Jul 17 2026
RestaurantsCielito LindoCecina (dried Meat) Recipe

Cecina (dried Meat) Recipe

Inspired by Cielito Lindo
Time7h 30m
Serves6

Cecina is a flavorful dried meat, typically seasoned and air-dried to enhance its rich, savory taste.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

Method

Preparation Steps

  1. 1

    Prepare the Meat

    Trim any excess fat from the beef brisket or flank steak. Cut the meat into thin strips, approximately 1 cm thick.

  2. 2

    Make the Marinade

    In a bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar to create a marinade.

  3. 3

    Marinate the Meat

    Coat the meat strips with the marinade thoroughly. Place the meat in a resealable bag or a dish, cover it, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.

  4. 4

    Dry the Meat

    After marinating, preheat your dehydrator or oven to 70°C (160°F). Lay the meat strips in a single layer on the dehydrator trays or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  5. 5

    Dehydrate

    Dehydrate the meat for 6-8 hours in the dehydrator or 4-6 hours in the oven until the meat is firm and dry but still slightly pliable.

  6. 6

    Store the Cecina

    Once dried, allow the cecina to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Properly dried and stored cecina can last for several weeks.

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