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Frita Cubana (Cuban Burger)

A beloved Havana street food, the frita cubana is a seasoned ground beef patty spiced with paprika and cumin, served on a soft roll and piled high with shoestring potato sticks and ketchup.

40 minEasyServes 4560 cal/serving

CubanLunchStovetopStandardHigh ProteinAlcohol-Free

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 4 oz fresh Mexican chorizo (or more ground beef), casing removed
  • 1/4 cup yellow onion, grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 soft hamburger rolls or Cuban pan suave
  • 1 cup shoestring potato sticks (canned, e.g. Planters)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup white onion, finely minced

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef (80/20), 4 oz fresh Mexican chorizo (or more ground beef) (casing removed), 1/4 cup grated yellow onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently until just combined; do not overwork.

  2. 2

    Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and press each into a thin patty about 4 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick.

  3. 3

    Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Cook the patties 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and a brown crust forms. Work in batches if needed.

  4. 4

    While patties cook, lightly toast the cut sides of 4 soft hamburger rolls or Cuban pan suave in a dry skillet or toaster until golden.

  5. 5

    To assemble, spread 1/2 cup ketchup on both cut sides of each roll. Place a patty on the bottom bun, add 1/4 cup finely minced white onion, and pile generously with 1 cup shoestring potato sticks (canned, e.g. Planters). Add the top bun and serve immediately.

Questions

How long does Frita Cubana (Cuban Burger) keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Frita Cubana (Cuban Burger)?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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