Vaca Frita (Cuban Shredded Beef)

Jun 07, 2023June 7, 20230 17
Vaca Frita (Cuban Shredded Beef)
in Main

Prep

10 min

Cook

4 hours

Ready In

4 hours 10 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 lbs roast ( I use a sirloin roast for less fat , but you can use chuck roast )
3 bay leaves
4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic , finely minced
4 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 large onion , thinly sliced
fresh parsley , as desired

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
467
Sugar
1g
Fat
34g
Vaca Frita is a traditional Cuban dish that translates to 'fried cow.' It is made by slow-cooking a beef roast with citrus juice and spices, then shredding the meat and pan-frying it until crispy. The result is a flavorful and satisfying main dish that pairs well with rice, beans, and other Cuban-style sides. Vaca Frita is also a great way to use up leftover beef roast, making it a budget-friendly option for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2.Season the beef roast with salt and black pepper on all sides.
3.Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
4.Sear the roast for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned.
5.Add the onion, garlic, bay leaves, lime and lemon juices to the Dutch oven.
6.Cover with a tight-fitting lid and bake in the oven for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and falling apart.
7.Remove the beef from the Dutch oven and let cool.
8.Once the beef is cool, use your hands or two forks to shred the meat into thin strips.
9.Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
10.Add the shredded beef to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until lightly browned and crispy.
11.Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

PROS

Vaca Frita is a flavorful and satisfying main dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd.

It is also a great way to use up leftover beef roast.

CONS

This dish requires a long cooking time, so it is best to plan ahead.

It can also be a bit high in fat and calories, so it is best enjoyed in moderation.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Despite its high calorie and fat content, Vaca Frita can be a good source of protein and iron.
The beef is also rich in zinc and selenium, which are important minerals for immune function and overall health.

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