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palomilla steak

Palomilla Steak Recipe

Mariah Annader
Palomilla Steak is a traditional Cuban dish featuring thinly sliced sirloin marinated in garlic, lime, and spices. It’s quickly pan-fried and typically served with rice, black beans, and plantains for a delicious and flavorful meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Course Main Course, Dinner
Cuisine Cuban, Latin American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Shallow dish for marinating
  • Tongs
  • Meat mallet (optional)
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb top sirloin or round steak thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil divided
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro optional, for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Marinate the Steak:

  • In a shallow dish, combine the minced garlic, lime juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the thinly sliced steak to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

Prepare the Steak:

  • If your steak is too thick, use a meat mallet to pound it to about 1/4 inch thickness to ensure quick and even cooking.

Cook the Steak:

  • Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Once the oil is hot, remove the steak from the marinade and carefully place it in the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the steak is browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Thin slices of steak will cook quickly, so watch closely to avoid overcooking.

Serve:

  • Transfer the cooked steak to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Suggested Sides:

  • Serve with white rice, black beans, and fried plantains for a complete Cuban meal.

Notes

If you prefer a spicier version, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
This dish is traditionally made with thinly sliced beef, but you can substitute chicken or pork if desired.
The key to a tender Palomilla steak is cooking it quickly over high heat to avoid overcooking the thin slices.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 30gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Palomilla steak, Cuban steak, thin-sliced steak, lime-marinated steak, Cuban cuisine
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