Vaca Frita Recipe (Cuban Crispy Shredded Beef)
Vaca Frita Recipe (Cuban Crispy Shredded Beef) is a flavorful dish that transports the vibrant tastes of Cuba straight to your dining table. This easy-to-make recipe features tender flank steak that is boiled, shredded, marinated in zesty garlic and citrus, and pan-fried to achieve a delightful crispy texture. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this savory beef dish is sure to impress everyone with its rich flavors and satisfying crunch. Serve it alongside rice, beans, or fresh salsa for a complete meal packed with flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs flank steak
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 6 tablespoons neutral oil (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon complete seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium white onion (sliced)
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Boil the flank steak with bay leaves and salt in a large pot until tender (about 1 to 1.5 hours). Strain and set aside.
- Shred the cooked beef using forks until it resembles pulled beef.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded meat with lime juice, 2 tablespoons of oil, minced garlic, complete seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
- Heat remaining oil in a skillet over medium heat; add the marinated beef in batches without overcrowding.
- Fry until crispy on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
- Sauté sliced onions in the same skillet until softened; serve hot with lime wedges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg