Flavorful Beef Steak Picado Recipes

In Latin American cuisine, steak picado is a popular way to transform budget-friendly cuts of beef into a quick, protein-packed meal. Meaning "chopped" or "minced" in Spanish, picado involves cutting beef into small pieces for faster cooking. The simple preparation allows the bold seasonings to shine. Read on for tips, tricks and 15 sensational beef steak picado recipes to add some Latin flair to dinner!

What is Steak Picado?

Steak picado starts with affordable cuts like round, chuck or flank steak, trimmed and cut into small 1⁄2 to 1-inch pieces. It gets its signature flavor from a marinade featuring ingredients like:

• Citrus - Lime, lemon or orange juice
• Herbs - Cilantro, oregano, thyme
• Chiles - Jalapeño, serrano, ancho or chipotle
• Spices - Cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic
• Vinegars - Red wine, white wine, cider

Benefits of Cooking Beef Picado Style

Some perks of this technique include:

• Quick cooking - Small pieces cook faster
• Tender - No need to marinate overnight
• Flavored throughout - Marinade penetrates well
• Budget-friendly - Uses affordable cuts
• Versatile - Great in tacos, bowls, salads, etc

15 Tasty Beef Steak Picado Recipes

From street-style tacos to hearty rice bowls, these flavorful recipes will spice up dinner!

1. Steak Picado Tacos

Quick-marinated steak, salsa, cilantro and lime juice piled high on warm corn tortillas.

2. Carne Asada Steak Picado

Marinated with garlic, lime and Mexican spices then grilled or pan seared.

3. Steak Fajita Picado Bowls

Sizzling hot steak tossed with peppers and onions served over rice.

4. Peruvian Lomo Saltado

A South American classic! Steak stir fried with tomatoes, garlic, and soy sauce.

5. Chili Lime Steak Salad

Grilled picado steak served over a fresh veggie salad.

6. Steak & Egg Breakfast Burritos

Scrambled eggs and picado steak rolled up in a warm tortilla.

7. Steak Picado Nachos

Spicy marinated steak heaps up flavorful nachos.

8. Thai Steak & Noodle Bowl

Thai-marinated picado steak with ginger, basil and lime.

9. Steak & Potato Hash

Pan-seared picado steak combined with crispy potatoes and peppers.

10. Korean Bulgogi Steak Picado

Sweet and savory marinade with ginger, garlic, soy and sesame.

11. Steakhouse Salad

Grilled steak slices on a bed of greens, tomatoes, avocado and blue cheese.

12. Picado Philly Cheesesteaks

Thinly sliced steak, melty cheese, peppers and onions on a hoagie roll.

13. Steak & Potato Soup

Hearty and comforting soup loaded with veggies.

14. Picado Mongolian Beef

Crispy ginger soy glazed steak bites perfect over rice.

15. Beef Chili Picado

Bite-size steak pieces simmered in a rich, spicy chili.

Tips for Cooking Beef Picado

• Cut across the grain for tenderness.
• Keep pieces uniform in size to cook evenly.
• Use a hot pan or grill to quickly sear.
• Combine cornstarch with marinade to thicken sauce.
• Add marinated raw steak just before serving stir fries.

Conclusion

With its quick prep time, budget-friendly meat, and bold Latin flavors, steak picado is a weeknight dinner hero. The small pieces cook up fast while still staying juicy. Tacos, nachos, burritos, fajitas, salads, bowls - the possibilities are endless for this versatile style. With a simple marinade, home cooks can transform affordable cuts into mouthwatering family meals.

FAQs

Q: What cut of steak is best for picado?

A: Flank, skirt, hanger and round steak are good affordable options that absorb marinades well.

Q: How big should you cut steak for picado?

A: Cut into 1⁄2 to 1-inch pieces. Keep them uniform in size for even cooking.

Q: How long should you marinate steak picado?

A: At least 30 minutes up to overnight. The small pieces absorb flavor quickly.

Q: What's the difference between carne asada and steak picado?

A: Carne asada is usually larger grilled pieces while picado is chopped into small bites.

Q: Is picado healthy?

A: Yes, lean cuts are packed with protein. Balance with veggies and go easy on oil for a healthy meal.