Crock Pot Vaca Frita
This Crock Pot Vaca Frita is a simple and flavorful take on the classic Cuban dish made with tender flank steak, citrus juices, garlic, onions, and peppers. The beef is slow cooked until fall-apart tender in the crockpot, allowing the bright flavors of orange and lime to soak deep into the meat. Once shredded, it’s quickly pan-fried to create the signature crispy edges that make vaca frita so irresistible. Served over fluffy white rice with black beans and fresh lime, this easy slow cooker recipe delivers bold Latin-inspired flavor with minimal effort.
Tips Before You Cook 👩🍳
Use the right cut of beef
Flank steak works best for crockpot vaca frita because it becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking and shreds easily with two forks. If flank steak isn’t available, skirt steak or chuck roast can work, but flank gives the most authentic shredded texture.
Don’t skip the citrus marinade
The combination of orange juice and fresh lime juice is what gives vaca frita its signature flavor. The citrus helps tenderize the beef while adding that bright, slightly tangy taste that balances the richness of the meat.
Season the beef well before cooking
Since this recipe slow cooks for hours, don’t be shy with salt and pepper at the beginning. Proper seasoning allows the flavors to soak deep into the meat while it cooks in the crockpot.
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Shred the beef while it’s still warm
Once the flank steak is finished cooking, shred it right away. Warm meat pulls apart much easier and creates the perfect thin strands that crisp up beautifully when pan-fried.
Common Questions 🤔
Flank steak is the most traditional cut used for vaca frita because it shreds beautifully after slow cooking and crisps up perfectly in the pan. Skirt steak or even chuck roast can work if needed, but flank steak gives the best texture for that signature crispy shredded beef.
Yes! Traditionally the beef is simmered on the stovetop until tender. The crockpot version simply makes it easier by slow cooking the meat while it absorbs the citrus, garlic, and onion flavors without needing much attention.
Crock Pot Vaca Frita Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the flank steak in the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper (at least 1 tsp. of each)
- Add the sliced onion, green bell pepper, minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and vegetable oil to the slow cooker. Mix well.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours, or until the flank steak is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the flank steak from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Heat a large skillet over high heat and add the shredded beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and crispy.
- Serve the Vaca Frita with rice, beans, or your favorite side dishes, garnished with fresh cilantro. Make it!
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