By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on July 29, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023
Carne Deshebrada is an amazing Mexican dish that will transport you to the streets of Mexico with each bite. This delicious shredded beef dish has been prepared for centuries and is sure to become a favorite in your home.
The combination of flavorful spices, hearty vegetables, and tender slow-cooked beef make it truly amazing. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make!
With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen. Read on to learn more about this Mexican treasure. So grab your apron and let’s get started!
What is Carne Deshebrada?
Carne Deshebrada, translated to mean “shredded beef”, is a traditional Mexican dish that has been served for centuries. It’s made with slow-cooked beef that is shredded and simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce.
The dish can be served with tortillas, rice, or even on its own as an entree. Carne Deshebrada is a favorite in Mexican households, as its flavors are both comforting and delicious.
The mix of spices, vegetables, slow-cooked beef, and rich tomato sauce come together to create an unforgettable flavor that will make it feel like you’ve just stepped foot into Mexico.
What does it taste like?
Carne Deshebrada has a wonderfully complex flavor profile that blends together savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The slow-cooked beef is extremely tender and full of earthy spices like cumin and garlic powder.
The tomato sauce adds a depth of flavor with its combination of sautéed vegetables and herbs. It’s both rich and tangy, with a hint of heat that comes from the serrano peppers or jalapenos. The roasted poblano pepper adds an additional layer of flavor and smokiness to the dish.
Overall, Carne Deshebrada is an incredibly flavorful dish that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico. It’s sure to become a family favorite in no time!
How did I first get introduced to Carne Deshebrada?
I first discovered Carne Deshebrada years ago when I took a trip to Mexico. After enjoying so many delicious dishes, I was determined to recreate some of the flavors at home.
One day while exploring the local market, I saw an elderly woman preparing this dish in a clay pot over an open flame. I asked her for the recipe and was delighted when she obliged.
Upon returning home, I followed her instructions and created my own version of Carne Deshebrada. I was amazed at how each blend of spices, vegetables, and slow-cooked beef came together to create an extraordinary flavor that instantly transported me back to Mexico.
Since then, this recipe has become a favorite in my household. Whenever I want to take a little taste of Mexico, Carne Deshebrada is always the dish that comes to mind.
How to make Carne Deshebrada?
Making Carne Deshebrada at home is surprisingly easy and requires just a few ingredients. The key to success lies in the slow cooking of beef that will create an incredibly tender texture and rich flavor. Here are the steps:
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Ingredients
- Oil: To sear the beef and to cook tomato sauce ingredients
- Chuck Roast: This cut of beef is ideal for Carne Deshebrada.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ground cumin: These seasonings help to bring out the flavor of the beef.
- Onion, garlic cloves, serrano peppers (or jalapenos): These ingredients are used to make the tomato sauce that gives this dish its characteristic flavor.
- Roma tomatoes: These tomatoes are used to make the tomato sauce that gives this dish its characteristic flavor.
- Water: Used for blending and cooking the beef.
- Bay leaves and Worcestershire sauce: Add additional depth of flavor to the dish.
- Roasted poblano pepper and onion slices: These ingredients add color and texture to the dish.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chuck roast and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ground cumin. Sear both sides of the beef until it is nicely browned (about 2 minutes per side).
Step 2
Add 1 tablespoon of oil to another large skillet. Once hot, add the quartered onion, garlic cloves, serrano peppers (or jalapenos), and Roma tomatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Step 3
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a blender along with 2 cups of water and blend until smooth. Add the blended mixture back to the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15 minutes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4
Transfer the seared beef to a large pot and add 4 cups of water, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, roasted poblano pepper slices, and sliced onion. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer until the beef is extremely tender (about 2-3 hours).
Step 5
Once the beef is cooked, shred it using a fork and add it to the tomato sauce. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes and serve with warm tortillas or rice.
Tips
- Use a high-quality cut of chuck roast for the best results.
- If you don’t like spicy food, use fewer serrano peppers or jalapenos in the tomato sauce.
- For a richer flavor, add a few tablespoons of tomato paste to the tomato sauce.
- If you want to make the dish less spicy, remove some of the seeds and veins from the peppers before adding them to the sauce.
Carne Deshebrada Recipe
Equipment
- Blender
- Skillet
- pot
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb chuck roast
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt to taste
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 3 fresh coarsely chopped serrano peppers
- 3 cups water
- 2 garlic cloves
- 3 quartered roma tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp Ground cumin for the smell
- 1 bay leaves
- 2 tsp ground pepper
- 1 large poblano pepper roasted
- 6 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 sliced onion
- 1 quartered smalll onion
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chuck roast and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ground cumin. Sear both sides of the beef until it is nicely browned (about 2 minutes per side).
- Add 1 tablespoon of oil to another large skillet. Once hot, add the quartered onion, garlic cloves, serrano peppers (or jalapenos), and Roma tomatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a blender along with 2 cups of water and blend until smooth. Add the blended mixture back to the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15 minutes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the seared beef to a large pot and add 4 cups of water, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, roasted poblano pepper slices, and sliced onion. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer until the beef is extremely tender (about 2-3 hours).
- Once the beef is cooked, shred it using a fork and add it to the tomato sauce. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes and serve with warm tortillas or rice.
Notes
- Use a high-quality cut of chuck roast for the best results.
- If you don’t like spicy food, use fewer serrano peppers or jalapenos in the tomato sauce.
- For a richer flavor, add a few tablespoons of tomato paste to the tomato sauce.
- If you want to make the dish less spicy, remove some of the seeds and veins from the peppers before adding them to the sauce.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 495kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 156mg | Sodium: 1771mg | Potassium: 1092mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 788IU | Vitamin C: 57mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 6mg
What to serve with Carne Deshebrada?
Carne Deshebrada can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as warm tortillas, fluffy white rice, refried beans, or even just on its own. It also pairs well with Mexican-style salads and salsas for added flavor.
For an authentic Mexican meal, serve it alongside your favorite tacos or enchiladas. The possibilities are endless!
For those looking for a lighter accompaniment to Carne Deshebrada, try serving it with a simple salad of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy radishes, and fresh herbs.
How to store leftover Carne Deshebrada?
Carne Deshebrada is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a skillet over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through. You can also store any leftover tomato sauce separately and add it back when you’re ready to reheat.
If you’re looking for a way to extend the shelf life of your leftovers, you can also freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Carne Deshebrada as long as it is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F and the beef is well-done. Pregnant women should also avoid consuming raw or undercooked meats, fish, and eggs to reduce their risk for foodborne illness.
Additionally, pregnant women should limit their intake of sodium-rich foods like Carne Deshebrada to help reduce their risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Finally, pregnant women should always consult with their healthcare provider before consuming any dish that they are unfamiliar with. This will ensure they have the knowledge to make safe and healthy food choices while pregnant.
FAQs
Is Carne Deshebrada spicy?
It can be, depending on your preference. You can adjust the level of spiciness by using fewer serrano peppers or jalapenos in the tomato sauce.
What is a good substitute for chuck roast?
If you do not have access to chuck roast, other cuts of beef can be used as a substitute. Brisket and round steak are both good options. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the cut of meat you use.
Can Carne Deshebrada be made vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the beef and replace it with either cooked lentils or firm tofu. The rest of the dish can be prepared as directed.
What is the best way to shred the beef?
The easiest way to shred the beef is by using two forks to pull it apart in opposite directions until it reaches your desired texture.
Wrapping Up
I hope this article has given you a better understanding of what Carne Deshebrada is and how to make it. With just a few ingredients, you can easily whip up an authentic Mexican dish that the whole family will love.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different herbs and spices to customize the flavors of your Carne Deshebrada. Remember, the possibilities are endless!
Please share this article with your friends and family if you found it helpful. Thanks for reading.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
