Ropa Vieja(Old Clothes)
Ropa Vieja is a flavorful shredded beef stew with tomatoes, peppers, and spices, perfect for hearty meals and loved by those who enjoy savory Latin American flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the flank steak in a pressure cooker with water and salt for about 25 to 30 minutes.
- Cut the cooked meat into 2-inch slices, then shred it.
- Save the broth for use in Vermicelli Soup or other dishes.
- Fry in olive oil the diced onion, chopped garlic, sliced green pepper, bay leaves, and oregano until fragrant and vegetables are softened.
- Add the whole tomatoes, tomato sauce, a dash of sugar, salt, and pepper to the fried mixture.
- Stir in the shredded meat into the sauce and cook until heated through.
- Serve over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider marinating the flank steak overnight with salt, pepper, and oregano before cooking. If you don't have flank steak, brisket or chuck roast can be good substitutes. Adjust the amount of garlic and bay leaves according to your taste preferences. For a slightly sweeter sauce, you can add a bit more sugar or even a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Serving Suggestions
Ropa Vieja is traditionally served over rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. It pairs well with black beans and fried plantains for a complete meal. For a refreshing contrast, consider serving with a simple salad or some avocado slices. This dish also goes nicely with Noodle Kugel, making for an interesting combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the Ropa Vieja on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ropa Vieja(Old Clothes) contains roughly 345 calories, with 10g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (181% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (141% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (102% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 568mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of meat for Ropa Vieja?
Yes, while flank steak is traditional, you can substitute it with brisket or chuck roast. Both cuts will yield tender results when cooked slowly and are commonly used in similar beef recipes.
What can I serve with Ropa Vieja?
Ropa Vieja pairs deliciously with rice, but you can also serve it with sides like black beans and fried plantains. For a lighter option, a fresh salad can complement the flavors beautifully.
How can I make Ropa Vieja spicier?
To add heat to your Ropa Vieja, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the sauce. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a spicier kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).