne Asada. Whether you’re making tacos, burrito bowls, or just savoring it with rice and beans, this recipe is a game-changer. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy it is to bring restaurant-quality carne asada to your table with minimal effort.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Versatile: Whether you’re meal-prepping, making tacos for taco night, or serving up a crowd-pleaser at a family gathering, this recipe fits any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: No need for expensive cuts of meat—this recipe transforms affordable steak into a tender, flavor-packed dish.
Quick and Easy: Forget about slow marinating or long grilling times. The Instant Pot locks in flavors quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Love extra heat? Add more jalapeños or chili powder. Want a smoky touch? A dash of smoked paprika does wonders.
Crowd-Pleasing: Juicy, tender, and bursting with citrusy, garlicky goodness—this dish is a guaranteed hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients in Instant Pot Carne Asada
Flank or Skirt Steak: The star of the dish, known for its deep beefy flavor and ability to soak up marinades beautifully.
Orange Juice & Lime Juice: This bright citrus combo tenderizes the meat while adding a fresh, zesty kick.
Garlic & Onion: Essential aromatics that infuse the steak with deep, savory flavors.
Soy Sauce & Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami richness and enhances the meat’s natural flavors.
Cumin, Chili Powder, & Smoked Paprika: The perfect spice blend for that bold, authentic carne asada taste.
Olive Oil: Helps blend the marinade and adds a touch of richness.
Jalapeño (Optional): For those who love a little heat, this adds a spicy kick.
Fresh Cilantro: Brightens up the dish with a fresh, herby note.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, mix together orange juice, lime juice, garlic, onion, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Add the steak and coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Sauté in the Instant Pot: Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat a bit of oil. Sear the marinated steak for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. This locks in all that delicious flavor.
Pressure Cook: Pour in the remaining marinade and close the lid. Set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” on high for 10 minutes.
Natural Release: Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
Rest and Slice: Remove the steak from the Instant Pot and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve with warm tortillas, rice, or a fresh salad—however you like it best!
How to Serve Instant Pot Carne Asada
Tacos: Load up warm corn tortillas with carne asada, fresh cilantro, chopped onions, and a squeeze of lime.
Burrito Bowls: Pair it with rice, black beans, salsa, and guacamole for a complete meal.
Salad Topping: Slice it thinly and add to a crisp green salad with avocado and a tangy dressing.
Over Rice: Serve over a bowl of steaming white or Mexican rice for a comforting, no-fuss meal.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Marinate the steak the night before for even more intense flavor.
Spice It Up: Add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the marinade for extra smokiness.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain texture.
Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze marinated raw steak in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months—just thaw and cook when ready!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A1: Yes! While flank or skirt steak is traditional, you can also use sirloin or even chuck steak.
Q2: Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
A2: Absolutely! You can grill the steak or cook it in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze cooked carne asada?
A4: Yes! Freeze it in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Q5: What sides go best with this dish?
A5: Rice, beans, grilled vegetables, and tortillas are all excellent choices.
Q6: Can I double this recipe?
A6: Yes! Just make sure your Instant Pot has enough room for the extra meat.
Q7: Can I make it spicier?
A7: Of course! Add extra jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce to taste.
Q8: Does the steak need to marinate overnight?
A8: Not necessarily, but for the best flavor, marinating for at least 30 minutes is recommended.
Q9: What’s the best way to reheat carne asada?
A9: A quick sear in a hot pan or a gentle reheat in the microwave works best.
Q10: Can I make this dish keto-friendly?
A10: Yes! Just swap the orange juice for more lime juice and serve with low-carb sides.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Carne Asada is proof that you don’t need a grill to achieve that bold, smoky, and juicy flavor we all crave. It’s quick, easy, and loaded with flavor perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests. However you serve it, one thing’s for sure: this will become a go-to in your recipe collection. Enjoy!
Print
Instant Pot Carne Asada
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Instant Pot Carne Asada is the perfect way to enjoy a flavorful, restaurant-quality Mexican meal at home in just 20 minutes! Tender, juicy steak cooked in a pressure cooker makes for an easy, high-protein dinner. Serve it in tacos, burritos, or quesadillas for a quick and satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for healthy recipes lunch, easy dinner recipes, and fine dining recipes at home.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs flank or skirt steak
- 1 cup fresh salsa
- 1 1/2 tbsp avocado oil
- Elote seasoning, to taste
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the steak into smaller pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Once it reads “hot,” add avocado oil and then the steak.
- Season with elote seasoning and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side for medium doneness.
- Add fresh salsa and cilantro (if using), then mix well.
- Serve immediately in tacos, burritos, or with your favorite sides.
Notes
- If you prefer a more marinated flavor, let the steak sit with the seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use sirloin steak as an alternative to flank or skirt steak.
- Serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, and lime wedges for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg