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Vaca Frita

Savor 5-Star Vaca Frita for Memorable Meals


  • Author: Anna
  • Total Time: 150 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Savor the Flavor: Homemade Vaca Frita You’ll Love


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound flank steak
  • 3 leaves bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon complete seasoning
  • 1 medium onion
  • to taste salt + pepper
  • 2 pieces lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broth: In a Dutch oven or large pot, combine flank steak, bay leaves, and salt. Pour in enough water to cover the meat and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat, cooking at medium-low for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until tender. Save the broth for later!
  2. Shred the Meat: Transfer the tender flank steak to a platter and shred it with two forks or your fingers until you have delightful strands of beef.
  3. Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl, mix the shredded meat with fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons of oil, minced garlic, complete seasoning, and salt + pepper. Toss gently and let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  4. Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, warm the remaining oil over medium heat. Remove the marinated meat from the bowl and discard the marinade. Add the shredded beef to the skillet in a single, even layer.
  5. Crisp the Beef: Pan-fry the beef for 5 minutes, undisturbed, pressing down with a spatula. Flip and fry the other side for another 4 minutes until perfectly sizzling and golden.
  6. Sauté the Onions: Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the sliced onions. Sauté with the meat until the onions have softened, about 4-5 minutes. Serve with rice, beans, and lime wedges.

Notes

  • Use fresh limes for best flavor.
  • Can replace neutral oil with olive oil.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 120 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Boiling and Pan-frying
  • Cuisine: Cuban

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg