Looking for a way to elevate your weeknight meals with something exciting and bursting with flavor? Look no further than the Cuban Fried Albóndigas Bowl. This innovative recipe takes the classic Cuban comfort food, Albóndigas, and transforms it into a flavor-packed bowl that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Tender ground beef is seasoned with colorful bell peppers, onion, and garlic, then formed into large balls and deep-fried for a delightful textural contrast – crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside. Served on a bed of fluffy cilantro rice, they’re accompanied by the sweetness of fried plantains and creamy avocado slices for a truly delicious and vibrant dish.
What are Cuban Fried Albóndigas?
Imagine juicy, deep-fried meatballs unlike any you’ve ever experienced. Unlike their simmered counterparts, Cuban Fried Albóndigas boast a crispy golden exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. This recipe skips the traditional time-consuming simmering process, offering a lightning-fast weeknight dinner solution.
What are Albóndigas?
The Spanish word for meatballs is albóndigas. Albóndigas are delectable meatballs found throughout Latin America and Spain. While variations exist, they typically consist of ground meat, aromatics, and binding agents. Cuban Albóndigas differ from their Mexican counterparts by being larger and excluding rice in the meatball mixture itself.
Traditionally, they are served in soup. A broth-based soup loaded with vegetables. Some recipes have potatoes some do not. Most of the recipes found online are also traditionally Mexican. It is really hard to find a Cuban recipe unless you specify. Please, don’t get me wrong, I love albóndigas soup too.
Beyond Meatballs: A Flavor Adventure in Every Bite
But this bowl is more than just delicious meatballs. We’ve created a symphony of textures and tastes with fluffy cilantro rice forming the base. The savory Albóndigas take center stage, and the party doesn’t stop there. Fried plantains (maduros) add a touch of sweetness, while creamy avocado slices bring a cool and refreshing counterpoint.
Ingredients for Cuban Fried Albondigas
Ready to unlock the irresistible flavors of Cuban Fried Albóndigas in your own kitchen? All you need is the following pantry ingredients to get started:
Ground Beef: The base of any good meatball, ground beef provides the hearty foundation for Cuban Fried Albóndigas. Opt for high-quality meat with a lean fat content. For the most flavorful and juicy meatballs, choose a meat to fat ratio of 90/10 or 85/15.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the meat mixture together and add a nice texture to the meatballs. You can use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned ones for an extra flavor boost.
Spices: Cuban Fried Albóndigas are seasoned with a flavorful mix of spices, including cumin, garlic, Sazón, and salt. These spices add depth and complexity to the meatballs, elevating their taste to new heights.
Fresh Herbs and Vegetables: Finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, along with fresh garlic, diced onions and bell peppers, contribute freshness and flavor to the meatballs.
Why This Recipe Belongs on Your Dinner Menu
This recipe is a goldmine for anyone seeking:
- A Fun Twist on Classic Comfort Food: Get ready to experience familiar flavors in a whole new light.
- Weeknight Meal Hero: Short on time? This recipe delivers big flavor without the hassle.
- A Complete and Satisfying Meal: Protein, carbs, healthy fats – this bowl has it all!
- A Feast for the Senses: Every bite is an explosion of textures and tastes.
Sharing is fun…….Below is a Pinterest ready photo!
Fried Albóndigas Bowl
Description
Tender ground beef is seasoned with colorful bell peppers, onion, and garlic, then formed into large balls and deep-fried for a delightful textural contrast – crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside. Served on a bed of fluffy cilantro rice, they're accompanied by the sweetness of fried plantains and creamy avocado slices for a truly delicious and vibrant dish.
Fried Albóndigas
Cilantro Rice
Fried Sweet Plantains
Avocado
Fried Albóndigas
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Put the ground beef in a large mixing bowl and add in bread crumbs and beaten egg. Using your hands mix in thoroughly. Next pour in beef broth, also using your hands to mix in.
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Cut onions and peppers into a small dice. Smash or mince fresh garlic. Finely chop the cilantro. Using your hands mix vegetables into ground beef.
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Add Goya Sazón, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix into ground beef mixture thoroughly.
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Scoop ice cream sized balls and place them on a cookie sheet.
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Heat some oil in a dutch oven or pot of your choice. Make sure the oil is at least 1" deep. Heat oil to 300 degrees. Note* - If the oil is too hot the albóndigas will over cook on the outside and still be raw on the inside. When the oil is ready, fry albóndigas for 15 minutes until done on the inside and golden brown on the outside. Fry in batches so they are not crowded. Drain on a paper towels.
Cilantro Rice
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Measure out the rice and wash it the thoroughly.
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Add water, salt and olive oil. Stir and either put to cook in a rice cooker or on the stove top.
If cooking on the stovetop Bring to a rolling boil, then cover and lower the heat to low to maintain a very low simmer. Follow the package instructions for timing. -
When the rice is done fluff with a fork. Stir in lime juice and cilantro. Taste and add finishing salt if desired.
Fried Sweet Plantains
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Cut off each end of the plantain banana. Score the peel down the side of each plantain banana and remove the peel.
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Cut each banana at a 45* angle about 1/2" thick.
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Heat a cup of oil on medium heat. Don't let the oil get too hot or the plantains will cook too fast and not caramelize. When the oil is ready fry plantains until edges start to brown. Each side will only need to be cooked 2-3 minutes. Don't crowd the pan or plantains could start to stick together. Fry in batches if needed.
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When edges start to brown turn once and continue cooking until done. Drain on a paper towel quickly and then remove paper towel or the maduros will start to stick to the paper towel.
Avocado Slices
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Cut avocado in half. Remove the pit. Remove the skin and cut into slices. Season with salt.
Building the Fried Albóndigas Bowl
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In a bowl scoop about a cup of rice into the bottom of the bowl. Next add 1 or 2 albóndigas and garnish with fried sweet plantains and sliced avocado.
