Easy Instant Pot Carne Asada: Tender, Flavorful, and Perfect for Weeknights

Transform your dinner routine with this incredibly simple and outrageously delicious Instant Pot Carne Asada. This recipe delivers succulent, perfectly tender strips of steak infused with a vibrant, spicy citrus marinade – all without the need for a grill. It’s the ultimate solution for enjoying a classic Mexican favorite any night of the week, bringing a fiesta of flavor directly to your kitchen table with minimal effort.

Sliced cooked steak on a cutting board, ready to serve.

Unlock Perfect Carne Asada Flavor and Tenderness, Anytime!

Are you a devoted fan of Taco Tuesday, or simply love vibrant, flavorful Mexican-inspired cuisine? It’s hard not to be! Tacos are a universally loved, family-friendly meal, offering a delightful balance of hearty meat and fresh toppings. But even the best traditions can get a little repetitive. That’s why I love to shake things up with exciting alternatives that still deliver that satisfying, south-of-the-border taste.

While dishes like fajitas, enchiladas, and burrito bowls are fantastic, sometimes you crave something special. Enter this ingenious Instant Pot Carne Asada recipe! Traditionally, carne asada involves grilling flank or skirt steak to charred perfection. However, this innovative approach utilizes your Instant Pot to achieve unbelievably tender steak, simmered in a rich, zesty marinade. It might be a departure from tradition, but it promises an explosion of authentic flavor and a texture that will melt in your mouth, all year round – no grill required.

A cutting board with thinly sliced flank steak, surrounded by fresh limes and cilantro.

What Exactly Is Carne Asada? A Culinary Journey

If you’re new to the world of carne asada, prepare for a delightful culinary discovery! The name “carne asada” literally translates to “grilled meat.” At its core, it’s a dish featuring thinly sliced grilled steak, typically marinated in a flavorful blend of citrus, garlic, and spices. It’s a staple across various Latin American cuisines, with countless regional variations, each boasting its own unique charm and deliciousness.

Our Instant Pot version captures the essence of this beloved dish with a mouthwatering marinade that truly shines. We combine the bright notes of orange and lime juice with aromatic garlic, earthy cumin, fiery chili powder, and a host of other complementary ingredients. This blend creates a deeply savory and slightly spicy profile that perfectly tenderizes and flavors the steak, making every bite an unforgettable experience. This recipe isn’t just about cooking steak; it’s about crafting a memorable meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Individual ingredients for Instant Pot Carne Asada including flank steak, fresh cilantro, avocado oil, garlic, spices, lime halves, tamari sauce, beef broth, and orange juice.

Essential Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Carne Asada

Crafting this incredible carne asada requires a carefully selected list of ingredients that work in harmony to build complex, irresistible flavors. The stars of the show are, of course, the steak and its vibrant marinade. While flank steak is my preferred choice for its robust flavor and ability to absorb marinade beautifully, skirt steak is also an excellent alternative that yields similarly fantastic results.

Avocado Oil: This versatile oil is perfect for both the marinade and searing. Its high smoke point makes it ideal for browning the steak, while its neutral flavor allows the other marinade ingredients to shine.
Tamari: A gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, tamari adds a crucial umami depth to the marinade. If tamari isn’t available, regular soy sauce can be substituted for a nearly identical flavor profile.
Orange Juice and Lime Juice: The cornerstone of our citrusy marinade. Freshly squeezed juices offer the most vibrant flavor, but unsweetened, good-quality bottled juices can also work in a pinch. The acidity helps to tenderize the meat and brightens the overall taste.
Cilantro: Freshly chopped cilantro is essential for that authentic, herbaceous Mexican flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro (we know it’s a love-it-or-hate-it herb!), finely chopped fresh parsley or green onions make suitable alternatives to add a fresh, aromatic lift.
Garlic: Loads of minced garlic are non-negotiable! Garlic provides a pungent, savory base that forms the backbone of the marinade’s incredible aroma and taste.
Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar might seem unusual, but it plays a vital role. It balances the acidity of the citrus, deepens the savory notes, and contributes to a beautiful caramelization during searing, adding another layer of complexity.
Chili Powder, Cumin, and Coriander: This trifecta of ground spices creates the quintessential Tex-Mex flavor. Chili powder adds a warm, slightly smoky heat, cumin brings its earthy aroma, and coriander offers a bright, citrusy undertone. For those who crave extra heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes can be added.
Flank Steak: The star protein. We’ll be searing the flank steak whole or in large pieces to lock in juices and develop a rich crust. Slicing happens after cooking, against the grain, for maximum tenderness.
Beef Broth: Necessary for the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function, beef broth not only provides the required liquid but also infuses the steak with even more savory flavor during the cooking process. Water can be used as a substitute, but broth adds a richer taste.

A white mixing bowl with dark-brown marinade and a whisk resting in it, showing the marinade preparation.

A zip-top bag containing flank steak immersed in the rich, dark marinade.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Instant Pot Carne Asada

While some Instant Pot recipes can seem daunting, this carne asada is wonderfully straightforward. The real secret to its incredible flavor and tenderness lies in two key stages: a thorough marination and the efficient pressure cooking method. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:

Prepare and Reserve the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine ¼ cup of the avocado oil with the tamari sauce, orange juice, chopped cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, and ground coriander. Whisk all these ingredients together until well combined. Measure out ¼ cup of this aromatic mixture and transfer it to a small jar or an airtight container. Store this reserved portion in the refrigerator – it will be your delicious serving sauce later!
Marinate the Steak to Perfection: Carefully pour the remaining marinade into a large, sturdy zip-top bag or an airtight container. Add the flank steak, ensuring it’s fully submerged and coated in the flavorful mixture. Seal the bag or container, removing as much air as possible, then gently massage the bag to distribute the marinade evenly around the steak. Place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 4 hours. For the absolute best flavor and tenderizing effect, marinating overnight (12-24 hours) is highly recommended.
Sear the Steak in Your Instant Pot: When you’re ready to cook, remove the marinated steak from the refrigerator. Take the steak out of the marinade bag, placing it on a clean plate or cutting board, and discard the used marinade. Pat the steak thoroughly dry with paper towels; this crucial step ensures a beautiful, golden-brown sear. Set your Instant Pot to the SAUTE mode. Once hot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of avocado oil to the inner pot and swirl to coat the bottom. Carefully place the steak into the hot oil and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned and caramelized. This searing step adds tremendous depth of flavor.
Pressure Cook for Ultimate Tenderness: After searing, remove the browned steak from the Instant Pot temporarily. Place the trivet (the metal rack that comes with your Instant Pot) at the bottom of the inner pot. Pour the beef broth around the trivet, then carefully arrange the seared steak on top of the trivet. This keeps the meat elevated from the liquid, allowing it to steam and absorb flavors without boiling. Secure the lid, ensuring the sealing valve is in the “Sealing” position. Set the Instant Pot to MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK on HIGH pressure for 10 minutes.
Allow Natural Release, Then Quick Release: Once the pressure cooking cycle is complete, do not immediately release the pressure. Instead, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10 minutes. This “natural release” period helps the steak to continue cooking gently and reabsorb its juices, resulting in a more tender and moist outcome. After 10 minutes, carefully slide the sealing valve to the “Venting” or “Open” position to quick-release any remaining pressure. Once the float valve drops, it’s safe to open the lid.
Slice and Serve: Carefully remove the perfectly cooked carne asada from the Instant Pot. Transfer it to a clean cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, using a sharp knife, slice the steak into thin strips against the grain. Slicing against the grain is vital for maximum tenderness. Serve your succulent Instant Pot Carne Asada with the reserved marinade as a flavorful drizzle or dipping sauce.

Flank steak browning in an Instant Pot, showing the searing process.

Solving the Mystery: Why Is My Carne Asada Tough?

It’s a common culinary frustration: sometimes, despite your best efforts, flank or skirt steak can turn out tough. This can be disappointing, especially when you’ve invested time in marinating. However, with this Instant Pot method, we tackle toughness head-on.

The acidic components in our citrus-based marinade (orange and lime juice) work wonders by breaking down tough meat fibers, significantly tenderizing the steak even before cooking. Furthermore, slicing the cooked steak thinly against the grain is absolutely crucial. This shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite much easier to chew and more enjoyable.

For an extra layer of tenderness, especially if you’re concerned about a particularly tough cut of flank steak, try this clever Korean culinary hack: mash up a tablespoon or two of fresh kiwi fruit and spread a thin layer over the steak for about 10-15 minutes before searing. Kiwi contains an enzyme called actinidin, which is a powerful natural meat tenderizer. It works very quickly, so a little goes a long way, and don’t leave it on for too long, or your steak could become mushy. Rest assured, you won’t taste the kiwi; simply scrape it off before proceeding with the searing step. This trick is a game-changer for achieving truly melt-in-your-mouth steak.

Side view of tender, sliced flank steak with a fork, highlighting its juicy texture.

Pro Tips and Tricks for Instant Pot Carne Asada Success

You’re now equipped with the ultimate Instant Pot Carne Asada recipe – an easy, incredibly flavorful, and tender dish perfect for any meal. But before you dive in, consider these extra tips and tricks to elevate your cooking experience and ensure consistently delicious results:

Size Matters for Searing: Flank steak can sometimes be quite long. If your steak piece is too large to fit comfortably and sear effectively in a single layer in your Instant Pot, don’t hesitate to cut it into 2 to 4 manageable pieces. Sear them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can steam the meat instead of browning it.
Effortless Marinade Preparation: If chopping cilantro and mincing garlic isn’t your favorite kitchen task, save time and effort by blending your marinade! Simply combine all the marinade ingredients (except for the beef broth) in a blender or food processor and pulse until almost smooth. This creates a uniform, intensely flavored marinade with minimal prep work. Then, just pour it into your zip-top bag with the steak.
Strategic Meal Prepping: This recipe is fantastic for meal prep! Consider doubling the batch. You can freeze one of your marinated steaks (still raw in its marinade) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. The night before you plan to cook it, simply transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw and continue marinating overnight. This makes for an incredibly convenient future meal.
Add a Smoky Finish: While the Instant Pot ensures tenderness, sometimes you crave that classic charred flavor. After pressure cooking, you can quickly transfer your sliced carne asada to a very hot grill or place it under a preheated broiler for about 2-3 minutes per side. This adds a beautiful smoky char and caramelized edges without sacrificing tenderness. Just be sure to let the meat rest for about ten minutes after this step before serving.
Deglaze for Extra Flavor: After searing the steak, before adding the trivet and broth, you might notice browned bits stuck to the bottom of your Instant Pot. This is called “fond,” and it’s packed with flavor! Add a splash of beef broth or water and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful bits. This not only enhances the broth but also prevents the dreaded “Burn” notice on your Instant Pot.

Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Instant Pot Carne Asada

The versatility of carne asada is one of its greatest assets! Once you’ve mastered this tender and flavorful Instant Pot version, the serving possibilities are endless. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this juicy, well-seasoned beef:

Classic Tacos: This is a no-brainer! Pile your thinly sliced carne asada into warm corn or flour tortillas, and top with fresh pico de gallo, crumbled cojita cheese, a drizzle of avocado cream, and a squeeze of lime. Absolutely sheer perfection!
Hearty Burrito Bowls: Create vibrant and satisfying burrito bowls. Start with a base of fluffy rice (like Instant Pot Mexican Rice) or quinoa, add black beans, corn, sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and your delicious carne asada. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Elevated Salads: Transform any ordinary salad into an extraordinary meal by adding a generous serving of warm carne asada. It pairs beautifully with crisp romaine, mixed greens, or a vibrant slaw, bringing a burst of flavor and protein.
Ultimate Nachos: Layer crispy corn chips with melted Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, a heap of carne asada, jalapeños, black olives, and your favorite salsa and guacamole. The perfect party appetizer or indulgent dinner!
Smart Meal Prep Containers: For healthy and satisfying lunches throughout the week, portion out your cooked carne asada into divided food containers. Pair it with cilantro-lime rice, roasted vegetables, a fresh coleslaw, or a simple side salad. This is a fantastic way to enjoy delicious, homemade meals on the go.
Sizzling Fajitas: Slice some onions and bell peppers, then sauté them until lightly caramelized. Combine these with your savory carne asada in warm flour tortillas. Serve with traditional fajita fixings like pico de gallo, creamy guacamole, and sour cream for an authentic experience.
Cheesy Quesadillas: My family absolutely loves a good quesadilla! Fill large flour tortillas with plenty of shredded cheese and your tender carne asada. Grill or bake until the cheese is melted and gooey, and the tortillas are golden. Serve with salsa for dipping.

Close-up shot of thinly sliced, tender steak, showing its texture and marination.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Carne Asada

Proper storage ensures your delicious Instant Pot Carne Asada stays fresh and flavorful for future meals.

Refrigerator Storage: Any leftover cooked carne asada should be stored in a clean, airtight container or a zip-top bag. It will remain fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for three to four days.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, gently place your desired portion of steak in a covered skillet over low heat. Add a tablespoon or two of beef broth or water to create steam and prevent the meat from drying out. Heat until warmed through, being careful not to overcook, as this can toughen the steak. Alternatively, you can briefly warm it in the microwave using short intervals.

Can I Freeze Cooked Carne Asada?

Absolutely! In addition to freezing uncooked steak in its marinade (as mentioned in our tips), you can also freeze cooked carne asada. Once the steak strips have cooled completely, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Press out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Cooked carne asada can be frozen for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating using the methods described above. This makes for a convenient and quick meal whenever you need it.

Easy Instant Pot Carne Asada

by
Katerina | Easy Weeknight Recipes

Easy Instant Pot Carne Asada is a perfect weeknight dinner, delivering juicy strips of steak in a mouthwateringly spicy citrus marinade. It’s a classic grilled steak dish made easy in the Instant Pot!

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

25 minutes

Marinating Time:

4 hours

Total Time:

4 hours 40 minutes

Servings:

6 Servings

Ingredients

¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
¼ cup tamari
¼ cup orange juice
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
2 pounds flank steak
1 ½ cups beef broth, for the liquid in the Instant Pot

Instructions

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of the avocado oil, tamari sauce, orange juice, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, and coriander.
Reserve ¼ cup of this mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for serving.
In a large zip-top bag or airtight container, combine the remaining marinade mixture and the steak. Ensure the meat is coated entirely. Let this marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Remove the steak from the marinade, and drain any excess. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE mode, and add 2 tablespoons of avocado oil. When hot, add the steak and brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the steak and turn off the Instant Pot.
Place the trivet into the Instant Pot. Pour in the beef broth, and then arrange the seared steak on top of the trivet.
Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to PRESSURE COOK (or MANUAL) on HIGH for 10 minutes.
Allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, and then carefully slide the valve to “vent” or “open” to quick-release any remaining pressure.
Remove the steak, slice it into thin strips against the grain, and serve with the reserved marinade.

Nutrition

Nutritional information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed information.

More Delicious Instant Pot Recipes to Explore

If you loved the ease and flavor of this Instant Pot Carne Asada, you’ll be thrilled to discover how versatile and convenient your pressure cooker can be for crafting other incredible meals. Here are a few more flavorful Instant Pot recipes that are sure to become family favorites:

Instant Pot Mexican Rice: A perfect accompaniment to any Mexican-inspired dish, this rice is fluffy, perfectly seasoned, and comes together effortlessly.
Easy Instant Pot Orange Chicken: Skip the takeout and make a healthier, incredibly tasty orange chicken right in your Instant Pot. It’s sweet, savory, and ready in no time.
Easy Instant Pot Ribs: Achieve fall-off-the-bone tender ribs in a fraction of the time with this simple Instant Pot method, perfect for barbecue lovers.