- See also carne-seca, a Brazilian dried meat.
Carne seca ("dried meat" in Spanish) is a type of dried beef used in Mexican cuisine.
 | |
| Type | Meat |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Mexico |
| Region or state | Northern Mexico and Southwestern United States |
| Associated cuisine | Mexican cuisine |
| Main ingredients | Beef |
Regional variants
Northern Mexico
In northern Mexican cuisine, particularly the states of Chihuahua, Sonora, and Nuevo León, carne seca is cooked in a dish called machacado (named machaca in other states), which includes tomatoes, onions, chile verde, and eggs. Sometimes, potatoes are included or used in lieu of eggs.[1]
Southwestern United States
Arizona
In Arizona, according to Marian Burros of The New York Times, carne seca is a popular meat filling used by Tucson-area Mexican restaurants in enchiladas, chimichangas, and tacos, and is sometimes mixed with eggs.[2]
California
According to The Oxford Companion to American Food and Drink, the newly arrived Anglo-Californians had acquired the taste for carne seca from their Californio neighbors during the 19th century California Gold Rush era.[3]
New Mexico
In New Mexico, the term carne seca in New Mexican cuisine refers to a thinly sliced variant of jerky, the style influenced by Hispano, Navajo, and Pueblo communities resulting in a crispy consistency reminiscent of a potato chip or a cracker.[4]
