If you’ve never made Carne Asada in the Instant Pot before, this recipe is about to change your life. While Carne Asada is typically grilled, this Instant Pot version makes for a quick and easy meal while also keeping all of the juices in and resulting in perfectly tender, fall-apart meat!
Even my picky kids love these tacos. This is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for busy evenings when you need something quick and delicious!
RELATED: Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
Table of contents
You Will Love This Easy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
These Instant Pot carne asada tacos are truly one of my top faves for busy weeknights! Here’s what’s amazing about them:
- 30 Minutes – The Instant Pot makes this recipe fast and effortless.
- Juicy & Tender – Perfectly marinated steak that melts in your mouth.
- Bold Flavor – A tangy, smoky marinade that’s loaded with spices.
- Customizable – Pile on your favorite toppings or keep it simple. Tacos are always the best for this!
- Family Friendly – After much testing, I can honestly say that even picky littles love this recipe.
Carne Asada Taco Ingredients
The ingredients in this recipe are actually very simple, wholesome, and easy to find. Yay!!
Marinade For Carne Asada Street Tacos
You guys. This marinade is EVERYTHING! Fresh lime, tomato sauce, soy sauce (or tamari), apple cider vinegar, fresh garlic, and avocado oil (or any kind of oil) make up the base. Add in a seasoning made up of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (optional), and salt/pepper for the best carne asada marinade ever!
Carne asada street tacos are best in corn tortillas, but you can also make them in flour tortillas. Aside from the carne asada Instant Pot steak we’re making in this recipe, here are some topping ideas:
- Chopped red onion
- Cilantro
- Feta Cheese
- Cotija Cheese
- Lime Juice
- Chopped spinach
- Avocado Lime Dressing
- Diced Pineapple
What type of steak is used in carne asada?
Skirt steak and flank steak are both great options for carne asada! I used flank steak in this Instant Pot recipe, but both work wonderfully and are perfect for tacos and fajitas.
ADD THESE TO YOUR MENU: 25+ BEST Healthy Taco Recipes
How to Make Carne Asada Street Tacos
Making Instant Pot Carne Asada is actually REALLY easy! If this is your first time using your Instant Pot, be sure to complete the initial test run first. Then come back here to make these yummy tacos! Here’s how to cook Carne Asada in the Instant Pot for tacos:
- Marinade the steak.
- Sauté the steak in the Instant Pot.
- Cook on high pressure.
- Add to tacos. So easy!
How long do you cook Carne Asada in an Instant Pot?
To make carne asada, cook flank or skirt steak in the Instant Pot for 10 minutes on high pressure and let it naturally release for another 10 minutes. This results in tender, juicy, fall-apart meat that’s perfect for tacos!
Marinating the steak
The #1 tip for making the best ever carne asada? Marinate the steak!
It’s best to marinate the steak overnight, if possible. This helps the meat become more tender and soak up the delicious flavors before cooking. If an overnight marinade isn’t an option, then be sure to marinate the steak at least 1 hour prior to cooking!
What to Serve With This Recipe For Carne Asada
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
- Fresh Guacamole
- Homemade Salsa
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Black Bean Salad
- Homemade Tortilla Chips
You could also pair these tacos with my Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa, warmed pinto beans, or a big bowl of pico de gallo for a fresh, vibrant touch.
How to Store Carne Asada Street Tacos
Store Carne Asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or the freezer for up to 3 months! Reheat the meat in the microwave for best results and place in fresh tortillas for tacos.
More Tacos Recipes You’ll Love
- Sriracha Lime Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Easy Mexican Barbacoa Tacos
- Healthy Sriracha Shredded Chicken Tacos
- 30-Minute Blackened Salmon Tacos
- Healthy Chicken Fajita Tacos
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Carne Asada Instant Pot
Equipment
Ingredients
Instant Pot Carne Asada
- 1 1/2 lbs flank steak (or skirt steak)
- 1 medium lime (juiced)
- 2 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 Tbsp tomato sauce
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil (divided)
Carne Asada Tacos
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1/4 red onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese (or feta)
- cilantro (for topping)
Instructions
Making the Instant Pot Carne Asada
- Mix the lime juice, soy sauce, tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, salt, pepper, paprika, and 1 Tbsp of the avocado oil together for the marinade.
- Marinate the steak in an airtight container overnight (or at least for an hour before cooking), making sure it is compeletly covered in the marinade.
- When ready to cook, turn the Instant Pot on the "Sauté" feature.
- Add 1 Tbsp of the avocado oil to the Instant Pot and cook the marinated steak for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Turn the "Sauté" feature off and pour in the remaining steak marinade.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot, set the pressure release valve to "Sealing" and set to "Manual" (high) pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once the countdown has finished, let the Instant Pot naturally release on the "Keep Warm" setting for another 10 minutes.
- Set the pressure release valve to "Venting" to release any remaining steam.
- Once the float valve has dropped, open the lid.
- Cut the steak into small cubes and place in corn tortillas.
- Top the tacos with freshly chopped red onion, cheese, and cilantro!
Notes
- 1 serving = 2 tacos
Lisa says:
I feel like there isn’t enough liquid for the pressure cooker. Did I do something wrong. It’s more a thick paste.
JOL Team replied:
Thank you so much for commenting. It is thicker than what you’d usually expect for an instant pot recipe. If you find your instant pot has a difficult time coming to pressure or gives you a warning, you could add 1/4 cup beef broth to it.
Melissa Lewis says:
These are delicious and super easy! Thank you!
Jar Of Lemons replied:
Thanks, Melissa! Glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Pamela says:
Made this tonight for our Cinco de Mayo dinner. It was delicious!!! The meat was so tender. I can’t find a link to pinterest so I can add it to my rotation. Am I missing it?