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Tender Carne Picada

This dish features thinly sliced beef cooked using a technique that ensures tenderness and rich flavor. The beef is sautéed with garlic, cumin, and other aromatics, resulting in a slightly saucy, flavorful main course with a pleasing, bite-friendly texture.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Latin American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb beef Carne Picada (thinly sliced beef) preferably fresh, thin cut
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth for deglazing and tenderness
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • 1 small onion optional, finely chopped

Equipment

  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil, soon as it shimmers, add the sliced beef, spreading it into an even layer. Let it sear without stirring for about 2 minutes until it begins to brown on the bottom.
  2. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef into smaller pieces, stirring to coat with the rendered fat. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the beef is browned and starts to release juices.
  3. Add the minced garlic, cumin, and chopped onion to the pan. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant and aromatic.
  4. Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender, about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. The mixture should be slightly saucy with tender, shredded pieces of beef.
  6. Remove from heat and let rest for a minute. Serve warm, perhaps over rice or with tortillas, enjoying the tender, flavorful Carne Picada.