Description
Vaca Frita, or Cuban Crispy Shredded Beef, is a beloved dish that captures the essence of Cuban cuisine. This recipe features succulent flank steak that is first boiled to perfection, marinated in a vibrant blend of garlic and citrus, and then pan-fried until irresistibly crispy. Ideal for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, Vaca Frita promises a delightful combination of rich flavors and satisfying textures that will impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs flank steak
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 6 tablespoons neutral oil (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon complete seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium white onion (sliced)
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Boil the flank steak with bay leaves and salt in a Dutch oven until tender (about 1 to 1½ hours).
- Shred the cooked meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Marinate shredded beef with lime juice, garlic, complete seasoning, and oil for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat; fry shredded beef until crispy on both sides.
- Sauté sliced onions in the same skillet until softened.
- Serve hot with white rice, black beans, and lime wedges.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg