CARNE SECA: BRAZILIAN SALTED DRIED BEEF RECIPE

Introduction

Carne Seca, a popular dish in Brazilian cuisine, is a delicious salted dried beef that is full of flavor and tradition. Made by curing beef with salt and air-drying it, this dish is packed with savory goodness. Follow this simple recipe to bring a taste of Brazil into your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of beef (such as flank steak)
• 1 cup of coarse salt
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• Water

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the beef

Trim the excess fat from the beef and cut it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Salt the beef

In a large bowl, mix the coarse salt, minced garlic, black peppercorns, and bay leaf. Rub this salt mixture all over the beef pieces, ensuring they are coated evenly. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator for about 24 hours.

Step 3: Rinse the beef

After 24 hours, remove the beef from the bowl and rinse off the excess salt under cold running water. Pat the beef dry with paper towels.

Step 4: Air-dry the beef

Hang the beef strips in a well-ventilated area or use a food dehydrator to dry them for 3-4 days until they are firm but not rock hard.

Step 5: Rehydrate and cook

To prepare the carne seca for cooking, soak the dried beef in water for a few hours or overnight to rehydrate. Once rehydrated, you can use it in stews, soups, or fried dishes.

Enjoy your homemade Carne Seca, a taste of Brazil that will surely impress your taste buds!

FAQ About Carne Seca: Brazilian Salted Dried Beef Recipe

What is Carne Seca?

Carne Seca is a traditional Brazilian method of preparing beef by first salting and then drying it, resulting in a flavorful and preserved meat product.

How is Carne Seca Made?

To make Carne Seca, the beef is first salted to draw out moisture, then typically sun-dried or air-dried to achieve the desired texture. It is commonly used in various Brazilian dishes.

What are the Popular Dishes with Carne Seca?

Carne Seca is commonly used in Brazilian recipes such as feijoada, a traditional stew with black beans, and carne seca com abóbora, a dish combining dried beef with pumpkin.

Is Carne Seca Similar to Beef Jerky?

While both Carne Seca and beef jerky involve drying beef, they differ in preparation methods, flavors, and textures. Carne Seca is typically salted before drying and has a different taste profile than beef jerky.

Can Carne Seca be Substituted in Recipes?

Depending on the recipe, Carne Seca can be substituted with other dried meats like biltong or beef jerky. However, the unique taste of Carne Seca may not be perfectly replicated.