Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Otto’s High Dive›Vaca Frita Recipe

Vaca Frita Recipe

Inspired by Otto’s High Dive
Time2h
Serves4

Flank steak, tostones, caramelized onions, red sofrito, aji verde.

Jump to Recipe

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Steak

Caramelized Onions

Tostones

Red Sofrito

Aji Verde

Method

Steak Preparation

  1. 1

    Marinate the Flank Steak

    In a bowl, combine lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add the flank steak and marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight in the refrigerator.

  2. 2

    Cook the Flank Steak

    Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and sear the marinated flank steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Caramelized Onions

  1. 3

    Slice and Cook Onions

    Thinly slice the onions. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and caramelized.

Tostones Preparation

  1. 4

    Prepare and Fry Plantains

    Peel and slice green plantains into 1-inch thick pieces. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Fry the plantain slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.

  2. 5

    Flatten and Fry Again

    Using a tostonera or the bottom of a glass, flatten each fried plantain slice. Return to the hot oil and fry again for 2-3 minutes until crispy. Season with salt.

Red Sofrito

  1. 6

    Make the Sofrito

    In a blender, combine red bell pepper, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, cumin, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes.

Aji Verde Preparation

  1. 7

    Blend the Aji Verde

    In a blender, combine cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasonings as needed.

More from Otto’s High Dive