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Grilled Criollo Pabellon

📍 🇻🇪 Venezuela
⏱️Prep: 20 min
🔥Cook: 40 min
Total: 60 min
🍽️4 servings
Difficulty: Medium

Grilled Criollo Pabellon is not only a faithful representation of Venezuelan cuisine, but also a sensory experience that connects you with the rich history and culture of a country. Imagine the aroma of charcoal and fresh herbs that envelops you when you prepare it on the grill, and the flavor of tender and savory beef that makes you feel like you're on the streets of Caracas.

The Grilled Criollo Pabellon recipe is simple, but requires careful attention to detail to become a true work of art. The key is in the cooking of the meat, which must be tender and juicy, and in the caramelized onion that gives a touch of sweetness and complexity to the dish. Additionally, the touch of fresh garlic is fundamental to give it an intense and aromatic flavor.

One of the things I like about this recipe is that it doesn't require exotic or expensive ingredients. Beef, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs are ingredients that can be found in any market or supermarket. What it does require is time and patience to cook the meat to perfection and caramelize the onions.

To start, you must prepare the beef. You can use a beef cut, such as a strip or a rib, and cut it into small pieces. Then, you must marinate the meat in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs, such as oregano and cilantro. Let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

While the meat is marinating, you must prepare the onions. You can slice them thinly and sauté them in a little olive oil until they're caramelized and golden. Then, you must add a bit of chopped fresh garlic and sauté for a minute to mix with the onions.

Once the meat and onions are ready, you must add them to the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the meat is cooked to your liking. Then, you must serve the Grilled Criollo Pabellon hot, with caramelized onions and a touch of fresh garlic.

Grilled Criollo Pabellon is a recipe that's not only delicious, but also a sensory experience that connects you with the rich history and culture of Venezuela. I hope you enjoy preparing and sharing it with your friends and family!

🛒 Ingredients

4 servings
  • 500g beef strips
  • 2 medium onions
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and black pepper

👨‍🍳 Step-by-step instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Meanwhile, season the beef with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and paprika.

  2. Step 2: Place the beef on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it's to your liking. Remove the beef from the grill and set it aside.

  3. Step 3: Add the onions and garlic to the grill, cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until they're caramelized and tender.

  4. Step 4: Serve the beef with caramelized onions and garlic on top.

💡 Chef's tip

To get an authentic flavor, make sure to sear the meat at 220°C for 2-3 minutes per side, which will activate the Maillard reaction and form a crispy crust without overcooking the interior.

📝 Our take

This grilled version takes the pabellon to another level: the smoky meat contrasts with the softness of the rice and the sweetness of the plantain. Each bite is a party of textures that recalls the Caracas market without losing the elegance of the grill. If you're looking for an experience that will get your culinary heart racing, this recipe delivers. An explosion of flavors that will leave you wanting more!

🍷 Wine & food pairing

A young red wine from the Ribera del Duero DO, with its fresh fruit and light tannins, cuts through the richness of the meat and enhances the sweetness of the fried plantain.

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