Cuba Pork Steak with Onions is a quintessential Cuban dish renowned for its rich, savory flavors and aromatic profile. Tender pork steaks are marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, oregano, and cumin, then seared to perfection and paired with sweet, caramelized onions. This dish embodies the vibrant and bold essence of Cuban cuisine, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
Pork is a staple in Cuban cuisine, often featured in traditional dishes due to its availability and cultural significance. Cuba Pork Steak with Onions reflects the island's love for bold flavors and simple, hearty meals. Marinating pork in citrus and spices is a common practice in Cuban cooking, as it enhances the meat's flavor and tenderness. This dish showcases the influence of Spanish and Caribbean culinary traditions, blending robust spices with fresh ingredients.
Ingredients:
1. 4 pork steaks
2. 2 large onions, sliced
3. 4 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1/4 cup olive oil
5. 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
6. 1 tablespoon dried oregano
7. 1 tablespoon ground cumin
8. Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the pork steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, oregano, and cumin. Mix well.
3. Marinate: Add the pork steaks to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
4. Cook Onions: Peel and slice the onions into thin rings. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until soft and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
5. Cook Pork: In the same skillet, add the marinated pork steaks and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
6. Combine: Return the cooked onions to the skillet with the pork steaks. Stir well and cover. Let cook on low heat for an additional 5 minutes to blend flavors.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Cuba Pork Steak with Onions is a high-protein dish low in carbohydrates and sugar. It provides essential nutrients such as iron and vitamin B12, contributing to a healthy and satisfying meal option.
Nutrition Value:
1. 4 pork steaks
- Calories: Approximately 180 calories per 3-ounce serving.
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams.
- Protein: 23 grams.
- Fat: 10 grams.
- Sodium: 60 milligrams.
- Cholesterol: 70 milligrams.
- Vitamins: Provides B vitamins such as B6 and B12.
- Minerals: Rich in iron and zinc.
- Nutritional Benefit: Pork steaks are an excellent source of high-quality protein, which supports muscle growth and repair. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals for overall health.
2. 2 large onions, sliced
- Calories: Approximately 45 calories per medium onion.
- Carbohydrates: 11 grams.
- Protein: 1 gram.
- Fat: 0 grams.
- Sodium: 4 milligrams.
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams.
- Vitamins: Good source of vitamin C and some B vitamins.
- Minerals: Contains potassium and manganese.
- Nutritional Benefit: Onions are rich in antioxidants and can help support immune function and reduce inflammation. They also provide dietary fiber, which supports digestive health.
3. 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Calories: Approximately 20 calories per clove.
- Carbohydrates: 5 grams.
- Protein: 1 gram.
- Fat: 0 grams.
- Sodium: 1 milligram.
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams.
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin C and some B vitamins.
- Minerals: Includes calcium, iron, and manganese.
- Nutritional Benefit: Garlic is known for its potential anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It also contains compounds that may help reduce blood pressure and improve heart health.
4. 1/4 cup olive oil
- Calories: Approximately 480 calories per 1/4 cup.
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams.
- Protein: 0 grams.
- Fat: 54 grams.
- Sodium: 0 milligrams.
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams.
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin E.
- Minerals: Includes small amounts of calcium and iron.
- Nutritional Benefit: Olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fats, which can support heart health. It also has antioxidant properties that help protect cells from damage.
5. 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- Calories: Approximately 15 calories per 1/4 cup.
- Carbohydrates: 4 grams.
- Protein: 0 grams.
- Fat: 0 grams.
- Sodium: 1 milligram.
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams.
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C.
- Minerals: Contains potassium.
- Nutritional Benefit: Lime juice provides a boost of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health. It also adds a tangy flavor to dishes without adding fat or calories.
6. 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Calories: Approximately 5 calories per tablespoon.
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram.
- Protein: 0 grams.
- Fat: 0 grams.
- Sodium: 0 milligrams.
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams.
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamins A and K.
- Minerals: Includes calcium, iron, and magnesium.
- Nutritional Benefit: Oregano has antioxidant properties and can support digestive health. It also adds flavor to dishes, reducing the need for added salt.
7. 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- Calories: Approximately 8 calories per tablespoon.
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram.
- Protein: 0 grams.
- Fat: 0 grams.
- Sodium: 0 milligrams.
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams.
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamins A and C.
- Minerals: Includes iron, magnesium, and calcium.
- Nutritional Benefit: Cumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can aid in digestion and add a distinctive flavor to dishes.
8. Salt and pepper, to taste
- Calories: Negligible.
- Carbohydrates: Negligible.
- Protein: Negligible.
- Fat: Negligible.
- Sodium: Varies with the amount used; salt is a primary source of sodium.
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams.
- Vitamins: Not significant.
- Minerals: Salt provides sodium; pepper contains trace amounts of minerals.
- Nutritional Benefit: Salt enhances flavor but should be used in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake. Pepper adds a mild kick and may have minor antioxidant benefits.
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