Easy Steak Picado Recipe: Bistec Sliced Beef Steak

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Are you looking for a delicious juicy steak picado recipe for taco night?

You will find that this dish is quick and easy to make, you’ll have food on the table in no time! Steak picado requires a few simple ingredients you most likely already have in your kitchen.

What is steak picado made of?

The main ingredients of steak picado are thinly sliced beef, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes.

Stay tuned for the flavors I put together in this recipe, they are influenced by my Southern California heritage, and my love for Chipotle Mexican Grill.

My unique and versatile recipe will make your steak picado stand out every time!

Ingredient Profile

Beef Steak (Bistec)

There are many common cuts of beef you can use for this great recipe.

I like to use a New York strip steak also known as sirloin steak, or top sirloin cut into slices (that’s where the picado comes from, it means sliced or minced).

I recommend cutting your beef into thin slices for a quick pan-sear.

If you plan on a longer cooking time by using your slow cooker or Instant Pot, you can slice your beef into thicker chunks.

There are 2 ingredient options to tenderize your beef, the first is baking soda. Just a little bit will be perfect for quick results.

You can also marinate your beef with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice along with the other flavors for a few hours up to overnight.

In this recipe, I will use the quick method with baking soda and a quick pan sear.

Bell Peppers

Green bell peppers, orange, red, and yellow are all perfect options to use in this recipe.

In steak picado, you commonly see green peppers used however, my favorite is red!

There really isn’t much of a difference other than the ripeness of the pepper.

Green peppers are picked before ripe and are not as sweet as red or other colors. They have an undeveloped flavor that is still desirable but I like to get my bang for my buck.

Studies have shown that red bell peppers are nutrient-dense, containing more vitamin C and other nutrients than green bell peppers.

This is why I typically reach for red bell peppers but the others will do just as well. 

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the main ingredients in this bistec picado dish.

They bring the umami flavors in this recipe that make it one to remember.

There are a few ways to approach this part of the ingredients.

You can use fresh tomatoes like Roma tomatoes, which are usually found in the Mexican version of steak picado, and cook them down for a few minutes.

Or you can use canned tomatoes such as diced, paste, or sauce. Canned tomatoes will require less cooking time than fresh ones which is why I’m using them in today’s recipe.

Easy Steak Picado Recipe

Ingredients

• 1.5 – 2lbs Beef Steak (or other cut, thinly sliced)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Large Onion (roughly chopped)
• 1 Can of Diced Tomatoes (or tomato sauce, paste, or 2-3 Roma tomatoes)
• 3 Small Bell Peppers (or poblano peppers, roughly chopped)
• 1 tsp Oregano Dried
• Salt and Pepper to Taste

Beef Marinade

• 2 Garlic Cloves (pressed or finely minced)
• 1-2 Chipotle Chilis in Adobo Sauce (minced, deseeded for mild flavor)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Oregano Dried
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Baking Soda 
• See Below for Marinade Variation

Instructions

1. Combine all of the thinly picado meat and marinade ingredients (garlic, chipotle chili, olive oil, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, baking soda) in a bowl.

Let sit for at least 10 minutes while you prepare your veggies and pre-heat a large skillet at medium heat.

2. Once the skillet is evenly heated, add your sliced beef in a single layer to the pan. Raise the heat to high and let it sear for 3 minutes without disturbing. 

3. After 3 minutes, stir the meat to cook the other side. Let sit for another 2-3 minutes. 

4. After 2-3 minutes remove from skillet and let sit in a bowl while you cook the rest of the ingredients.

5. Lower the heat to medium high heat and add olive oil, onions, bell peppers, and oregano, cook for 3 minutes.

6. Add canned tomatoes, salt, and pepper to taste (make sure to taste), and cook for 2-3 minutes. 

7. Return meat and juices to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Turn off the heat, serve with warm tortillas, and enjoy!

Steak Picado Recipe Variations

Looking for other ways to tenderize or cook your steak picado? Don’t worry, I got you, here are a few alternative options.

How to Tenderize Carne Picado With Lemon

Beef Marinade Ingredients

• 1.5 – 2lbs Beef Steak (or other cut, thinly sliced)
• 2 Garlic Cloves (pressed or finely minced)
• 1-2 Chipotle Chilis in Adobo Sauce (minced, deseeded for mild flavor)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp Lemon or Lime Juice
• 1 tsp Oregano Dried
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

1. Combine all of the thinly picado meat and marinade ingredients, garlic, chipotle chili, olive oil, lemon, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Let the ingredients infuse and marinate in the refrigerator for 3-6 hours or up to overnight.

Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker Steak Picado Instructions

1. Combine all of the thinly picado meat and marinade ingredients (garlic, chipotle chili, olive oil, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, OMIT the baking soda) in a bowl. 

2. Press Saute on your Instant Pot in the “more” setting and add your sliced beef in a single layer to the pot. Let it sear for 3 minutes without disturbing. 

3. After 3 minutes, stir the meat to cook the other side. Let sit for another 2-3 minutes. 

4. After 2-3 minutes add the rest of the ingredients and close the lid, set the valve to “sealing”.

5. Pressure cook for 20 minutes.

6. You can set the valve to quick release the pressure or let it come down naturally. Serve with warm tortillas and enjoy!

Slow Cooker Crock Pot Recipe Steak Picado Instructions

1. Combine all of the thinly picado meat and marinade ingredients (garlic, chipotle chili, olive oil, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, OMIT baking soda) in a bowl. Preheat a large skillet at medium heat.

2. Once the skillet is evenly heated, add your sliced beef in a single layer to the pan. Raise the heat to high and let it sear for 3 minutes without disturbing. 

3. After 3 minutes, stir the meat to cook the other side. Let sit for another 2-3 minutes. 

4. After 2-3 minutes remove from the skillet and place it in the slow cooker with all the ingredients.

5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Serve with warm tortillas and enjoy!

Easy Sheet Pan or Oven Skillet Steak Picado Instructions

1. Preheat your large cast iron skillet (if using) in the oven at 400 degrees F.

2. . Combine all of the thinly picado meat and marinade ingredients (garlic, chipotle chili, olive oil, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, OMIT baking soda) in a bowl. Add to your sheet pan in a single layer or pre-heated skillet. 

2. In the same bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients, olive oil, onion, tomatoes, bell peppers, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and place on the sheet pan or skillet and combine all of the beef and other ingredients.

3. Bake for 30-45 minutes until the beef is cooked through.

4. Serve with warm tortillas and enjoy!

Steak Picado Make Ahead Freezer Meal 

• 1.5 – 2lbs Beef Steak (or other cut, thinly sliced)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Sliced Onion (large, or roughly chopped)
• 1 Can of Diced Tomatoes (or tomato sauce, paste, or 2-3 Roma tomatoes)
• 3 Small Bell Peppers (or poblano peppers, roughly chopped)
• 1 tsp Oregano Dried
• Salt and Pepper to Taste

Beef Marinade Ingredients

• 2 Garlic Cloves (pressed or finely minced)
• 1-2 Chipotle Chilis in Adobo Sauce (minced, deseeded for mild flavor)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp Lemon or Lime Juice
• 1 tsp Oregano Dried
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

1. Combine all of the thinly picado meat and marinade ingredients, garlic, chipotle chili, olive oil, lemon, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Place the marinated meat in a freezer-safe ziplock bag.

2. In the same bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients, olive oil, onion, tomatoes, bell peppers, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and place on top of the meat in the freezer bag (do not mix) and seal. 

3. Label your bag with the Recipe, date, and cooking instructions. Place in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Steak Picado Recipe Tips

There are several ways you can serve this delicious recipe! Here is a short list of ideas:

• Place leftover steak picado in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.

Conclusion

Steak Picado is a quick and incredibly delicious recipe that the whole family will love!

There are many variations to cook this steak picado recipe to suit your meal planning for the week. I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know which variation you chose in the comments below.

¡Buen Provecho!