Vaca Frita - Cuban Fried Beef

flank steak

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: chuck roast

Chicken is lower in fat and cost-effective.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: vinegar

💰Cheaper: lemon juice

Vinegar adds acidity with fewer calories.

black beans

🥗Healthier: kidney beans

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Kidney beans are nutritious and affordable.

fried plantains

🥗Healthier: baked plantains

💰Cheaper: potatoes

Baked plantains reduce oil use and calories.

Marinate 1 and 1/2 lb flank steak with house seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, parsley) overnight.

Cut the steak along the grain into 5 pieces.

In a small Dutch oven, add the steak pieces, 1 small onion (cut into chunks), 1 green bell pepper (cut into chunks), 5 cloves of garlic, 2 cups of water, and 1 cup of dry white wine.

Cook on medium to medium-high heat for about 1 hour or until the meat is tender and starts flaking.

Shred the cooked meat using a fork, knife, or clean hands.

In the same pot, add 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1 onion (cut lengthwise into long pieces) and sauté for 1-2 minutes.

Add 3 cloves of chopped garlic to the sautéed onion and cook for another minute.

Add the shredded meat back into the pot and fry for about 10 minutes on medium-high heat until slightly toasted.

Taste the meat and adjust salt if necessary, then add lime juice for tanginess.

Serve with white rice and avocado, or with black beans and fried plantains.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: