Vaca frita is a Cuban dish of crispy beef made by boiling and shredding beef, marinating it with lemon and garlic, then frying it over high heat. This recipe is a crispier, sauce-free cousin of ropa vieja and is served with rice and beans.
Place the beef and onion in water, cover, and boil over medium heat for 1.5 hours, until very tender.
Let the beef cool, then shred it into fine strands by hand or with a fork.
Combine the shredded beef with the lemon juice, garlic, and thinly sliced onion. Marinate for 20 minutes.
Fry the beef in olive oil over high heat for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are crispy. Season with salt.
Serve hot with rice and beans.
Cooked, shredded beef can be refrigerated for 2 days. The fried version is best enjoyed fresh.
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