Bistec Empanizado (Cuban Breaded Steak)

Bistec empanizado is a deliciously satisfying Cuban version of chicken fried steak, featuring a tangy marinade and a crunchy cracker crumb coating.

This post may contain affiliate links.

Bistec empanizado is a deliciously satisfying Cuban version of chicken fried steak, featuring a tangy marinade and a crunchy cracker crumb coating.

Bistec Empanizado (Cuban Breaded Steak) | Delish D'Lites

I absolutely love Cuban food.  There are an abundance of Cuban restaurants in Florida where I live, so luckily, I can usually indulge my cravings for delicious treats, like bistec empanizado.  Bistec empanizado is a super thin, breaded steak that’s marinated in a tangy marinade, then coated with cracker crumbs, and fried to golden perfection.  It’s a deliciously satisfying Cuban version of chicken fried steak, and one of my favorite things to order at Cuban restaurants. 

Bistec Empanizado, also known as breaded steak, has its roots deeply embedded in the culinary traditions of Cuba. The dish draws inspiration from Spanish and Caribbean influences, showcasing a fusion of flavors that have evolved over centuries. As with many Cuban recipes, Bistec Empanizado has been passed down through generations, each family adding its own twist to the dish.

Bistec Empanizado is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of Cuba’s culinary heritage. As you savor each bite, you embark on a journey through the island’s diverse flavors and cultural influences. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, trying your hand at Bistec Empanizado will undoubtedly transport you to the vibrant streets of Havana, where the aroma of delicious food fills the air. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the spirit of Cuba, and enjoy the delectable experience of Bistec Empanizado. ¡Buen provecho!

How To Make Cuban Bistec Empanizado

Combine the olive oil, sour orange juice, 2 vinegar, garlic clove, adobo and oregano in a non-reactive container.  Add the steak (it should be about a 1/4 inch thick; if not, use a meat mallet to thin it out), then cover with plastic wrap and marinate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours.

Bistec Empanizado (Cuban Breaded Steak) | Delish D'Lites

Add the crackers, garlic powder and salt in a food processor and pulse until the crackers are completely pulverized. Dredge the steaks in flour, then egg whites, then the seasoned cracker crumbs.

Bistec Empanizado (Cuban Breaded Steak) | Delish D'Lites

Heat about 1/2″ of canola oil in a frying pan to medium heat.  Fry the bistec empanizado for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

Bistec Empanizado (Cuban Breaded Steak) | Delish D'Lites

Drain on a paper towel, and serve hot.

Bistec Empanizado (Cuban Breaded Steak) | Delish D'Lites

What To Serve With Cuban Bistec Empanizado

Bistec Empanizado is often served with traditional Cuban sides, such as Frijoles Negros (Cuban Black Beans)black beans and White Rice.

Bistec Empanizado (Cuban Breaded Steak) | Delish D'Lites

5 from 5 votes
Print

Bistec Empanizado (Cuban Breaded Steak)

Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 8 minutes
Servings 4
Author Delish D’Lites

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup sour orange juice Substitute 2 parts orange, 1 part lemon, 1 part lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 1/2 pounds thinly sliced sirloin steak about 6 ounces per serving
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 egg whites beaten
  • 1 cup unsalted or lightly salted soda crackers pulverized
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Canola oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Combine the olive oil, sour orange juice, 2 vinegar, garlic clove, adobo and oregano in a non-reactive container.
  2. Add the steak (it should be about a 1/4 inch thick; if not, use a meat mallet to pound it thin), then cover with plastic wrap and marinate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours.
  3. Add the crackers, garlic powder and salt in a food processor and pulse until the crackers are completely pulverized. Pour the seasoned cracker crumbs onto a plate.
  4. Dredge the steaks in flour, then egg whites, then the seasoned cracker crumbs.
  5. Heat about 1/2″ of canola oil in a frying pan to medium heat.
  6. Fry the bistec empanizado for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Drain on a paper towel, and serve hot with white rice and Cuban black beans.

Bistec Empanizado (Cuban Breaded Steak)

Share

What's for dinner?

Get email updates

Get new free recipes and exclusive content delivered right to your inbox.

13 Responses

  1. Esta receta está sabrosa eso sí es mejor que usen galletas Ritz para mejor sabor así lo hacia mi abuelita. A mi esposo le fascina este plato.
    En Puerto Rico es muy tipico. Cuando ya está lista la carné le roxiamos limón a la carne para acentuar el sabor de la carne.

  2. 5 stars
    Taste like my favorite Cuban restaurant breaded steak. This recipe has been a blessing especially during this quarantine! Thank you!!

  3. 5 stars
    So i had to use my hands for a lot of the prep like beating the meat to desired thickness(only got to about 1/2″ but worked perfectly), and crushing the soda crackers. Everything worked out perfectly. I fudged the numbers on some of the ingredients that I most preferred. I made this dinner for my father who is Cuban and he LOVED the steak and the Maduros as well. Said it was better than the restaurants that we both love for their breaded steak and the homemade maduros. Thanks for the recipe, I wouldnt have known where to start otherwise!

  4. Would this be the same recipe if I switched it with chicken for cuban pollo empanizado? If so, how do i get the chicken breast flat like the restaurants do?

  5. 5 stars
    Once again another great recipe! I literally have dinner planned for the whole week with a few of your amazing recipes. I just finished cooking and after the first steak was made I ate it before the rest were done. Marinating with the sour orange really gives great flavor. I usually squeeze lime on my breaded steak, but didn’t have to with your recipe. The flavor was already there. Thanks for another amazing recipe! I look forward to many more.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hola

I’m Jannese, Founder of Delish D’lites

I’m a Puerto Rican girl living in paradise (Florida), and the creative mind behind Delish D’Lites. I love sharing my family recipes and travel inspired cuisine! My favorite things include collecting passport stamps, twerking to Latin music, and kissing puppies. Follow along on social.