Vaca Frita Recipe (Cuban Crispy Shredded Beef)

Vaca Frita (or crispy shredded beef) is a classic Cuban recipe made with flank steak that's boiled then shredded, marinated in garlic and citrus, and pan-fried to perfection. 

INGREDIENTS

– flank steak – bay leaves – salt + pepper – lime juice – neutral oil – garlic + onion – complete seasoning

Step-by-step instructions!

Follow our easy instructions for success!

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Add flank steak, bay leaves, salt, and enough water to cover the meat in a large pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook at medium-low until the meat is tender about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Strain the beef broth.

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Transfer the flank steak to a platter. Using two forks or your fingers, shred the meat until you get that pulled, shredded look.

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In a large bowl, add shredded meat with fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons of oil, minced garlic, complete seasoning, and salt + pepper to taste. Gently toss and marinate the meat at room temperature for 30 minutes.

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In a skillet, heat the remaining oil over medium heat then add the shredded beef (remove from marinade). Pan fry for 5 min, undisturbed, until crispy. Flip and pan-fry the other side of the meat for another 4 min.

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Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the sliced onions and saute with the meat until onions have softened about 4-5 minutes.

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