Costa Rican-style Grilled Fraldinha

Ingredients

In this Costa Rican adaptation of Fraldinha, we incorporate the vibrant flavors of Costa Rican cuisine by using a marinade that includes lime juice, cilantro, and cumin. Additionally, the grilling technique adds a smoky char to the beef, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Fraldinha, so you can check it out.

• 1.5 pounds (680g) fraldinha beef 1.5 pounds (680g) fraldinha beef
• 3 tablespoons lime juice 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 2g, 0g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 590mg

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the lime juice, cilantro, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and vegetable oil.
2. 2.
   Place the fraldinha beef in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the meat is evenly coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Remove the fraldinha from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
5. 5.
   Grill the fraldinha for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 130°F (54°C).
6. 6.
   Remove the fraldinha from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
7. 7.
   Slice the fraldinha against the grain into thin strips.
8. 8.
   Serve the Costa Rican-style Grilled Fraldinha with traditional Costa Rican sides such as gallo pinto, plantains, and a fresh salad.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fraldinha beef — Make sure to slice the fraldinha against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• Lime juice — Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
• Cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley.
• Garlic — For a milder garlic flavor, you can reduce the amount of minced garlic used.
• Vegetable oil — You can substitute vegetable oil with olive oil or any other neutral oil of your choice.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze some fresh lime juice over the grilled fraldinha before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Allow the fraldinha to rest after grilling to ensure the juices redistribute and the meat remains tender.
• If you don't have access to a grill, you can also cook the fraldinha on a stovetop grill pan or broil it in the oven.
• Experiment with different marinade variations by adding ingredients like orange juice, paprika, or oregano.

Serving advice

Serve the Costa Rican-style Grilled Fraldinha as the main course, accompanied by traditional Costa Rican sides such as gallo pinto (rice and beans), fried plantains, and a fresh salad. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced fraldinha on a platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the dish to shine through. Serve the traditional Costa Rican sides in separate bowls or on individual plates to create an inviting and visually appealing presentation.