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Vaca Frita Recipe

Crispy Vaca Frita Recipe: A Taste of Cuban Comfort

This Vaca Frita recipe features crispy shredded beef, infused with garlic and lime, for a delicious Cuban experience.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Cuban
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 1 lb Flank Steak or chuck roast as a substitute
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Discard after cooking
  • 1 tbsp Salt Adjust according to taste
For the Marinade
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Lime Juice Use fresh limes for best results
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced finely
  • 1 tbsp Complete Seasoning Can be replaced with oregano and garlic powder
For Frying
  • 1/4 cup Neutral Oil Canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil
  • 1 medium White Onion Slice thinly for quick sautéing
For Serving
  • 2 pieces Lime Wedges Serve extra for those who love a zesty kick

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • large skillet
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. In a Dutch oven, place the flank steak along with bay leaves and salt, then add enough water to cover the meat completely. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours until tender.
  2. Carefully remove the beef from the pot and allow it to cool. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded beef with lime juice, 2 tablespoons of oil, minced garlic, complete seasoning, and salt and pepper. Toss until evenly coated and let sit for 30 minutes.
  4. Heat remaining oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add marinated beef in batches, frying for about 5 minutes without stirring. Flip and fry for an additional 4 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, add sliced onions to the skillet, and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Mix well.
  6. Serve hot alongside white rice, black beans, and garnish with lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Cooking in batches prevents steaming and ensures a crispy texture. Always use fresh ingredients for best flavor.

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