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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

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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.

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Questions

What is 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. This reference files it under Cuban lunch: made on the stovetop, rated easy and about 40 minutes start to finish.

What internal temperature should Frita Cubana (Cuban Burger) reach?

For Frita Cubana (Cuban Burger), the target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 3. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Why does Frita Cubana (Cuban Burger) say not to overmix?

Step 1 reads: "Mix gently until just combined; do not overwork." Stirring develops gluten, and gluten makes quick batters tough and tunneled. Stop at step 1 while a few streaks of flour remain; they hydrate on their own.

What can I use instead of chorizo in Frita Cubana (Cuban Burger)?

The entry for Frita Cubana (Cuban Burger) calls for 4 oz fresh Mexican chorizo (or more ground beef), casing removed. In its place: Mexican chorizo is raw and Spanish chorizo is cured, and they are not interchangeable. For the raw kind, season ground pork with smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic and a splash of vinegar. For the cured kind, use another firm smoked sausage with extra smoked paprika.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Frita Cubana (Cuban Burger)?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Frita Cubana (Cuban Burger) uses 1 lb ground beef (80/20).

How much protein is in Frita Cubana (Cuban Burger)?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) has 28 g of protein in about 560 calories, alongside 42 g carbohydrate and 20 g fat, plus 2 g fiber and 520 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list. More like it: the high-protein lunch collection.

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