Ropa Vieja literally translates to "old clothes", why is this classic Cuban dish called old clothes? I have no idea, I forgot to ask my dad. But, he did walk me through step by step on how to make this authentic Cuban ropa vieja recipe that I made in the Instant Pot.
Growing up, I can only remember eating this dish a handful of times. (Crazy, right?! Maybe it's my memories.) Now as a madre, I want to be able to make classic Cuban (and Puerto Rican) dishes to keep the culture alive in mi familia.
How To Make Cuban Ropa Vieja In The Instant Pot
Ropa Vieja is traditionally made with skirt steak. I must admit, I struggled to find this. Price Rite did not have it, so I'm am beyond happy Aldi had it! I grabbed two since they were packaged on the smaller side. You want about 2 pounds. You can also use flank steak as well.
I seasoned my steak with a generous amount of salt, ground black pepper, and oregano. Rub it in and let it sit while you prepare the rest of the dish.
I decided to go the authentic traditional route with my ropa vieja recipe and used fresh aji dulce peppers. They can be hard to find, I seriously went to three different Latin markets, so call ahead before going. If you don't have access to it, you can use two tablespoons of sofrito.
This next step is where I did use my favorite kitchen tool (hey, it's 2018) the Instant Pot. If you don't have an Instant Pot, I will post below how to make the ropa vieja on the stove top.
OMG the moment you open the lid the smell hits you! It is so amazing, and honestly, super simple to make. You see the fat that is on top? While it's cooking, it adds delicious flavor, but when you're ready to shred it, you can just remove it with the side of a fork.
It literally took me less than two minutes to shred and photograph it! Now throw it back into the Instant Pot, stir it together, taste it and add more salt if needed. At this time, I love to sprinkle some fresh lime juice over it, cover it, and let it sit for a good half hour.
This is where I say, that's it mi gente....but I promised the traditional stove top method!
How To Make Ropa Vieja On The Stove
For the stovetop method, you're going to first, boil your seasoned meat on the stove in a big pot for about 40-60 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
Once the beef is tender, remove from the pot and shred it. Once shredded set it on the side. Then you're going to empty your big pot, return it to the stove and over medium high heat, add in your oil and saute the rest of the ingredients like the Instant Pot recipe.
Once the ingredients have been sauteed, you're going to add in your shredded beef and lime juice.
If there's not enough liquid, add some more water and taste to see if it needs additional salt.
Now lower the heat to low and allow it to simmer a good 20 minutes before serving.
Instant Pot Cuban Ropa Vieja
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of skirt steak
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 2 sweet aji peppers chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 whole onion chopped
- 1 red bell pepper sliced thinly, seeds removed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 4 oz can of tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup of white wine
- 1/2 cup of green olives stuffed with pimentos
- 1 cup of water
- lime juice
Instructions
- In a large bowl season steak with oregano, salt, and pepper. Set to the side.
- In the Instant Pot, set the saute setting for 7 minutes. Add oil into the insert. Once oil is hot, add in onions, garlic, peppers, olives, and bay leaf in. Saute for about 4 minutes, stirring often. Next, add in white wine and tomato sauce. Keep stirring until the timer goes off, about another minute. Next, add in water, mix and then drop in steak, being sure to flip a few times to make sure that the sauce covers the steak.
- Set the Instant Pot on a high pressure setting for 38 minutes, then do a natural release when the times goes off. (Be sure to hit the cancel button when the 38 minute timer goes off.)
- When the Instant Pot has depressurized, remove the beef and shred it in a separate bowl. Remove the excess fat and return the beef to the Instant Pot. Mix the ingredients together. At this point taste and add additional salt to your liking. At this point, add in lime juice to your liking as well.
- Serve over white rice.
Shantel says
Hello! This may be a silly question, but can this be made in a crock pot?
Latina Mom Meals says
Hey there! Yes, you may have to cut it in half, an a half cup to a cup of water and I'd cook on low for 12 hours. 🙂
Latina Mom Meals says
Hi, yes Shantel, it can be. Just increase the liquids by adding another cup, cup and a half of beef broth and increase time to about 8-10 hours on low. (Low and slow always is the preferred way.)Perfect to season the night before, place it in the morning before work and boom, dinner is served!
Shantel says
Thank you!!! I’m soooo going to try this!
Ed says
I cooked this recipe in my instant pot for my Cuban wife and her mother. I used flank steak since it just looked better at the store than the skirt steak that day. And I got the "Que rico!" that you want to here. After my mother-in-law insisted we gave her too much, she cleaned the plate! Great recipe
Latina Mom Meals says
I'm so happy to hear this Ed!!!
Mike says
Silly question.
When do I add the olives?
Latina Mom Meals says
Hi Mike! Not a silly question, I updated the instructions. It's at the same time you add your peppers etc. 🙂 Sorry for leaving that part out and thanks for bringing it to my attention. 🙂
Winnie says
Hi there! I can't wait to make this tomorrow, however I haven't been able to find the sweet aji peppers anywhere. Can I use Goya Recaito as a substitute instead? If so, 2 Tbs? Thanks so much! Love rope vieja and can't wait to try your recipe!
Latina Mom Meals says
Hi Winnie, yes! And 2 tablespoons sounds good. Please let me know how it goes. 🙂
Laura says
I got my aji peppers here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/575213988/fresh-podsaji-dulce-pepper-no-intense?ref=yr_purchases
I had good luck with the delivery and quality of peppers. I few of the reviews indicate that they did not. I also ordered some seeds so I can grow my own.
Latina Mom Meals says
Oh my word! Who knew Etsy sold produce! That's amazing to know Laura, thanks for sharing!
Ale says
Hi! I don't understand this comment: "Set the Instant Pot on a high pressure setting for 38 minutes, then do a natural release when the times goes off. (Be sure to hit the cancel button when the 38 minute timer goes off.)". Did you mean do a "quick release"? If not, if I hit cancel, how do I know when the natural release is done?
Latina Mom Meals says
Yes, a quick release. When you hit cancel, the cooking stops. And just like with a quick release, the valve drops with a natural release. 🙂
Rachel says
Hi! Wanting to make this for my husband and myself! Can this recipe be halved?
Latina Mom Meals says
It can! Just not sure if you'll find a small cut of the skirt steak? 🙂
Karen Deeds says
Do you think it’s ok to use flank steak instead of skirt steak?
Latina Mom Meals says
Yes, but adjust the timing. Maybe cook for 35 minutes? Let me know how it goes!
Deborah says
What is the amount if using aji Amarillo paste? Looks like an amazing recipe. Totally Keto friendly serving over rice cauliflower! 😊
Neyssa says
Yes, totally keto friendly! As far as how much, I would start with less! Perhaps a teaspoon or two?
Yvonne says
Ropa Vieja is a dish from Spain and is traditionally made with Flank Steak.
Neyssa says
Thank you for that. I do know my father's family originally came from Spain before immigrating to Cuba.
clara says
this was an amazing recipe, thank you
Neyssa says
You're welcome! Thank you for trusting me with your meal. 🙂