Vaca Frita (Cuban Crispy Shredded Beef) 

Vaca Frita, meaning “fried cow,” is a beloved Cuban dish featuring slow‑cooked flank or skirt steak that's shredded, marinated in lime, garlic, and Cuban spices, then pan-fried until irresistibly crispy. This version, from A Sassy Spoon, is simple yet bold—boil until fork‑tender, marinate thoroughly, and fry to golden perfection with onions. The result is savory, tangy, and richly caramelized beef—ideal served over white rice with lime wedges and beans. It’s both a satisfying comfort food and an elegant, flavorful main. 

Ingredients

• 2 lb flank steak (or skirt steak), cut into large pieces
  
  

• 2 bay leaves
  
  

• 1 tsp salt (for boiling)
  
  

• Water, enough to cover meat
  
  

• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  
  

• 2 Tbsp neutral oil (e.g. canola or vegetable) for marinating
  
  

• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  
  

• 1 Tbsp Cuban “complete seasoning” (blend of oregano, cumin, garlic, onion, salt, black pepper)
  
  

• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  
  

• Additional oil (~4 Tbsp) for pan-frying
  
  

• 1 medium white onion, thinly sliced
  
  

• Lime wedges, for serving
  
  

Directions

1. Boil the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, add steak, bay leaves, salt, and water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 1 – 1½ hours. (In a pressure cooker: ∼30–40 min.) Reserve the broth if desired.
   
   

2. Shred the beef: Remove meat, let cool slightly, and shred finely with two forks.
   
   

3. Marinate: In a large bowl, toss shredded beef with lime juice, 2 Tbsp oil, garlic, complete seasoning, and salt + pepper. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
   
   

4. Pan-fry: Heat remaining oil in a skillet over medium-high. Working in batches, spread shredded beef in an even layer. Press with spatula and fry undisturbed ~5 min. Flip and fry the other side ~4 min until golden and crispy.
   
   

5. Add onions: Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in sliced onions, and sauté ~4–5 minutes until softened and aromatic.
   
   

6. Serve: Plate hot with white rice, black beans, and lime wedges. Garnish with fresh cilantro or radishes if desired.
   
   

Nutrients (approximate per serving, recipe yields about 6 servings)

• Calories: ~344 kcal
  
  

• Protein: ~33 g
  
  

• Fat: ~22 g (≈4 g saturated)
  
  

• Carbohydrates: ~3 g
  
  

• Fiber: ~1 g
  
  

• Sugars: ~1 g
  
  

• Sodium: ~589 mg
  
  

• Potassium: ~562 mg
  
  

• Vitamin C: ~5 mg
  
  

• Calcium: ~42 mg
  
  

• Iron: ~2 mg
  
  

• Cholesterol: ~91 mg