One of the most well known dishes from Cuba, this authentic Cuban recipe consist of tender shredded beef simmered in a flavorful tomato based sauce with fresh spices and herbs. Creatively translated to old clothes in English, I can assure you it tastes nothing like it! It’s comforting and uniquely flavorful at the same time.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish pretty much encompasses most of Cuba’s unique flavors all in one recipe. The use of a Cuban sofrito — onion, red & green bell pepper, garlic and tomato sauce really elevates beef in a way that’s unbelievable. So, if you need some flavor in your life, this is correct dish to start with.
Here are few reasons why Ropa Vieja should be first Cuban recipe you make:
Easy – This meal can be done in one pot or pan so that means fewer dishes and easier cook. No special ingredients needed, just use simple and fresh ingredients. If you have a pressure cooker it comes together in just 45 min!
Delicious – Tender beef simmered in savory tomato based sauce. Filled with aromatics and spices that bring you to the forefront of Cuban cuisine!
Meal Prep – This the PERFECT meal prep! This beef recipe is the perfect protein base for any carb or veggie topping. Put this on rice, potato or pasta — it works any single way.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
- Steak – The absolute best cut to use for this meal is flank steak. When tender it can be easily shredded into these long pieces, which is where the dish gets its name from — “old clothes.”
- Cuban Sofrito – Olive oil, onion, bell peppers, garlic and tomato sauce are simmered with the addition of white wine. Add flavor with dry spices like cumin, oregano and paprika.
How to make Cuban Ropa Vieja
#1. Liberally season flank steak with salt & pepper
#2. Sear on high heat until browned.
#3. Sauté Cuban sofrito
#4. Add meat back in and simmer or pressure cook.
#5. Shred meat
6. Add meat back into the sauce. Simmer for 15 minutes.
#7. Serve with your favorite Cuban sides (white rice, black beans, maduros or tostones)
Recipe Tips
#1 – Use a pressure cooker for a quicker more tender meat
If available, I always opt for the pressure cooker or even better if you have an Insant Pot that also sautés to keep everything in one pot.
If you liked this Cuban Ropa Vieja recipe, check out some other Cuban recipes on the blog!
Authentic Cuban Ropa Vieja
Equipment
- 1 Pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 2 lb Flank steak cut into large chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef, vegetable or chicken broth
- 16 oz tomato sauce
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Cut flank steak into 4-5 inch chunks and liberally season with salt, pepper & oil.
- In a pot on medium high heat, sear the flank steak chunks all sides until browned.
- Remove from the pot and sauté onions and peppers for 2-3 minutes.
- Add garlic and once fragrant, add tomato paste along with all seasonings. Cook down for 2-3 minutes.
- Deglaze the pot with white wine and let most of it evaporate.
- Pour tomato sauce & beef broth along with salt to taste & bay leaves.
- Add meat back in & pressure cook for 40-45 minutes.
- Once done, shred and add back to the sauce. Simmer for 15 minutes. Serve!
