If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, then you’ve probably heard of carne picada. This delicious and flavourful dish is a staple in many Mexican households and is often served in tacos, burritos or as a filling for enchiladas. While the exact recipe can vary, carne picada typically consists of small, thin strips of beef that are cooked with onions, peppers and various spices. It’s a versatile and easy-to-make dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
To make carne picada, start by choosing a good cut of beef. Many people prefer using flank steak, as it has a rich beefy flavour and becomes tender when cooked properly. Cut the beef into thin, bite-sized strips and season it with spices such as cumin, chili powder and garlic powder. You can also add a bit of salt and pepper for extra flavour.
In a large pan, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and peppers and sauté them until they become soft and slightly caramelized. This will give the dish a sweet and savory flavour. Once the vegetables are cooked, add the seasoned beef to the pan and cook it until it’s browned and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the beef, as it can become tough and chewy.
For an extra kick of flavour, you can also add diced tomatoes, jalapenos or other types of peppers to the dish. Let the carne picada simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavours to meld together. Serve it hot with tortillas, rice, beans and your favourite toppings such as guacamole, sour cream and salsa.
Carne picada is a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, you can easily customize this dish to suit your taste preferences. So the next time you’re craving some Mexican flavours, give carne picada a try!
How to Prepare Carne Picada at Home
Carne picada is a traditional Latin American dish that features thinly sliced beef cooked with various seasonings and vegetables. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own, or used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. Here is a simple recipe to help you prepare carne picada at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of beef steak, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced beef steak to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, and cumin. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced tomato to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss everything together to combine.
- Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Remove from heat and serve hot as a main dish or as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
Carne picada is a delicious and easy dish to prepare at home. With the right combination of seasonings and vegetables, you can enjoy a taste of Latin America in the comfort of your own kitchen. Enjoy!
Ingredients for Carne Picada
Carne picada is a delicious Mexican dish made with ground beef and a flavorful mix of spices and vegetables. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make carne picada:
Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables:
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
You can also add optional ingredients to customize your carne picada:
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 jalapeno, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup sliced olives
These ingredients will give your carne picada a delicious and robust flavor. Make sure to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to start cooking!
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Carne Picada
Carne picada is a delicious Mexican dish made with ground beef and a variety of spices. It is a versatile dish that can be used in tacos, burritos, or as a filling for empanadas. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to cook carne picada at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula.
- Once the beef is cooked, add the diced tomato, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Taste the carne picada and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the carne picada cool slightly before serving.
Your homemade carne picada is now ready to be used in your favorite Mexican dishes. Enjoy!
Tips for Flavorful Carne Picada
Carne picada is a delicious and versatile meat dish that is popular in many Latin American cuisines. Whether you’re using beef, pork, or chicken, these tips will help you achieve a flavorful and tender carne picada that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
1. Choose the right cut of meat
For the best results, choose a cut of meat that is well-marbled and has some fat content. This will help keep the carne picada moist and add flavor. Beef sirloin or flank steak are excellent choices, while pork shoulder or chicken thighs work well too.
2. Marinate the meat
Marinating the meat before cooking can enhance its flavor and tenderness. You can use a variety of ingredients to create a marinade, such as citrus juices, vinegar, soy sauce, herbs, and spices. Let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for even more flavorful results.
3. Season generously
Don’t be shy when it comes to seasoning your carne picada. Add a combination of spices and herbs, such as cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and chili powder. Salt and pepper are essential, but feel free to get creative with your seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Pro tip: For an extra kick of flavor, you can also add some diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers to your carne picada.
4. Cook low and slow
To achieve tender and flavorful carne picada, it’s best to cook it low and slow. This allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender. You can cook it on the stovetop in a large skillet or braise it in the oven at a low temperature.
5. Don’t overcook
One of the keys to a delicious carne picada is not overcooking the meat. Be sure to monitor the cooking time carefully to avoid drying out the meat or making it tough. It’s best to cook the meat until it’s just done and still juicy.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering and flavorful carne picada that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a filling for tacos, burritos, and more.
Serving Suggestions for Carne Picada
Carne picada, a flavorful and versatile Mexican-style ground beef, can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions for this delicious meat:
Tacos: Fill warm corn tortillas with cooked carne picada, and top with your favorite taco toppings such as shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, and guacamole.
Burritos: Wrap carne picada in large flour tortillas along with rice, beans, and any additional fillings you desire. Fold the tortilla into a burrito shape and enjoy!
Enchiladas: Roll cooked carne picada in corn tortillas, place them in a baking dish, and cover with enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Chili: Use carne picada as the base for a delicious chili. Add it to a pot with diced tomatoes, kidney beans, onion, garlic, chili powder, and other seasonings to create a hearty and flavorful chili.
Quesadillas: Spread cooked carne picada onto a tortilla, top with shredded cheese, and fold in half. Cook the quesadilla on a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with cooked carne picada, shredded cheese, and any other desired toppings such as jalapenos, tomatoes, and sour cream. Place the nachos in the oven or microwave until the cheese melts.
Mexican Rice Bowl: Serve carne picada over a bed of fluffy rice, and top with black beans, corn, salsa, avocado, and cilantro for a delicious and filling rice bowl.
These are just a few ideas for serving carne picada. Feel free to get creative and use it in any dish where ground beef would be delicious!
Questions and answers
What is carne picada?
Carne picada is a popular Mexican dish made from finely chopped or ground beef. It is often used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
How do you season carne picada?
The seasoning for carne picada can vary, but common ingredients include cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. You can also add other spices or herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.
Can you cook carne picada in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook carne picada in a slow cooker. Simply brown the meat in a skillet, then transfer it to the slow cooker with your desired seasonings and any other ingredients you want to include (like onions, bell peppers, or tomatoes). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender.
What are some variations of carne picada?
There are many variations of carne picada depending on the region and personal preferences. Some recipes call for marinating the meat in a mixture of lime juice and spices before cooking, while others add diced tomatoes or beer for added flavor. Some people also like to include vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or jalapenos for extra texture and taste.
What dishes can you make with carne picada?
Carne picada is a versatile ingredient and can be used in a variety of dishes. Some popular options include tacos, burritos, enchiladas, nachos, and even chili. You can also serve it over rice or in a sandwich for a delicious meal.