Best Easy Havana Harry’s Vaca Frita Recipe
If you’re a fan of Cuban cuisine, then you must try Havana Harry’s Vaca Frita recipe. Vaca Frita, which translates to “fried cow” in English, is a traditional Cuban dish known for its tender and flavorful shredded beef. Havana Harry’s, a popular Cuban restaurant in Miami, has perfected this dish, and now you can recreate it at home with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds of flank steak
– 1 onion, sliced
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup of sour orange juice (or a combination of orange and lime juice)
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Place the flank steak in a large pot and cover it with water. Add the onion, garlic, sour orange juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender and easily shreds apart.
3. Remove the meat from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat using two forks or your hands.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded meat in batches and fry until crispy and golden brown.
5. Serve hot with rice and beans or on top of a Cuban sandwich.
FAQs:
1. Can I use a different cut of meat for Vaca Frita?
While flank steak is traditionally used, you can also use skirt steak or chuck roast for a different texture.
2. Can I marinate the meat overnight?
Yes, marinating the meat overnight will enhance the flavor.
3. Can I use fresh citrus juice instead of sour orange juice?
Yes, you can use a combination of orange and lime juice as a substitute.
4. How can I make Vaca Frita healthier?
You can bake the shredded meat in the oven instead of frying it for a healthier version.
5. Can I freeze Vaca Frita?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked and shredded meat for up to 3 months.
6. Can I make Vaca Frita in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the meat in a slow cooker on low heat for 6-8 hours until tender.
7. Can I add other spices or herbs to the marinade?
Feel free to experiment with additional spices like cumin or herbs like cilantro to suit your taste.
8. Can I use leftover cooked beef for Vaca Frita?
Yes, you can use leftover beef for this recipe. Just shred the meat and proceed with the frying step.
9. Can I make Vaca Frita with chicken or pork?
While traditionally made with beef, you can adapt the recipe and use chicken or pork instead.
10. Can I use a pressure cooker to cook the meat faster?
Yes, using a pressure cooker will significantly reduce the cooking time.
11. Can I make Vaca Frita in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the shredded meat in advance and fry it just before serving for the best texture and flavor.