Pabellon criollo is Venezuela’s iconic composed plate of shredded beef, black beans, white rice, and sweet fried plantains.
The beef braises until tender, then cooks down with tomato and peppers while the beans, rice, and plantains are prepared separately.
Reduce the shredded beef mixture until juicy but not watery so each component remains distinct on the plate.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange the four components side by side and add avocado, white cheese, or a fried egg if desired.
Recipe Notes
The beef and beans can be prepared two days ahead. Fry plantains just before serving.
Venezuelan Pabellon Criollo
Venezuela’s classic plate of tender shredded beef, black beans, white rice, and caramelized ripe plantains.
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven
- Medium saucepan
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Two forks
Ingredients
Shredded Beef
- 2 lb beef chuck roast cut into large pieces
- 4 cups beef stock
- 2 large yellow onions divided
- 1 large red bell pepper diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
Beans, Rice, and Plantains
- 30 oz canned black beans drained
- 2 cups long-grain white rice rinsed
- 3 cups water for rice
- 2 large very ripe plantains sliced diagonally
- 1/2 cup neutral oil for frying
Instructions
Braise the Beef:
- Simmer the beef with stock and half an onion, covered, for about 2 hours until tender. Shred and reserve 1 cup broth.
- Cook remaining onion and pepper in 2 tablespoons oil. Add garlic, tomatoes, and cumin, then fold in beef and broth. Simmer until saucy.
Prepare the Sides:
- Warm the black beans with a spoonful of the beef sofrito and season to taste.
- Cook rice with water, covered, for 15 minutes; rest 10 minutes.
- Fry plantains in oil until deeply golden on both sides. Drain.
Serve:
- Arrange shredded beef, black beans, rice, and plantains in separate portions on each plate.
Notes
- Use very ripe plantains with blackened skins.
- Reserve braising liquid for moist beef.
- Season each component separately.
Nutrition
Calories: 760kcalCarbohydrates: 102gProtein: 43gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 940mgFiber: 13gSugar: 18g