Vaca Frita
Vaca Frita meaning fried cow in Spanish is a Cuban dish of citrus-marinated shredded beef that is pan-fried until gloriously crispy and caramelized on the edges. It is intensely flavorful with bright notes of lime and garlic that perfectly complement the crispy beef.
Citrus and garlic marinated shredded beef pan-fried until irresistibly crispy and caramelized.
Nutrition per serving
Ingredients
Protein
Marinade
Vegetables
Cooking
Spices
Instructions
Boil and Shred the Beef
Place the flank steak in a large pot with enough salted water to cover. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook for 75 to 90 minutes until completely tender. Remove, let cool slightly, then shred the beef against the grain into thin strips.
Marinate the Beef
In a large bowl combine the shredded beef with lime juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat every strand of beef thoroughly. Let it marinate at room temperature for at least 20 minutes for maximum flavor penetration.
Pan Fry Until Crispy
Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking. Add the marinated beef in a single layer without stirring for 4 to 5 minutes to develop a deep crispy crust. Then stir and continue cooking for 3 more minutes.
Add Onions and Finish
Push the beef to the sides of the pan and add the sliced onions to the center. Cook the onions for 3 minutes until softened and slightly charred. Mix everything together, add a final squeeze of lime juice, and serve immediately over white rice.
Substitutions
Common mistakes
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