VACA FRITA (Crispy Shredded Beef)
Ingredients
2lbs Brisket or Flank Steak
1 tbs Sazón
1 ½ tsp Orégano
⅛ tsp Cumin
1 White Onion
½ Cubanelle or Green Pepper
6-8 Garlic cloves Mashed
Black Pepper to Taste
1 Lime
1 tbs Sopita or Adobo
¼ tsp Salt
Olive Oil
Fresh Thyme
Fresh Cilantro
Water
1 Large White Onion
6-8 Garlic Cloves Minced
1 Lime or Lemon
2 tsp Vinegar
½ cup Braising Liquid
Instructions
Begin by cutting brisket into small yet thick pieces and place into a large mixing bowl
Add garlic and salt into mortar & pestle and being mashing until the garlic turns into a paste. If you don’t have a mortar and pestle or you’re in a rush, diced garlic will also work
Season meat with mashed garlic, diced green bell peppers, diced white onions, cumin, orégano, black pepper to taste, sopita aka chicken bouillon cube or adobo/seasoning salt, fresh limes, and olive oil
Mix everything until the meat is nicely coated with all of the seasonings
Cover meat with reynolds wrap and marinate for at least 4 hours in the fridge. Best to marinade overnight. Do not marinate for more than 3 days
Add oil into a deep pot or Dutch Oven over medium to high flame
Once the oil is nice and hot, add meat being sure to brown on all sides
Add enough water to cover meat completely. Be sure to add all of the leftover marinade from the mixing bowl
Add fresh thyme and cilantro and mix
Boil meat for 2 ½ – 3 hours. Check on meat from time to time making sure that water hasn’t dried up
Once the meat is nice and tender, remove and place into a large mixing bowl
Using forks, tongs, or your fingers, shred meat being sure to remove any excess fat
Add two large scoops (about ¼ cup) of the braising liquid to shredded meat. Mix until the meat has been lightly coated in sauce
In a deep skillet, add oil over medium heat
Once the oil is hot, carefully add shredded brisket
Let brisket crisp up for about 3-4 minutes before flipping over and crisping the other side
Once brisket has been lightly fried, add onions and vinegar. Mix until well combined and saute for 3-5 minutes
Now add another ¼ cup of braising liquid. If meat is looking extra dry, feel free to add more.
After about 2 mins, add diced garlic and mix in
After garlic has softened, finish Vaca Frita with freshly squeezed Lime