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4.8 from 237 votes

Carne colorada {Achiote marinated meat}

Carne colorada is an annatto or achiote marinated meat dish from Ecuador, this traditional recipe is made with beef or pork cooked in a bright red achiote sauce.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Additional Time
2 hrs
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 4 to 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: South American , American , Ecuadorian

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs of beef top sirloin or pork tenderloin cut into medium sized cubes or strips
For the achiote marinade:
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 1 red onion chopped in large chunks
  • 2-3 tbs ground achiote or annatto
  • 1 tbs ground cumin
  • ½ tbs oregano
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbs lemon juice
  • ½ cup of beer can also use chicha or water
Achiote oil to cook the carne colorada:
  • 3 tablespoons of oil butter or lard
  • 1 tablespoon of achiote seeds
  • salt to taste
Side dishes:
  • Mote or hominy corn
  • LLapingacho potato patties or boiled potatoes
  • Boiled yuca/cassava
  • Fried ripe plantains
  • Onion curtido
  • Avocado slices and/or side salad
  • Aji criollo
  • Tostado/cancha/chulpi corn nuts
  • Cheese slices or cheese sauce

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Blend the garlic cloves, red onion, achiote powder, ground cumin, oregano, 2 teaspoons of salt, lemon juice, and beer until you have a smooth puree.
  2. Place the meat pieces in a bowl and combine with the marinade. Cover and let rest in the fridge for at least two hours (overnight is ideal).
  3. Heat the oil (or butter/lard) in a large sauté pan over low to medium heat; add the achiote seeds and simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the color from the seeds has transferred to the oil. Use a slotted spoon to remove the seeds from the oil and discard the seeds.
  4. Heat the achiote oil over medium high heat, add the beef and cook until the sauce is reduced completely, about 20-30 minutes. Stir frequently to keep the meat/sauce from burning.
  5. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve with your choice of side dishes.

Notes

  • You can also make a variation of this dish using chicken.