Carne picada, a traditional Mexican dish, is a staple in many Latin American households. This hearty beef stew is made with tender chunks of beef, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices that will leave your taste buds wanting more. While it can be cooked on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, using an Instant Pot is a game-changer. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook carne picada in your Instant Pot to perfection.
What is Carne Picada?
Carne picada, which translates to “minced meat” in Spanish, is a popular Mexican dish that originated in the state of Jalisco. It’s a type of beef stew made with small pieces of beef, typically flank steak or skirt steak, that are cooked in a flavorful broth with onions, garlic, and spices. The dish is often served with warm tortillas, rice, and beans, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
The Benefits of Cooking Carne Picada in an Instant Pot
Cooking carne picada in an Instant Pot offers several benefits. Here are a few:
- Faster Cooking Time: The Instant Pot can cook carne picada up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods. This means you can have a delicious, homemade meal on the table in under an hour.
- Tender Beef: The high pressure of the Instant Pot breaks down the connective tissues in the beef, making it tender and easy to shred.
- Easy to Make: Cooking carne picada in an Instant Pot is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort and supervision.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To cook carne picada in your Instant Pot, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 1 pound beef (flank steak or skirt steak), cut into small pieces
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Preparing the Ingredients
Before cooking the carne picada, you’ll need to prepare the ingredients. Here’s how:
- Cut the beef into small pieces and season with salt, pepper, and cumin.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Dice the jalapeño pepper and remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor.
- Measure out the beef broth, tomato paste, and vegetable oil.
Cooking the Carne Picada
Now that the ingredients are prepared, it’s time to cook the carne picada. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Browning the Beef
- Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and heat the vegetable oil until it’s hot.
- Add the beef to the pot and cook until it’s browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the browned beef from the pot and set it aside.
Soften the Onions
- Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the Remaining Ingredients
- Add the browned beef, diced jalapeño pepper, beef broth, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Stir to combine and make sure the beef is covered with the broth.
Cook the Carne Picada
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to “Sealing”.
- Press the “Meat/Stew” button or “Manual” mode and set the cooking time to 30 minutes at high pressure.
- When the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
Shred the Beef
- Remove the lid from the pot and use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded beef to the pot and stir to combine with the sauce.
Serving the Carne Picada
The carne picada is now ready to serve. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
- Serve the carne picada with warm tortillas, rice, and beans for a traditional Mexican meal.
- Use the carne picada as a filling for tacos or burritos.
- Serve the carne picada over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a comforting, homestyle meal.
Garnishes and Toppings
- Chopped fresh cilantro: Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top of the carne picada for a fresh, herbal flavor.
- Diced onions: Add some diced onions on top of the carne picada for a punch of flavor and texture.
- Sour cream: Top the carne picada with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy, tangy flavor.
- Salsa: Serve the carne picada with a side of salsa for an extra kick of heat.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the best carne picada possible:
- Use the Right Cut of Beef: Flank steak or skirt steak is the best cut of beef to use for carne picada. It’s tender, flavorful, and has a great texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: The beef should be cooked until it’s tender and easy to shred. Overcooking the beef can make it tough and dry.
- Add Some Heat: If you like spicy food, add some diced serrano peppers or hot sauce to the carne picada for an extra kick of heat.
- Make it a Stew: Add some diced potatoes, carrots, and zucchini to the carne picada to make it a hearty, comforting stew.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when cooking carne picada in an Instant Pot:
- Not Browning the Beef: Browning the beef is an important step that adds flavor and texture to the dish. Don’t skip it!
- Not Using Enough Liquid: The carne picada needs enough liquid to cover the beef and cook it evenly. Make sure to use at least 2 cups of beef broth.
- Overcooking the Beef: The beef should be cooked until it’s tender and easy to shred. Overcooking the beef can make it tough and dry.
By following these tips and variations, you can make the best carne picada possible in your Instant Pot. Happy cooking!
What is Carne Picada and how does it differ from other types of beef?
Carne Picada is a type of thinly sliced beef that is commonly used in Latin American cuisine. It is typically cut into small, uniform pieces and is often used in dishes such as fajitas, tacos, and stir-fries. Carne Picada differs from other types of beef in that it is cut into smaller pieces, making it cook more quickly and evenly.
The smaller size of the beef pieces also allows for more surface area to be exposed to seasonings and marinades, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Additionally, Carne Picada is often cut from tougher cuts of beef, such as flank steak or skirt steak, which are then tenderized through the cooking process.
What are the benefits of cooking Carne Picada in an Instant Pot?
Cooking Carne Picada in an Instant Pot offers several benefits. One of the main advantages is that it allows for quick and even cooking, which is especially important when working with thinly sliced beef. The Instant Pot’s high pressure and heat can cook the beef to perfection in a matter of minutes, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
Another benefit of cooking Carne Picada in an Instant Pot is that it helps to retain the beef’s natural juices and flavors. The Instant Pot’s sealed environment prevents moisture from escaping, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product. Additionally, the Instant Pot’s sauté function allows for easy browning of the beef, which adds depth and richness to the dish.
What type of beef is best suited for Carne Picada?
The best type of beef for Carne Picada is typically a tougher cut, such as flank steak or skirt steak. These cuts are often less expensive than more tender cuts, but they are also more flavorful and tenderize well when cooked. Other options for Carne Picada include flap steak, tri-tip, or even beef strips.
When selecting a cut of beef for Carne Picada, look for one that is lean and has a good balance of fat and protein. Avoid cuts that are too fatty, as they can become greasy and overpowering when cooked. It’s also important to choose a cut that is fresh and of high quality, as this will result in a more flavorful and tender final product.
How do I prepare the beef for cooking in the Instant Pot?
To prepare the beef for cooking in the Instant Pot, start by slicing it into thin strips against the grain. This will help to ensure that the beef is tender and easy to chew. Next, season the beef with your desired spices and marinades, making sure to coat it evenly.
If desired, brown the beef in the Instant Pot’s sauté function before cooking it under pressure. This will add depth and richness to the dish, and help to create a flavorful crust on the beef. Once the beef is browned, add any remaining ingredients, such as onions, garlic, and broth, and close the lid to begin cooking.
What is the recommended cooking time for Carne Picada in the Instant Pot?
The recommended cooking time for Carne Picada in the Instant Pot will depend on the size and thickness of the beef strips, as well as the desired level of doneness. As a general rule, cook the beef for 5-10 minutes under high pressure, followed by a 5-10 minute natural release.
If you prefer your beef more tender, you can cook it for an additional 5-10 minutes. It’s also important to note that the Instant Pot’s cooking time may vary depending on the specific model and settings used. Always consult the user manual for specific cooking times and guidelines.
Can I cook frozen Carne Picada in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook frozen Carne Picada in the Instant Pot. However, it’s recommended to thaw the beef first, as this will help to ensure even cooking and prevent the beef from becoming tough or chewy. If you do need to cook frozen beef, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and make sure to check the beef for doneness before serving.
When cooking frozen Carne Picada, it’s also important to note that the beef may release more liquid during cooking, which can affect the overall texture and flavor of the dish. To combat this, you can add a little less broth or liquid to the Instant Pot, or simmer the dish for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking Carne Picada in the Instant Pot?
One common mistake to avoid when cooking Carne Picada in the Instant Pot is overcooking the beef. This can result in a tough, chewy texture that is unappetizing. To avoid overcooking, make sure to check the beef regularly during cooking and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Another mistake to avoid is not browning the beef properly before cooking it under pressure. This can result in a lack of flavor and texture in the final dish. To avoid this, make sure to brown the beef thoroughly in the Instant Pot’s sauté function before adding any remaining ingredients and cooking under pressure.