What Is Carne Asada?

“Carne asada” literally means “grilled meat” in Spanish, and that’s exactly what it is—typically flank steak or skirt steak, marinated and grilled to perfection. But beyond that simple translation lies a world of flavor. The marinade is where the magic happens: a blend of citrus, garlic, herbs, and spices that transforms a humble cut of beef into something truly mouthwatering. The idea of marinating beef in citrus, spices, and herbs comes from blending indigenous traditions with Spanish influence, and over time, carne asada became the star of the show at everything from casual dinners to full-blown celebrations. Basically, it’s always been the life of the party.

Traditionally, carne asada is grilled over open flame or hot coals, but this recipe is specially adapted for the Crock-Pot or Instant Pot, making it incredibly convenient for busy weeknights or when grilling just isn’t an option. Using a slow cooker or pressure cooker means you still get that bold, savory flavor—but with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and zero need to fire up the grill.

It’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal that turns tough cuts of meat into juicy, flavorful goodness—perfect for tacos, bowls, or meal prep. Plus, it fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma while it cooks.

Is Carne Asada Keto-Friendly?

This recipe is a great meal to add to your rotation, especially if you’re following a keto diet. Here’s why:

• High in Protein: Flank steak is a cut of meat that is high in protein and fat while being very low in carbs.
• Contains Healthy Fats: Olive oil is a carb-free oil that provides monounsaturated fats, which help to meet the high fat requirements of the diet.
• Uses Low-Carb Flavors: Herbs and spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder enhance the dish while keeping it within the low-carb guidelines of keto. Similarly, lime juice and vinegar add acidity and tang while the liquid aminos provide savory umami flavors.

Other Health Benefits

In addition to being keto-friendly, this recipe is also:

• Nutrient-Rich: Beef contains vital nutrients like iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and creatine, all essential for energy and bodily functions.
• Heart-Healthy: Carne asada can be high in sodium if you buy it pre-marinated or load it with salty toppings. The marinade in this recipe is low in salt and fat so you can feel good about what you’re eating.

Can I Freeze Carne Asada?

This is a fantastic freezer-friendly recipe for meal prep! You just add all of the ingredients to a gallon-size freezer bag, label and date, and freeze! When you’re ready to cook it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and prepare it in the slow cooker or Instant Pot.

How to Cook Carne Asada in the Crockpot

This is perfect for summer since you don’t need to turn on the oven, and the slow cooker makes the meat incredibly tender and juicy. Here is what you do:

• Thaw the freezer meal overnight in the fridge.
• Transfer contents into Crockpot.
• From thawed, cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
• When done cooking, shred or slice meat (if whole) then mix with the sauce.

How to Cook Carne Asada in the Instant Pot

Forgot to thaw dinner ahead of time? No problem! This recipe can be cooked thawed or frozen! Here are the steps:

• From frozen: sauté in Instant Pot for 5 minutes then flip the meal over. Pressure cook for 80 minutes on high. Allow 20-25 minutes for natural release.
• From thawed: pressure cook for 70 minutes on high. Allow 20-25 minutes for natural release.
• When done cooking, shred or slice meat (if whole) then mix with the sauce.

For more delicious oven-free recipes, check out our posts 21 Crockpot Freezer Meals and Keto Freezer Meals For Your Instant Pot for inspiration!

What Can I Do with Leftovers?

I love using leftover carne asada in the morning for breakfast tacos! I just heat it up and add it to a low-carb tortilla with scrambled eggs. Delicious!

What Should I Serve with Carne Asada?

One of the best things about carne asada is how versatile it is—you can serve it up a hundred different ways depending on your mood, the season, or what’s in your fridge.

Here are some serving suggestions:

• Low-carb tortillas
• Cauliflower rice
• Black or refried beans
• Roasted veggies
• Salad greens

These are my favorite toppings:

• Chopped cilantro
• Light sour cream
• Pico de gallo
• Avocado
• Cotija cheese

Final Thoughts