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Main CourseDinner

Romperopas

A classic Mexican dish designed to use leftover shredded beef. The meat is pan-fried with onions, tomatoes, and garlic until savory and slightly crispy at the edges. It's a quick, flavorful main course perfect for filling tacos or serving alongside rice and beans.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
35 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
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Gluten-free
Romperopas

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbspvegetable oil
  • 1 pcsyellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 clovegarlic, minced
  • 2 pcsroma tomato, diced
  • 500 gcooked shredded beef
  • 1 tspdried oregano
  • 1 tspsalt
  • 0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 pcsserrano pepper, finely chopped(optional)

for serving

  • 8 pcscorn tortilla, warmed(optional)

garnish

  • 15 gcilantro, chopped(optional)
  • 1 pcslime, cut into wedges(optional)

Equipment

large skillet · spatula · cutting board · knife

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

    About 1 min

  2. 2

    Add the sliced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes until softened and beginning to brown.

    About 6 min

    Cook’s note: Don't rush this step; well-cooked onions provide a sweet flavor base.

  3. 3

    Stir in the minced garlic and optional serrano pepper, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    About 1 min

  4. 4

    Add the diced roma tomatoes and dried oregano. Cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking up the tomatoes with your spoon until they form a chunky sauce.

    About 4 min

  5. 5

    Add the cooked shredded beef to the skillet, breaking it up and mixing it thoroughly with the vegetables.

    About 2 min

  6. 6

    Spread the beef mixture into an even layer and cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes to allow the bottom to become brown and crispy.

    About 4 min

    Cook’s note: This creates a great texture contrast between the crispy and tender parts of the meat.

  7. 7

    Stir the mixture and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

    About 1 min

  8. 8

    Serve the romperopas immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, with warm corn tortillas on the side.

    About 1 min

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy.

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