Jul 14 2026

Ropa Vieja Recipe

Time3h
Serves6

Braised and shredded flank steak stewed in our homemade 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.

Main Ingredients

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Flank Steak

    Season the flank steak with salt and black pepper on both sides. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Sauté the Vegetables

    In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

  3. 3

    Add Garlic

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Combine Ingredients

    Add the seasoned flank steak to the pot along with the diced tomatoes, beef broth, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

Cooking

  1. 5

    Braise the Steak

    Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the flank steak is tender and easily shredded.

  2. 6

    Shred the Meat

    Once the flank steak is cooked, remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

  3. 7

    Finish the Sauce

    Return the shredded beef to the pot, stirring to combine it with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.

  4. 8

    Serve

    Serve the Ropa Vieja hot, garnished with chopped cilantro. It pairs well with rice, black beans, or avocado.

More from Sala'o Cuban Restaurant & Bar - Live music