Juicy flank steak is simmered until tender, and then cooked with garlic, lime, and onion in this simple recipe for Vaca Frita (Crispy Shredded Beef). It’s a super-simple recipe that everyone will devour!
Prep Time10 minutesminutes
Cook Time1 hourhour10 minutesminutes
Additional Time20 minutesminutes
Total Time1 hourhour40 minutesminutes
Ingredients
1 ½poundsflank steak
2 ½cupsbeef broth
1bay leaf
2clovesgarlic, minced
½teaspoonsea salt
¼black pepper
2tablespoonsfresh lime juice, about 1 large lime
3tablespoonsolive oil, divided
1medium white onion, sliced
Extra lime wedges, for serving
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Instructions
Add the flank steak, beef broth, and bay leaf to a Dutch oven or large pot. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Simmer for 45 minutes, or until fork-tender. Flip the beef over halfway through the cooking time.
Remove the steak from the broth, and place on a cutting board. With a fork, lightly shred the meat until you have a thin, shredded texture. Reserve the broth.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded beef, garlic, salt, pepper, lime juice, and reserved broth. Marinate the meat in this mixture for at least 20 minutes.
Once the meat is done marinating, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan. Using a pair of tongs, pick up the shredded beef out of the marinade, and place in an even layer in the hot skillet. Fry without stirring for 4 - 5 minutes, or until crispy.
Carefully turn the meat over, and fry on the other side for an additional 4 minutes. The meat should be nice and crispy. Remove from the frying pan, and place on a serving platter.
In the same frying pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, and saute for 4 minutes or until the onions are tender. Arrange the cooked onions on a platter with the meat. Serve with fresh lime wedges.
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Notes
For Extra Flavor: While not traditional, for extra flavor I like to marinate my flank steak in Mojo marinade. Homemade of course is always great, but I usually grab a bottle of Badia Mojo and marinate the flank steak overnight. Storage:
Leftover vaca frita can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, packed into an airtight container.
To reheat, just place the desired amount in a skillet over medium heat (feel free to add a little oil if it seems dry). Heat until crispy and warmed through.
Cool to room temperature before freezing in a freezer bag (press out as much air as you can before you seal the bag). Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw in the fridge before reheating.