Vaca Frita: The Best Crispy Beef Recipe from Cuba
Cuban Vaca Frita
Today on the Takrecipe website, we’re diving into the flavors of Cuba with a beloved dish known as Vaca Frita. This crispy shredded beef recipe is packed with bold flavors, featuring juicy, slow-cooked beef that is then pan-fried to perfection with onions, garlic, and fresh lime juice. If you love Cuban cuisine or are looking for a new way to enjoy beef, this dish is an absolute must-try!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup beef broth (for boiling)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Preparing the Beef
Place the flank steak in a large pot and cover it with water. Add bay leaves and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender enough to shred easily. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred it into thin strands using two forks or your hands. Transfer the shredded beef to a bowl and marinate it with lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or longer for deeper flavor).
Cooking the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly caramelized (about 3-4 minutes). Push the onions to the side and add the marinated beef in an even layer. Allow the beef to sear without stirring for about 3-5 minutes to create a crispy, golden-brown crust. Stir and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, letting more crispy edges develop. Once the beef is crispy and slightly charred, remove it from heat.
Serving
Serve hot with white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains for an authentic Cuban meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime for extra zest. Enjoy with a side of Cuban mojo sauce or avocado slices for added richness.
Tips:
Boil the Beef in Advance
🟢For quicker preparation, cook and shred the beef a day before. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to marinate and fry.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
🟢To achieve the crispiest texture, cook the beef in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will cause it to steam rather than sear.
Use Fresh Citrus Juice
🟢Fresh lime and orange juice give the best flavor; avoid bottled juices that may contain preservatives or artificial flavors.