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Vaca Frita

Cuban · Main

A traditional Cuban dish of shredded flank steak pan-fried with onions, garlic, and lime until it's perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

IntermediateGluten freeDairy free
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Vaca Frita — recipe cover
2 hr 20 minA little patience, a lot of flavor
Prep time20 min
Cook time2 hr
Servings4 people
DifficultyIntermediate
Let's make something good

How to make it

5 steps. Take it one step at a time.

  1. Combine the flank steak, water, and bay leaves

    In a large pot, combine the flank steak, water, and bay leaves. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the meat is tender enough to shred, about 90 to 120 minutes.

    1 hr 45 min
  2. Remove the beef from the pot and let it cool slightly

    Remove the beef from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the beef into long thin strips using your fingers or two forks.

  3. Toss the shredded beef

    In a bowl, toss the shredded beef with the minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.

    20 min
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the beef in a single layer and fry without stirring until the bottom is crispy and browned. Flip and fry the other side.

  5. Add the onion rings

    Add the onion rings to the skillet and cook along with the beef until the onions are translucent and slightly charred. Serve immediately.

A little kitchen wisdom

For the best results, ensure the beef is as dry as possible before frying to achieve that signature crispiness. Traditionally served with white rice and black beans.

What you'll need

Large potLarge skilletMixing bowlForks
Keep the good going

For now. And for later.

Make it ahead

The beef can be boiled and shredded up to 2 days in advance and kept in the fridge. Fry it just before serving to ensure maximum crispiness.

Store & enjoy

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheating in a pan is recommended to maintain texture. Reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness; avoid microwave if possible.

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An AI-created recipe from the EZdish collection. Ingredient quantities and techniques have not been independently kitchen-tested. Published on this website . Updated . First published in the EZdish collection .

Vaca Frita
Step 1 of 5

Combine the flank steak, water, and bay leaves

In a large pot, combine the flank steak, water, and bay leaves. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the meat is tender enough to shred, about 90 to 120 minutes.

1 hr 45 min