Venezuelan Pabellón Criollo
Pabellón Criollo, widely regarded as Venezuela's national dish, holds a cherished place in the country's history and culture. A staple at family gatherings and community celebrations, this dish is as flavorful as it is meaningful. The preparation begins with juicy meat that is slow-cooked to tenderness, then shredded and sautéed with aromatic fried onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Traditionally, Pabellón Criollo is served alongside fluffy rice, savory black beans, and sweet fried plantains, with a variety of optional accompaniments to enhance the experience.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1.5 lbs beef flank or skirt steak *
Fresh Produce
- 2 onions 1 quartered, 1 finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic grated or pressed
- 1 red bell pepper finely chopped
Packaged Goods/Staples
- 1/2 cup tomato puree unseasoned **
- oil
- salt & pepper
Pabellón Criollo Culinary Spice Kit
- Annatto, cumin, lime and orange peel, paprika, oregano
Suggested Sides & Toppings
- black beans see recipe link in notes
- white rice see recipe link in notes
- fried plantains see recipe link in notes
- sunny side up eggs
- avocado slices
- any mild crumbled or shredded cheese
- chopped cilantro
Instructions
Cook the meat
- In a POT, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil.
- Add meat, 1 onion (quartered), and salt & pepper to taste.
- Return to a boil. Cook over medium-low heat until the meat is tender.
- Take the meat out and let it cool. Reserve the broth.
- Pull the meat apart with a fork or by hand.
Fry & Finish the dish
- In a large PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil.
- Fry 1 onion (finely chopped) until translucent.
- Add garlic and bell pepper.
- Fry for about 5 minutes.
- Add Pabellón Criollo spices. Mix well.
- Add salt to taste.
- Add tomato puree and 2 cups of the reserved broth.
- Mix well. Add pulled meat. Mix well.
- Add salt to taste.
- Cover and cook over low heat for 15 minutes.
- Occasionally, check the liquid and add broth if necessary.
Serve
- Serve with rice, beans, and fried plantains, or your preferred sides and toppings.
- Enjoy!
Notes
* Substitute beef with pork butt or shoulder or with chicken breasts or thighs.
** Tomato puree can be substituted with 1-2 finely chopped tomatoes and 1-2 tsp tomato paste.
*** Recipes for side dishes & sauces
Caribbean rice and beans
Fried plantains (see above this recipe)
Caribbean green seasoning
Guasacaca sauce (see above this recipe)
Arepas (see above this recipe)