Cuban cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions, and one dish that stands out is Cuban Ropa Vieja.
This savory shredded beef dish, cooked in a tomato-based sauce with spices, is a comforting staple that showcases the heart of Cuban cooking.
As we explore this recipe, we will share tips from our travels and the vibrant Cuban food market, where these ingredients come alive.
On our culinary adventures, we’ve tasted many versions of Ropa Vieja, each with its unique twists. Whether you’re looking to recreate a taste of Havana at home or simply want to learn more about Cuban culture through food, this dish is sure to delight.
Join us as we walk you through a classic recipe, filled with the essence of Cuba’s vibrant food scene.
Cooking Ropa Vieja is not just about preparing a meal; it’s about bringing the flavors of Cuba into our kitchens and sharing them with friends and family.
Get ready to enjoy the deliciousness and warmth that this dish brings to the table!
Why You’ll Love This Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe
We love this Cuban Ropa Vieja recipe because it is all about comfort food. The slow-cooked beef turns tender and flavorful, creating a dish that warms the soul.
Here are some reasons why we think you’ll enjoy it too:
- Rich Flavors: The combination of spices, tomatoes, and peppers makes each bite burst with flavor.
- Easy Preparation: Whether you use a traditional pot or an Instant Pot, this recipe is straightforward and fun.
- Versatile Serving: Ropa Vieja pairs well with rice, black beans, or even in a sandwich, offering different serving options.
The best part about making this dish is sharing it with family and friends. It’s perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
We also appreciate that Ropa Vieja is a classic in Cuban cuisine, showcasing the culture’s rich culinary heritage. Each time we cook it, we feel connected to our travels and experiences in Cuba.
What Makes This Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe Special
Cuban Ropa Vieja is a cherished dish that stands out in Cuban cuisine for several reasons.
First, the flavor is exceptional. We use tender meat, like flank or skirt steak, which cooks slowly until it shreds beautifully. This gives the dish a rich texture and allows it to absorb all the delicious flavors.
Next, the sauce is a key player. It’s a mix of tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and garlic, seasoned with traditional Cuban spices like cumin and oregano. This combination creates a hearty and tasty dish that pairs perfectly with rice and black beans.
We also love the cooking process. Slow-cooking not only makes the meat tender but allows all the ingredients to meld. This technique reflects the importance of patience in Cuban cooking.
Finally, Ropa Vieja carries a sense of heritage. It connects us to Cuba’s vibrant culture and history, making every bite feel like a celebration.
Here are some reasons why we think Ropa Vieja is special:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Rich and savory sauce with a blend of spices |
| Texture | Tender, shredded beef that melts in your mouth |
| Connection | A dish that represents Cuban culture and history |
| Versatility | Pairs well with rice, beans, and plantains |
Cooking Ropa Vieja allows us to share a piece of our travels and brings the warmth of Cuba into our home.
Cooking Equipment Needed
To make a delicious Cuban Ropa Vieja, we need some basic kitchen tools. Here’s a list of what we suggest:
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: This is essential for slow cooking the beef until it’s tender.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board will help us prepare ingredients safely.
- Tongs: We’ll use tongs to handle the hot meat and other ingredients easily.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: This is perfect for stirring and mixing the flavors together without scratching our pots.
- Two Forks: We’ll use these to shred the beef once it’s fully cooked.
- Ladle: A ladle helps us serve the Ropa Vieja nicely into bowls or plates.
Optional tools can also be very helpful:
- Instant Pot: This can speed up the cooking process if we’re short on time.
- Meat Thermometer: Ensuring our beef is cooked perfectly helps us avoid any guesswork.
Having the right equipment makes cooking much more enjoyable. We find it helpful to gather everything before we start. This way, we can focus on creating a wonderful dish with ease. Happy cooking!
Cooking Instructions
To make Ropa Vieja, we’ll start by gathering our ingredients. Here’s what we need:
Step 1: In a large pot, add the flank steak and cover it with water. Toss in the bay leaves and the whole garlic head.
Step 2: Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 2-3 hours until the meat is tender.
Step 3: Remove the steak and let it cool. Shred it into bite-sized pieces once it’s cool enough to handle.
Step 4: In the same pot, add olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they’re soft.
Step 5: Stir in the shredded beef and add the diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Let everything simmer together for 20-30 minutes. This allows all those great flavors to meld.
Serve Ropa Vieja with white rice and black beans for a classic meal. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips
When making Ropa Vieja, we have a few tips to ensure it’s as delicious as possible.
Choose the Right Cut of Beef
Brisket or flank steak works best. These cuts become tender after slow cooking.
Marinate for Flavor
We recommend marinating the beef overnight. This adds depth to the flavors.
Low and Slow Cooking
Cook the beef on low heat for several hours. This method makes the meat tender and flavorful.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh herbs and spices can enhance the dish. Consider using fresh garlic and onion for a better taste.
Proper Shredding Technique
After cooking, let the beef rest. Shred it using two forks to create nice strands.
Adjust Seasoning
Taste as you go. Feel free to adjust salt, pepper, and spices to match your preference.
Pair with Sides
Serve Ropa Vieja with rice and black beans. It makes a hearty and balanced meal.
Leftovers are Great!
This dish tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in the fridge for a quick meal.
Ingredients Needed for the Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe
Flank steak, cut into pieces
Water, (enough to cover the meat in the pot)
Salt
Olive oil
Yellow onion, diced
Green bell pepper, sliced lengthwise
Whole red pimientos, sliced lengthwise
Cloves garlic, minced
Tomato sauce
Vino Seco, (dry cooking wine)
Ground cumin
Dried oregano
Bay leaf
Salt + pepper to taste
Instructions For Preparing the Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe
Cook & Shred the Meat
In a Dutch oven or large pot, cook the meat with water and salt over medium-low heat until tender, about 2 hours (or 40 minutes in a pressure cooker). Transfer to a plate, shred with two forks, and set aside.
Prepare the Ropa Vieja
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté green pepper, onion, and pimientos for 1–2 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in tomato sauce, vino seco, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the shredded beef, mix well, and cook covered on low for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent drying. Adjust seasoning if needed and enjoy!
FAQs For the Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe
Question: What is the Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe?
A: The Cuban Ropa Vieja recipe is a traditional Cuban dish made with shredded beef slow-cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce with bell peppers, onions, and spices.
Question: What cut of beef is best for the Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe?
A: The Cuban Ropa Vieja recipe traditionally uses flank steak because it becomes tender and shreds easily after slow cooking, but chuck roast can also be used.
Question: How long does it take to cook the Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe?
A: The Cuban Ropa Vieja recipe typically takes about 2-3 hours on the stovetop, but it can also be made in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.
Question: What can I serve with the Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe?
A: The Cuban Ropa Vieja recipe is traditionally served with white rice, black beans, fried plantains, or Cuban bread to complement the rich flavors.
Question: Can I make the Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, the Cuban Ropa Vieja recipe can be made in an Instant Pot by pressure cooking the beef for about 45-50 minutes, then shredding it and simmering in the sauce.
Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs flank steak cut into pieces
- Water (enough to cover the meat in the pot)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 onion medium yellow diced
- 1 bell pepper medium green sliced lengthwise
- 7 ounces pimientos whole red sliced lengthwise
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup dry cooking wine (vino seco)
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt + pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook & Shred the Meat
- In a Dutch oven or large pot, cook the meat with water and salt over medium-low heat until tender, about 2 hours (or 40 minutes in a pressure cooker). Transfer to a plate, shred with two forks, and set aside.
Prepare the Ropa Vieja
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté green pepper, onion, and pimientos for 1–2 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in tomato sauce, vino seco, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the shredded beef, mix well, and cook covered on low for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent drying. Adjust seasoning if needed and enjoy!
Nutrition
1 comment
This shredded beef turned out incredibly tender and flavorful. The slow-cooked peppers, onions, and tomato sauce gave it such a rich taste. Served over rice with a side of fried plantains, it was a complete meal. My guests were amazed at how the flavors blended together and kept asking for the recipe!