Emilie Meyer
Ropa Vieja is a classic Cuban dish that translates to old clothes in English. It is a shredded beef dish that is typically braised and cooked low and slow in a crock pot or slow cooker. The beef is usually flank steak, but other cuts of meat can be used. The meat is seasoned with salt, pepper, cumin, and sometimes Sazon, and seared before being added to the crock pot with vegetables and a tomato-based sauce. The dish is often served with rice, beans, and/or tortillas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Cuban national dish, shredded beef |
| Main Ingredients | Flank steak, chuck roast, beef broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, garlic, bell pepper, onion, green olives |
| Additional Ingredients | Carrots, celery, peas, chili powder, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, cilantro, lime, black beans, rice, avocado oil, kosher salt, garlic powder |
| Preparation | Sear the beef, add to crock pot with other ingredients, cook on low for 9 hours or on high for 5 hours, shred the meat with forks, add parsley |
| Nutrition Info | Calories: 308-475kcal, Carbohydrates: 11-14g, Protein: 39-52g, Fat: 12-22g, Saturated Fat: 4-13g, Cholesterol: 102-136mg, Sodium: 1065mg-1035mg, Potassium: 1026mg-1475mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 6-9g, Vitamin A: 1400IU-2620IU, Vitamin C: 48.6mg-78.5mg, Calcium: 92mg-89mg, Iron: 4.8mg-5.8mg |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of beef
Ropa Vieja is a classic Cuban dish of slowly cooked shredded beef. The name translates to "old clothes", and it is said that a poor man tore up his clothing and cooked it in a pot when he couldn't afford food to feed himself or his family.
When it comes to choosing the right cut of beef for your Ropa Vieja, you want a cut that can handle some serious slow cooking. Here are some options to consider:
Flank Steak
Flank steak is the traditional choice for Ropa Vieja. It is a tougher cut of meat that becomes tender and breaks down beautifully when simmered for a long time. Flank steak also yields long strands of shredded beef due to the grains of the cut. However, because flank steak is very lean, it can dry out during slow cooking, so it may be preferable to choose a fattier cut.
Chuck Roast
Chuck roast is a fattier option that is also suitable for Ropa Vieja. The fat mellows out in the sauce, and the meat falls apart while retaining a little bite. To get longer strands of beef similar to those achieved with flank steak, ask your butcher to cut the chuck roast taller than it is wider, following the direction of the grains.
Brisket
Brisket is another cut of beef that works well for slow cooking. It is a good option if you are working with a tighter budget.
When preparing the beef for your Ropa Vieja, you will typically want to sear or brown the meat first to enhance the flavor. Then, you can transfer it to the slow cooker with the sauce and other ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreds apart.
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Braising the beef
Ropa Vieja is a Cuban national dish that translates to "old clothes". It is a shredded beef dish that is typically braised in a crock pot or slow cooker.
When braising the beef for Ropa Vieja, it is important to start with the right cut of meat. Flank steak is the most commonly used cut of beef for this dish due to its strong flavour and tenderness when slow-cooked. However, other cuts of meat such as skirt steak, brisket, or chuck roast can also be used. If you want to move away from the traditional recipe, you can even use chicken.
Before placing the meat in the crock pot, it is recommended to sear the meat in a skillet to add flavour and texture to the dish. To do this, heat some oil in a skillet on medium heat and place the beef in a single layer. Sear the meat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it is browned and caramelized. You can also insert garlic cloves into the meat before searing to add flavour to the inside of the meat.
Once the meat is seared, it is time to assemble the crock pot. Place the beef broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, turmeric, and apple cider vinegar into the crock pot and stir. Then, add the seared beef and flip it in the sauce so that it is coated. Cover the crock pot and cook the beef on low heat for 9 hours or on high heat for 5 hours. Do not open the lid during the cooking time.
After the beef is cooked, use two forks to shred the meat right in the crock pot. Let the shredded beef simmer in the sauce so that it absorbs all the flavours. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt or other spices as needed.
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Making the tomato-based sauce
To make the tomato-based sauce for ropa vieja, you'll need a combination of canned and fresh ingredients. Start by heating some vegetable or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You can also use any other high-heat oil. Then, add your choice of meat—typically flank steak—and cook until browned, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer the steak to a slow cooker and pour in beef broth.
For the tomato-based sauce, you'll need canned tomato paste, which will create a nice tomato flavour, and canned diced tomatoes for added texture and flavour. You can also use your own home-canned tomato sauce or use tomato paste with additional broth or water.
Next, add your choice of vegetables and seasonings. This can include fresh garlic, sweet onions, bell peppers, green and orange peppers, and olives. For seasonings, you can use kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, cumin, apple cider vinegar, and turmeric. If you'd like to add some spice, include chilli powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
Once you've added all the ingredients to the slow cooker, give it a good stir to combine the flavours. Then, add the flank steak and flip it in the sauce to coat it evenly. Cover and cook on low for 9 hours or on high for 5 hours, without opening the lid during the cooking time.
After the time has passed, use two forks to shred the meat right in the slow cooker, allowing it to soak up all the flavours of the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or other seasonings to taste. Finally, let the shredded beef simmer in the tomato-based sauce, and it's ready to serve!
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Adding vegetables and seasoning
Ropa Vieja is a Cuban national dish that translates to "old clothes". It is a shredded beef dish that is typically made in a pressure cooker, but can also be made in a crock pot or slow cooker.
When it comes to adding vegetables and seasoning to your Ropa Vieja in a crock pot, you have a lot of options to choose from to enhance the flavour of your dish. Here are some suggestions:
Firstly, prepare your crock pot by adding the beef broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, turmeric, and apple cider vinegar. Stir these ingredients together to create a flavourful base for your Ropa Vieja. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, and powdered cumin for an extra kick of flavour.
Next, you can choose to add a variety of vegetables to the crock pot. Canned or fresh diced tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers (green, orange, or sweet) are commonly used in Ropa Vieja. These vegetables not only add flavour but also give the dish a hearty texture. You can also add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or peas to make the dish even more nutritious and colourful.
Olives are also a popular addition to Ropa Vieja, providing a briny contrast to the other ingredients. If you want to spice things up, you can include chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. Fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley can be added towards the end of cooking to brighten up the dish and provide a fresh aroma.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of vegetables and seasonings to find your perfect flavour profile. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
Finally, when your Ropa Vieja is cooked, you can serve it with a variety of sides such as rice (white, yellow, or cilantro-lime), black beans, tostones, and/or tortillas. Enjoy your delicious and hearty Cuban meal!
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Serving suggestions
Ropa Vieja is a delicious and versatile Cuban dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this tasty shredded beef creation:
Rice Bowls
A popular way to serve Ropa Vieja is over a bed of rice. You can choose between white or yellow rice, depending on your preference. For an extra burst of flavour, try cilantro lime rice. Don't forget to garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Beans and Rice
For a traditional Cuban meal, serve your Ropa Vieja with a side of Cuban-style black beans and rice. This combination is a classic and will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Tacos, Burritos and Quesadillas
Get your tortillas ready! Ropa Vieja can be served in warm tortillas as a tasty taco filling. You can also use it to make burritos or breakfast quesadillas. Add your favourite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, salsa, or avocado.
Salads and Baked Potatoes
For a lighter option, Ropa Vieja is excellent on top of a fresh salad or stuffed into a baked potato. You can also get creative and add it to empanadas or quesadillas.
Stuffed Peppers
If you're looking for something a little different, try stuffing bell peppers with your Ropa Vieja. Top it with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
Sides and Extras
To enhance your meal, consider adding sides such as fried plantains (platanos maduros), tostones, or avocado. For an extra kick of flavour, add some spice with chilli powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. You can also add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas.
With these serving suggestions, you can enjoy Ropa Vieja in a variety of ways, each one more delicious than the last!
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Frequently asked questions
Ropa Vieja is a Cuban national dish that translates to "old clothes". It is a shredded beef dish cooked in a tomato-based sauce.
You will need flank steak, beef broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, garlic, bell pepper, onion, and green olives.
First, trim the beef of any excess fat and season with salt, pepper, cumin, and sazon. Then, heat oil in a skillet and sear the beef on both sides until brown. Next, add the beef broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, turmeric, and apple cider vinegar to the crock pot and stir. Finally, add the seared beef and flip it in the sauce.
You can cook ropa vieja in a crock pot on LOW for 9 hours or on HIGH for 5 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
Ropa Vieja can be served on a bed of rice, such as cilantro lime rice or yellow rice, with a side of black beans, tostones, or a salad. It can also be used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or baked potatoes.
