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.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:150 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

Cut the beef into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. If desired, use a meat mallet to further tenderize the strips.

Step 2

In a bowl, combine salt, garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the beef strips.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) or set a food dehydrator to its meat drying setting.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Once dried, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil or lard.

Step 8

Add the sliced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

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

Serving size	(1579.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2380.8

Total Fat 138.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 47.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 680.4mg	0%
Sodium 14691.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 39.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.1g	0%
Total Sugars 12.7g
Protein 241.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 240.3mg	0%
Iron 27.4mg	0%
Potassium 3490.4mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.5%

Protein: 40.8%

Carbs: 6.7%