Ropa Vieja Panameña con Plátanos en Tentación – Authentic Panama Recipe

Ingredients for Ropa Vieja Panameña con Plátanos en Tentación (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) shredded flank steak, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups sweet cinnamon-glazed ripe plantains, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup white rice
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with culantro
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Panama seasoning (sweet bell peppers, tomato paste, cumin, garlic)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown shredded flank steak for 5 minutes.
2. Add minced onion, garlic, culantro, and sweet bell peppers, tomato paste, cumin, garlic, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
3. Add sweet cinnamon-glazed ripe plantains and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
4. Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
5. Stir in white rice right before serving warm.