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Vaca frita | Cuban fried shredded beef

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Cocinera Lele / Lelita’s Cuban kitchen
Cocinera Lele / Lelita’s Cuban kitchen
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Recipe Information

Recipe Available
Video-Specific Recipe

Vaca Frita

Cultural Context

Originating from Cuba, Vaca Frita, meaning 'fried cow', is a beloved dish that showcases the island's rich culinary heritage. Traditionally made with marinated flank steak, it reflects the resourcefulness of Cuban home cooks, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful meal. Today, Vaca Frita is enjoyed both in Cuba and internationally, often served at family gatherings and celebrations, highlighting its role in Cuban culture.

CubanCUmain
90 min
medium
4 servings
Servings4
skirt steak
1 onion sliced thinly
3 garlic cloves
1 lime
cumin
oregano
salt
pepper
olive oil

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.

1

Boil the skirt steak until cooked, then shred it into small pieces.

2

In a pan, heat about 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

3

Add the sliced onion and fry lightly to caramelize without browning too much.

4

Add the minced garlic and quickly fry to avoid burning, then set the onion and garlic aside.

5

Add another 3 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan and increase the heat.

6

Add the shredded skirt steak to the pan and season with cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.

7

Let the beef fry until crispy, stirring minimally to achieve crispiness.

8

Add the sautéed onions back into the pan with the beef.

9

Squeeze half of the lime over the beef, saving the other half for serving later.

10

Add fresh cilantro to the mixture, if desired, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until ready to serve.

Cooking Techniques

marinatingsautéingshreddingsearing

Equipment Needed

pan

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Also Known As

Fried CowVaca Frita de Res

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