Pressure Cooker Cuban Ropa Vieja
Flank steak braised with sofrito, tomatoes, olives, and cumin until fall-apart tender, then shredded and returned to the rich sauce — Cuba's national dish in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs flank steak, cut in 3in pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 6 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or extra broth)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp capers
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
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1
Pat 2 lbs cut in 3in pieces flank steak dry and season with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
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2
Set the pressure cooker to Saute on high. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and heat until shimmering. Sear the steak in batches until browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
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3
Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 thinly sliced yellow onion, 2 thinly sliced green bell pepper, and 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper. Cook, stirring, for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add 6 cloves minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute more.
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4
Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute. Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine (or extra broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
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5
Return the steak to the pot. Add 1 can crushed tomatoes (canned), 1 cup beef broth, and 2 bay leaves.
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6
Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Allow a 15-minute natural pressure release, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
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7
Remove and discard the bay leaves. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and check that it has reached an internal temperature of at least 195°F (91°C). Shred the meat with two forks.
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8
Stir 1/2 cup roughly chopped pitted green olives and 2 tbsp capers into the sauce. Return the shredded beef and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.
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9
Serve over white rice or black beans with fried plantains on the side.