Authentic Cuban Ropa Vieja Delight
Indulge your taste buds with this flavorful and tender Authentic Cuban Ropa Vieja Delight recipe. A cherished dish from the heart of Cuba, Ropa Vieja features shredded beef simmered to perfection in a rich, tangy sauce infused with fresh vegetables and spices. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, serve it with warm tortillas or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Impress your friends and family with this delightful taste of Cuba that is simple to prepare yet bursting with authentic flavor!
4
Servings
310
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
1 (tablespoon)
beef flank steak
2 (lbs)
beef broth
1 (cup)
tomato sauce
8 (ounce can)
onion
1 (small, sliced)
green bell pepper
1 (seeded and sliced into strips)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
tomato paste
6 (ounce can)
ground cumin
1 (teaspoon)
fresh cilantro
1 (teaspoon, chopped)
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
white vinegar
1 (tablespoon)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the flank steak and sear until golden brown, about 4 minutes on each side. Remove the meat from the skillet and set it aside.
2
In a slow cooker, combine the beef broth, tomato sauce, sliced onion, green bell pepper strips, chopped garlic, tomato paste, ground cumin, chopped cilantro, olive oil, and white vinegar. Mix everything well until combined.
3
Place the seared flank steak in the slow cooker. Ensure that the meat is submerged in the sauce mixture. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on High for 4 hours or Low for up to 10 hours, until the meat is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
4
Once cooked, remove the flank steak from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce to absorb all the flavors.
5
Serve warm alongside tortillas or rice, and enjoy your delicious Cuban Ropa Vieja Delight!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
19g
Carbs
22g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Cuban Ropa Vieja Delight?
It is a traditional Cuban dish featuring shredded beef flank steak simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce with peppers, onions, and spices.
What does 'Ropa Vieja' mean?
The name translates to 'old clothes' in Spanish, referring to the shredded appearance of the beef.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
This recipe uses 2 lbs of beef flank steak for its long fibers which shred beautifully.
How many calories are in a serving of Ropa Vieja?
There are 310 calories per serving.
Is this Ropa Vieja recipe high in protein?
Yes, each serving provides 22g of protein.
How long should I cook the beef on the High setting?
The beef should be cooked on High for 4 hours in the slow cooker.
What is the cooking time for the Low setting?
On the Low setting, the recipe can cook for up to 10 hours until the meat is tender.
Why do I need to sear the flank steak first?
Searing the steak for about 4 minutes on each side locks in flavor and creates a savory crust.
Can I skip the searing step?
While possible, it is not recommended as searing adds significant depth of flavor to the final dish.
What type of broth is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1 cup of beef broth.
Is there vinegar in Authentic Cuban Ropa Vieja?
Yes, one tablespoon of white vinegar is used to provide the signature tangy flavor.
What vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce includes a small sliced onion and a green bell pepper sliced into strips.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe uses 2 chopped garlic cloves.
What spices give Ropa Vieja its authentic taste?
Ground cumin and fresh cilantro are the primary aromatics used.
How do I shred the meat?
Once the meat is tender, remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to pull it into bite-sized pieces.
What should I serve with Ropa Vieja?
It is best served with warm tortillas or fluffy white rice to soak up the sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 15g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 19g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use red bell peppers instead of green?
Yes, while green is traditional, red bell peppers can be used for a slightly sweeter flavor.
What type of tomato products are needed?
You will need an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce and a 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
Is there olive oil in the recipe?
Yes, one tablespoon of olive oil is added to the slow cooker mixture.
Can I freeze leftover Ropa Vieja?
Yes, this dish freezes very well in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it is savory and tangy rather than hot or spicy.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
What oil should I use for searing?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Can I add other ingredients like olives or capers?
While not in this specific recipe, many authentic versions include olives or capers for extra saltiness.
Is Ropa Vieja considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is widely regarded as a classic Spanish-Caribbean comfort food.
Can I make this on a stovetop instead?
This recipe is designed for a slow cooker, but it can be adapted for a heavy-bottomed pot on low heat for several hours.
What makes the sauce 'tangy'?
The combination of tomato sauce, tomato paste, and white vinegar creates the signature tang.