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5.0 from 3 votes

Carne Mechada (Shredded Beef)

Carne mechada is shredded meat that serves as a base for a number of recipes in Latin America, including as filling for empanadas and arepas.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: South American , Costa Rican

Ingredients

  • 1½ lb flank , skirt or brisket (in one piece)
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 onion , chopped
  • ½ red bell pepper , chopped
  • 1 clove garlic , chopped
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon Lizano sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
  • 1 carrot , cut in large pieces
  • ½ bunch cilantro , tied with kitchen string
  • 5 cups water

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Remove excess fat from meat.
  2. Add oil to pressure cooker and brown meat on all sides on medium-high heat.
  3. Sauté onion, bell pepper, garlic and incorporate carrot and cilantro.
  4. Season with salt, thyme, oregano, cumin, Lizano sauce and bay leaves.
  5. Add water to cover the meat completely.
  6. Cover the pressure cooker and cook for 1 hour from the sound of valve.
  7. Open the pressure cooker and let the meat broth cool.
  8. Remove cilantro and carrots.
  9. Strain the broth and return the meat to the broth.
  10. Keep meat in broth until ready to use.
  11. Shred meat (long or short threads) with a fork and knife (or two forks) and add a little broth to keep it moist.