Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Sabor de Cuba›Vaca Frita Recipe

Vaca Frita Recipe

Inspired by Sabor de Cuba
Time2h
Serves4

Pulled flank steak marinated with lime, garlic and onions. Served with white rice, black beans and sweet plantains.

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Ingredients

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For the Vaca Frita

For the White Rice

For the Black Beans

For the Sweet Plantains

Method

For the Vaca Frita

  1. 1

    Marinate the Steak

    In a bowl, combine lime juice, minced garlic, sliced onion, salt, and black pepper. Add the flank steak and marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight in the refrigerator.

  2. 2

    Cook the Steak

    Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the flank steak from the marinade and discard the marinade. Cook the steak for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until a nice char forms and the internal temperature reaches medium rare (130°F).

  3. 3

    Shred the Steak

    Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before shredding it with two forks.

  4. 4

    Sauté the Shredded Steak

    In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded steak and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.

For the White Rice

  1. 5

    Cook the Rice

    In a saucepan, combine the white rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

  2. 6

    Fluff the Rice

    Remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

For the Black Beans

  1. 7

    Sauté Aromatics

    In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

  2. 8

    Add Beans

    Add the canned black beans (drained and rinsed), cumin, and salt. Stir well and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

For the Sweet Plantains

  1. 9

    Prepare Plantains

    Peel the ripe plantains and slice them diagonally into 1-inch thick slices.

  2. 10

    Fry Plantains

    In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the plantain slices in a single layer and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and caramelized. Remove and drain on paper towels.

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