Welcome to the culinary paradise of the Cayman Islands, where the vibrant culture meets exquisite flavors. Among the treasures of Caribbean cuisine is the Cayman Style Beef—a dish that encapsulates the essence of the islands with its fusion of local ingredients and international influences. This recipe celebrates the rich heritage of the Cayman Islands, offering a tantalizing journey for your taste buds. Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the secrets of creating this savory delight. From the aromatic spices to the succulent beef, each bite transports you to the sun-kissed shores of this tropical paradise. So, let's dive in and discover the irresistible flavors of Cayman Style Beef.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds of beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon of ground thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust according to spice preference)
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped onion, lime juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ground allspice, ground thyme, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.

2- Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

3- After marinating, remove the beef from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

4- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the beef is browned and cooked through to your desired level of doneness. Repeat with the remaining batches if necessary.

5- Once all the beef is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot alongside your favorite side dishes such as rice, beans, or fried plantains.

6- Enjoy your delicious Cayman Style Beef, infused with the unique spices and flavors of the Caribbean!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the listed ingredients per serving, assuming four servings:

Beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced:

• Calories: 345 kcal
• Protein: 43 g
• Fat: 17 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 90 mg

benefits: Excellent source of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are essential for muscle growth, energy production, and overall health.

Garlic, minced:

• Calories: 5 kcal
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.1 g
• Sugar: 0.1 g
• Sodium: 1 mg

benefits: Contains compounds with potent medicinal properties, including boosting the immune system, reducing blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels.

Onion, finely chopped:

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2.3 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Sugar: 1.3 g
• Sodium: 1 mg

benefits: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, onions support heart health, immune function, and may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Fresh lime juice:

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2.6 g
• Fiber: 0.1 g
• Sugar: 0.4 g
• Sodium: 0 mg

benefits: High in vitamin C, lime juice supports immune function, aids digestion, and promotes healthy skin.

Soy sauce:

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.8 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Sugar: 0.4 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg

benefits: Provides a savory flavor while adding a source of plant-based protein and essential amino acids. However, it's also high in sodium, so moderation is key.

Worcestershire sauce:

• Calories: 15 kcal
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3.5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 2.2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg

benefits: Adds depth of flavor with hints of sweetness and umami, though it should be used in moderation due to its high sodium and sugar content.

Brown sugar:

• Calories: 52 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13.5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 13.5 g
• Sodium: 1 mg

benefits: Adds sweetness to the dish, but compared to white sugar, it contains slightly more minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron.

Ground allspice:

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.4 g
• Fiber: 0.7 g
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 1 mg

benefits: Contains antioxidants and has been linked to anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

Ground thyme:

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 0.6 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 0 mg

benefits: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, thyme may have antimicrobial properties and help support respiratory health.

Ground cinnamon:

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.6 g
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 0 mg

benefits: May help regulate blood sugar levels, improve heart health, and possess anti-inflammatory properties.

Ground nutmeg:

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Fat: 0.4 g
• Carbohydrates: 0.6 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 0 mg

benefits: Contains antioxidants and may aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and support brain health.

Ground black pepper:

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 0.8 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 0 mg

benefits: Contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption and offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Cayenne pepper:

• Calories: 2 kcal
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 0.4 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 0 mg

benefits: Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism, aid digestion, and act as a natural pain reliever.

Vegetable oil:

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 0 mg

benefits: Provides healthy fats and vitamin E, which are essential for cell function, hormone production, and nutrient absorption.

Salt:

• Nutritional values vary based on quantity added and type of salt used.

benefits: Regulates fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction, but excessive intake can lead to high blood pressure, so moderation is important.