Ropa vieja, a beloved Cuban dish, is renowned for its rich flavors and versatility. This traditional shredded beef is typically served with black beans, rice, and sweet plantains, but it can be paired with countless other sides. It’s a staple in my household and one of the most requested recipes in my home.
Today, I’m sharing my family’s ropa vieja recipe with a little personal twist.
Pro tip: Save the broth from cooking the beef to create a delicious caldo de res (beef broth).
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (1 1/2 kilo) of beef flank steak
- 1 small onion
- 1/2 red and green bell pepper
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups of water
- 4 peppercorns
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste or a dash of tomato sauce
Directions
- Prep the beef: Cut the beef flank steak into smaller chunks, removing any excess fat or skin.
- Brown the beef: In a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Brown the beef on both sides. Add half of the onion, 2 cloves of garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender and falls apart.
- Prepare the vegetables: Slice the remaining onion and peppers, and mince the garlic. Set aside.
- Shred the beef: Remove the cooked beef from the pot and reserve the broth for later. Shred the beef into thin strips using two forks or your hands. Discard any excess fat or skin.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a deep skillet or pan, heat the remaining olive oil. Add the shredded beef, sliced onion, peppers, minced garlic, and seasonings. Stir until lightly browned.
- Deglaze the pan: Deglaze the pan with 1 cup of the reserved beef broth. Add tomato paste and stir until well combined.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer the beef and vegetables for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened and the flavors have melded.
- Serve: Enjoy your ropa vieja with rice, black beans, tostones, or sweet plantains. It’s also delicious served with tacos, baos, dumplings, or any other side you prefer.