Best 8 Cuban Ropa Vieja So Good Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of Havana with Ropa Vieja, a traditional Cuban dish that translates to "old clothes." This enticing dish showcases tender, shredded beef braised in a flavorful sauce, typically made with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and a medley of spices. The name "Ropa Vieja" alludes to the shredded beef's resemblance to old clothes, adding a touch of whimsy to this hearty and comforting dish.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore three variations of Ropa Vieja: a classic version, a slow-cooker adaptation, and a delectable vegetarian alternative. Each recipe offers a unique take on this Cuban staple, catering to different preferences and cooking styles.

The Classic Ropa Vieja recipe embodies the authentic flavors of Cuba. With step-by-step instructions, you'll learn how to braise the beef until fall-apart tender, creating a rich and flavorful sauce. This traditional method yields a dish that is bursting with Cuban charm.

For those seeking convenience, the Slow-Cooker Ropa Vieja recipe provides an effortless approach to preparing this beloved dish. Simply combine the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it work its magic, resulting in a tender and flavorful Ropa Vieja with minimal effort.

Lastly, the Vegetarian Ropa Vieja recipe caters to plant-based enthusiasts or those seeking a meatless variation. This innovative recipe uses jackfruit as a meat substitute, mimicking the texture and flavor of shredded beef. The result is a hearty and satisfying dish that is both delicious and compassionate to animals.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, these Ropa Vieja recipes will guide you in creating an authentic and delectable Cuban feast in the comfort of your own home. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the vibrant flavors of Cuba, and let's get cooking!

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

AUTHENTIC CUBAN ROPA VIEJA (SHREDDED BEEF RECIPE)



Authentic Cuban Ropa Vieja (Shredded Beef Recipe) image

Learn how to make the best authentic ropa vieja with this classic Cuban recipe! This slow-cooked shredded beef dish is made with tenderized flank steak, sofrito, and spices, all simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This recipe requires only 25 minutes of hands-on work once the meat is tenderized.

Provided by Jamie Silva

Categories     Dinner     Main Course     Main Dish

Time 2h35m

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 lbs flank steak (cut into 4 pieces)
Water ((enough to cover the meat in the pot))
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup diced onion
1 medium green bell pepper (thinly sliced lengthwise)
1/4 cup jarred red pimientos (thinly sliced lengthwise)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 cup dry cooking wine ((vino seco))
4 ounces tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt + pepper to taste

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, add the meat with water and salt. Cook at medium-low until the meat is tender, about 2 hours. (In a pressure cooker, this takes about 40 minutes). Transfer to a plate. Shred meat and set aside.
  • In a skillet, heat olive oil at medium heat. Add green pepper, onion, and pimientos. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  • Add dry cooking wine, tomato sauce, ground cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the shredded meat to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Cover and cook on low for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, without letting it dry out. Remove bay leaf and serve over white rice and sweet plantains. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Calories 419 kcal, Carbohydrate 5.2 g, Protein 43 g, Fat 23.9 g, SaturatedFat 6.8 g, Cholesterol 83 mg, Sodium 583 mg, Fiber 1.4 g, Sugar 2.5 g

24 TRADITIONAL CUBAN FOODS (+ RECIPE COLLECTION)



24 Traditional Cuban Foods (+ Recipe Collection) image

Looking for authentic Cuban recipes to spice up your dinner ideas? From ropa vieja to mojo pork, these dishes are easy to make and simply irresistible!

Provided by insanelygood

Categories     Recipe Roundup

Number Of Ingredients 24

Ropa Vieja
Cuban Frita
Cuban Shrimp Creole
Cuban Chicken With Yellow Rice
Cuba Libre
Pulpeta
Lechon Asado
Tamal en Cazuela
Cuban Breaded Steak
Vaca Frita
Cuban Papas Rellenas
Cuban Picadillo
Arroz Congri
Tostones
Cuban Mojo Pot Roast
Elena Ruz Sandwich
Cuban Stuffed Peppers
Deviled Crab Croquettes
Huevos Habaneros
Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork
Cuban Lentil Soup
Cubano Sandwich
Cuban Chicken Noodle Soup
Cuban Pumpkin Flan

Steps:

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a Cuban dish in 30 minutes or less!

Nutrition Facts :

ROPA VIEJA RECIPE



Ropa Vieja Recipe image

Our version of Cuban ropa vieja eliminates the two-pot approach, for better beefy flavor and more efficient prep.

Provided by Daniel Gritzer

Categories     Beef Stew     Mains

Time 2h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 1/2 pounds (1.1kg) beef flank steak (see note)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons (45ml) vegetable oil, plus more if needed
1 large yellow onion (about 15 ounces; 415g), sliced
3 red, yellow, and/or orange bell peppers (about 8 3/4 ounces; 250g each), stemmed, seeded, and thinly sliced
8 medium cloves garlic (3/4 ounce; 25g), minced
1 tablespoon (15ml) tomato paste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine
1 (14-ounce; 396g) can peeled whole tomatoes in their juices, crushed
1 cup (240ml) homemade or store-bought chicken stock, plus more if needed
2 bay leaves
1 medium carrot, halved crosswise
1 celery rib, halved crosswise
1/2 cup (90g) pimento-stuffed olives, sliced into thirds
1 small handful chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems (about 1/2 loosely packed cup)
Cooked rice and pinto or black beans, for serving

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Cut flank steak into large pieces that will fit on the bottom of a Dutch oven in 2 batches. Season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches, add steak and cook, turning, until browned, about 6 minutes per batch. Transfer steak to a plate and set aside.
  • Stir in tomato paste, cumin, oregano, and allspice and cook, stirring and scraping, for 1 minute.
  • Cover Dutch oven and transfer to oven, then let cook until beef is very tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
  • Stir in olives, return Dutch oven to medium heat, and simmer until juices have reduced just enough to coat the beef in a rich, saucy glaze. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in cilantro, then serve with rice and beans.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 360 kcal, Carbohydrate 23 g, Cholesterol 84 mg, Fiber 3 g, Protein 33 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 695 mg, Sugar 10 g, Fat 15 g, ServingSize Serves 6 to 8, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

CUBAN ROPA VIEJA



Cuban Ropa Vieja image

This is great shredded beef served on tortillas or over rice. Add sour cream, cheese, and fresh cilantro on the side.

Provided by Kate Phillips Masterson

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Latin American     Caribbean

Time 4h15m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 pounds beef flank steak
1 cup beef broth
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 small onion, sliced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon white vinegar

Steps:

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the flank steak on each side, about 4 minutes per side.
  • Transfer beef to a slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, then add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, tomato paste, cumin, cilantro, olive oil and vinegar. Stir until well blended. Cover, and cook on High for 4 hours, or on Low for up to 10 hours. When ready to serve, shred meat and serve with tortillas or rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 260.5 calories, Carbohydrate 9.9 g, Cholesterol 47.6 mg, Fat 15.8 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 20.5 g, SaturatedFat 5.3 g, Sodium 599.2 mg, Sugar 5.9 g

CUBAN ROPA VIEJA... SO GOOD!



Cuban Ropa Vieja... so Good! image

Make and share this Cuban Ropa Vieja... so Good! recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Dommynchristian

Categories     Easy

Time 4h15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 lbs beef flank steak
1 cup beef broth
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 small onion, sliced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon white vinegar

Steps:

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the flank steak on each side, about 4 minutes per side.
  • Transfer beef to a slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, then add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, tomato paste, cumin, cilantro, olive oil and vinegar. Stir until well blended. Cover, and cook on High for 4 hours, or on Low for up to 10 hours. When ready to serve, shred meat and serve with tortillas or rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 589, Fat 28.5, SaturatedFat 9.8, Cholesterol 183.7, Sodium 984.4, Carbohydrate 15, Fiber 3.5, Sugar 9.2, Protein 66.4

ROPA VIEJA (CUBAN BEEF)



Ropa Vieja (Cuban Beef) image

This Cuban braised beef dish literally translates to 'old clothes,' because apparently some people thought the fall-apart meat and colorful strips of onions and peppers, tangled together, looked like old, tattered clothing. You'll love this dish if you're into big, bold flavors, since there's nothing subtle about the seasoning here. Delicious served with beans, rice, and plantain chips. Garnish with more cilantro.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Stews     Beef

Time 11h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 24

1 (1 1/2-pound) flank steak
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large red onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, sliced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
½ cup white wine
1 ½ cups tomato sauce
1 ½ cups chicken broth
2 bay leaves
2 bell peppers, sliced
1 poblano pepper, sliced
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1 cup pimento-stuffed green olives, sliced
1 teaspoon white sugar, or to taste
⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • Cut flank steak in half across the grain. Mix salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Season both sides generously with the salt mixture.
  • Heat olive oil in a pot over high heat. Add steaks and cook until outsides are well browned, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove steaks to a plate.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add red onion, garlic, and more of the salt seasoning. Cook and stir until starting to soften, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, cloves, and allspice. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Pour in white wine, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in tomato sauce and chicken broth.
  • Return beef and accumulated juices to the pot. Season with salt and add bay leaves. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until beef is almost fork-tender, not falling apart, about 2 hours.
  • Remove pot from heat and let stew cool to room temperature, at least 45 minutes. Refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight, for best results.
  • Remove beef to a plate and set stew over medium heat. Tear beef along the grain into 1/8- to 1/4-inch-wide shreds; place back in the stew. Add bell peppers, poblanos, smoked paprika, capers, olives, and sugar. Stir together and reduce heat to medium. Simmer until peppers are soft and meat is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Turn off heat, remove bay leaves, and stir in cilantro.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 209 calories, Carbohydrate 10.4 g, Cholesterol 27.5 mg, Fat 12.5 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 11.9 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 1275 mg, Sugar 5.1 g

CUBAN ROPA VIEJA



Cuban Ropa Vieja image

This is great shredded beef served on tortillas or over rice. Add sour cream, cheese, and fresh cilantro on the side. This recipe is from All Recipes.

Provided by Lavender Lynn

Categories     Steak

Time 4h15m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 lbs beef flank steak
1 cup beef broth
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 small onion, sliced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced into stripes
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon white vinegar

Steps:

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Brown the flank steak on each side, about 4 minutes per side.
  • Transfer beef to slow cooker.
  • Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, then add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, tomato paste, cumin, cilantro, olive oil and vinegar.
  • Stir until well blendedl.
  • Cover, and cook on High for 4 hours, or on Low for up to 10 hours.
  • When ready to serve, shred meat, and serve with tortillas or rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 392.7, Fat 19, SaturatedFat 6.5, Cholesterol 122.5, Sodium 656.3, Carbohydrate 10, Fiber 2.3, Sugar 6.1, Protein 44.3

CUBAN ROPA VIEJA



Cuban Ropa Vieja image

I love having this as a go-to recipe for a weeknight meal. Its great authentic Cuban taste puts it at the top of my list.-Melissa Pelkey-Hass, Waleska, Georgia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 7h25m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

6 bacon strips, chopped
2 beef flank steaks (1 pound each), cut in half
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 cups beef stock
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 medium sweet red pepper, sliced
1 medium green pepper, sliced
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
Hot cooked rice

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels., In same skillet, heat drippings over medium-high heat; brown steak in batches. Transfer meat and bacon to a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, beef stock, tomato paste, garlic, seasonings and vegetables; pour over meat. Cook, covered, on low 7-9 hours or until meat is tender. Shred beef with two forks; return to slow cooker. Stir in cilantro. Remove with a slotted spoon; serve with rice., Freeze option: Freeze cooled meat mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Microwave, covered, on high in a microwave-safe dish until heated through, gently stirring and adding a little stock or water if necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 335 calories, Fat 17g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 68mg cholesterol, Sodium 765mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 29g protein.

Tips:

  • Use flank steak or skirt steak for a tender and flavorful Ropa Vieja.
  • To save time, use a slow cooker to cook the beef.
  • Add a variety of vegetables to the Ropa Vieja, such as bell peppers, onions, and carrots.
  • Use a good quality tomato sauce for the best flavor.
  • Serve Ropa Vieja with rice, beans, and plantains for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

Ropa Vieja is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover beef and is also a budget-friendly meal. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, Ropa Vieja is a perfect dish for busy weeknights. So next time you are looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, give Ropa Vieja a try!

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