Carne Seca

Carne seca – “dried meat” – is a specialty of Sonora Desert country – product of a time when refrigeration was unavailable. It is marinated beef that is air dried, shredded, spiced, and then sauteed. Served in bite-size strips, it is glistening mahogany and fairly dripping flavor, dry and yet wildly succulent, rugged and pure pleasure to chew. In concert with grilled onions, chopped tomatoes and hot chile, it is an echt-Southwest dish. In Mexico and on Mexican restaurant menus, it often goes by the name machaca; it is a close cousin to beef jerky.