Vaca Frita (Pan-Fried Beef)

Description

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.

Ingredients

  • 2 large onions
  • 1 (1 1/2-pound) flank steak, cut into 4 pieces
  • 1 green bell pepper, quartered
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges (Optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut 1 onion in half and thinly slice the remaining onion. Set aside.
  2. Combine flank steak
  3. halved onion
  4. bell pepper
  5. 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
  6. about 20 minutes. Transfer flank steak to a work surface and let cool
  7. about 10 minutes. Strain beef broth and save for another use. Shred cooled meat using 2 forks and place into a separate bowl.
  8. Mix garlic with 1/2 teaspoon salt in another bowl. Apply paste onto the meat
  9. along with lime juice
  10. olive oil
  11. and sliced onion. Let stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours.
  12. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add butter. Working in small batches
  13. spread shredded beef in a thin layer into the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook
  14. turning once or twice
  15. until sizzling and crispy
  16. about 7 minutes per batch. Transfer to a platter and serve with lime wedges.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 35 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Servings: 6

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