Vaca frita, which translates to "fried cow," is a traditional Cuban dish made with flank steak that is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and citrus juices, then fried until crispy and tender. This mouthwatering dish is a staple of Cuban cuisine and is often served with sides such as rice, beans, and fried plantains. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, preparing vaca frita pan-fried beef is an exciting culinary adventure that promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of Havana. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey as we explore the essential steps, ingredients, and techniques to create this delectable dish that will leave a lasting impression on your palate.
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VACA FRITA (PAN-FRIED BEEF)
This is one of my favorite Cuban foods. It reminds me of the countryside. I like this with black bean soup and rice and either platanos maduros (fried ripe plantains) or tostones (fried pressed plantains). You could also serve with black beans and rice cooked together. A spicy Cabernet Sauvignon would go well with this dish.
Provided by fandreu
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Caribbean
Time 1h30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cut 1 onion in half and thinly slice the remaining onion. Set aside.
- Combine flank steak, halved onion, bell pepper, and bay leaf in a large saucepan. Cover with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer until meat is easily shredded with 2 forks, about 20 minutes. Transfer flank steak to a work surface and let cool, about 10 minutes. Strain beef broth and save for another use. Shred cooled meat using 2 forks and place into a separate bowl.
- Mix garlic with 1/2 teaspoon salt in another bowl. Apply paste onto the meat, along with lime juice, olive oil, and sliced onion. Let stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add butter. Working in small batches, spread shredded beef in a thin layer into the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook, turning once or twice, until sizzling and crispy, about 7 minutes per batch. Transfer to a platter and serve with lime wedges.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 221.2 calories, Carbohydrate 8.4 g, Cholesterol 38.3 mg, Fat 14.6 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 14.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 267.7 mg, Sugar 3.1 g
VACA FRITA (CUBAN SHREDDED BEEF)
Absolutely wonderful! Simmered beef marinated overnight in lime, lemon and garlic, then sauteed with onion until slightly crispy (then I like to blast it with more fresh-squeezed lime juice!). The technique is almost like making homemade roast beef hash (without the potato). Prep time includes marinating beef overnight. Cook time is combination of two days (simmering of beef, then sauteeing).
Provided by EdsGirlAngie
Categories Roast Beef
Time 10h30m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Simmer roast with bay leaves in a Dutch oven on the stove until tender, about 1 to 1-1/2 hours.
- Cool at room temperature; reserve cooking water for another use if you wish.
- When beef is cool, shred and place in a glass container.
- Combine lime juice, lemon juice and garlic; mix into meat.
- Season with salt and pepper and marinate overnight.
- (The sirloin roast is excellent at"soaking up" the juices!) Next day, remove meat from marinade, squeezing excess liquid (if you need to; I normally don't) and fry in a large skillet in olive oil until slightly brown, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add thin onion slices and parsley and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, until onion is tender and meat is well-browned.
- Squeeze more lime juice on meat and serve over rice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 715.3, Fat 57.9, SaturatedFat 19.8, Cholesterol 156.5, Sodium 135.3, Carbohydrate 4.9, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 1.4, Protein 42.1
VACA FRITA
Steps:
- To a large pot, add steak, bay leaves, carrot, tomato, cumin, and oregano and cover with water. Boil the meat until it becomes tender, then remove from the liquid, and shred the meat. Into a very hot saute pan pour 1/8 cup olive oil, then add the meat, making sure to spread it out evenly. Flip it over and cook until both sides become crispy. In a separate pan, add the remaining oil and cook the onions until caramelized, then mix in the meat, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
VACA FRITA PAN-FRIED SHREDDED BEEF PATTIES
Steps:
- Pour the Mojito Marinade into the Ropa Vieja in the pan with the braising liquid, and mix it all up. Let the meat soak up all those good flavors for at least 4 hours.
- Grab one handful of shredded meat at a time, squeeze out as much of the marinade as you can, and shape the meat into a flattened patty about the size of your palm. Cover the bottom of a large skillet with 1/8 to 1/4 inch of oil, and get it heated up over medium. Add the patties and fry a few at a time in the oil, cooking them til crispy and richly browned on each side. Watch them carefully so they don't burn.
- Slide the fried patties onto a plate and serve 'em up with Black Beans & Rice.
VACA FRITA (PAN-FRIED BEEF)
This is one of my favorite Cuban foods. It reminds me of the countryside. I like this with black bean soup and rice and either platanos maduros (fried ripe plantains) or tostones (fried pressed plantains). You could also serve with black beans and rice cooked together. A spicy Cabernet Sauvignon would go well with this dish.
Provided by fandreu
Categories Caribbean Recipes
Time 1h30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cut 1 onion in half and thinly slice the remaining onion. Set aside.
- Combine flank steak, halved onion, bell pepper, and bay leaf in a large saucepan. Cover with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer until meat is easily shredded with 2 forks, about 20 minutes. Transfer flank steak to a work surface and let cool, about 10 minutes. Strain beef broth and save for another use. Shred cooled meat using 2 forks and place into a separate bowl.
- Mix garlic with 1/2 teaspoon salt in another bowl. Apply paste onto the meat, along with lime juice, olive oil, and sliced onion. Let stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add butter. Working in small batches, spread shredded beef in a thin layer into the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook, turning once or twice, until sizzling and crispy, about 7 minutes per batch. Transfer to a platter and serve with lime wedges.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 221.2 calories, Carbohydrate 8.4 g, Cholesterol 38.3 mg, Fat 14.6 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 14.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 267.7 mg, Sugar 3.1 g
VACA FRITA
I was 'turned on' to Vaca Frita after a good friend of mine married a man of Cuban descent. I was glad she did (marry him) because I discovered many good recipes since then and this one is my favorite.
Provided by Hey Jude
Categories Meat
Time 1h45m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Combine the beef, quartered onion, tomato, carrot, and garlic cloves with 6 cups of water in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Skim off the scum that rises to the surface.
- Reduce the heat and simmer the beef, uncovered, skimming often, until tender, 30 to 40 minutes.
- Strain the meat, discard broth or save for another use.
- Let the meat cool.
- Using the tip of a knife, or your fingertips, tear the meat, along the grain, into the thinnest possible shreds.
- Toss the meat with the minced garlic, salt, and lime juice in a mixing bowl.
- Let marinate, covered, in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or as long as overnight.
- About 5 minutes before serving, heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan until smoking.
- Add the meat and saute over medium-high heat until crisp, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Transfer the meat to plates or a platter with a slotted spoon or tongs.
- Add the sliced onion to the pan and fry until lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
- Top the Vaca Frita with the fried onion and serve at once, preferably with white rice and black beans.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 441.9, Fat 24, SaturatedFat 7.1, Cholesterol 100.3, Sodium 435.6, Carbohydrate 8.1, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 3.2, Protein 46.5
Tips:
- Use a flank steak or skirt steak for the most tender vaca frita. These cuts of beef are known for their great flavor and ability to withstand marinating and cooking.
- Be sure to marinate the beef for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. This will help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
- When cooking the beef, be sure to sear it over high heat to create a nice crust. Then, reduce the heat and cook the beef slowly until it is tender.
- Serve vaca frita with your favorite sides, such as rice, beans, or plantains. It can also be used as a filling for tacos or burritos.
Conclusion:
Vaca frita is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to use up leftover beef, and it can be served with a variety of sides. So next time you are looking for a tasty and satisfying meal, give vaca frita a try.
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