Vaca Frita Cuban Shredded Beef

Savor the bold and authentic flavors of Vaca Frita, a classic Cuban shredded beef dish that's packed with irresistible zest and crisp texture. This recipe transforms tender, slow-simmered flank steak into a flavorful masterpiece by marinating it in a vibrant blend of lime and orange juice, garlic, and earthy cumin. The shredded beef is then pan-fried to golden, crispy perfection and tossed with caramelized onions for a mouthwatering finish. Perfectly paired with white rice, black beans, and a fresh squeeze of lime, this Cuban favorite is a celebration of bold, citrus-forward flavors and contrasting textures. Whether enjoyed as a hearty dinner or a special occasion dish, Vaca Frita is sure to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Havana!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:80 mins

Total Time:100 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds flank steak
• 1 large white onion
• 4 large garlic cloves
• 4 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 whole bay leaves
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Place the flank steak, bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 4 cups of water in a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 60 minutes, or until the beef is tender and easy to shred.

Step 2

While the beef is simmering, thinly slice the onion and mince the garlic. Set aside.

Step 3

Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the beef into thin strips using two forks and discard any large pieces of fat.

Step 4

In a large bowl, combine the shredded beef with lime juice, orange juice, cumin, 0.5 teaspoons of salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Mix well to coat the beef evenly and let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.

Step 5

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they are soft and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.

Step 6

In the same skillet, add the last tablespoon of olive oil. Spread the marinated shredded beef in an even layer and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is crispy and browned. Flip the beef and repeat on the other side.

Step 7

Add the sautéed onions back to the skillet with the crispy beef and toss to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Step 8

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot with white rice, black beans, and lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1394.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	554.2

Total Fat 43.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3587.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 42.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.6g	0%
Total Sugars 13.2g
Protein 5.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 193.4mg	0%
Iron 3.1mg	0%
Potassium 659.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 67.0%

Protein: 3.6%

Carbs: 29.4%