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!
AUTHENTIC CUBAN ROPA VIEJA (SHREDDED BEEF RECIPE)
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
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)
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
Steps:
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a Cuban dish in 30 minutes or less!
Nutrition Facts :
ROPA VIEJA RECIPE
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
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
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!
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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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